Confused About the 100 Posts Requirement for Jr. VIP – Do Messages Count?

Hey BHW members,


I’ve been around the forum for a bit and I'm looking to upgrade to Jr. VIP soon. I know that one of the requirements is to have 100 posts, but I’m a little confused and hoping someone can clarify this for me:

My Questions:​

1. Do private messages or conversations count toward the 100 posts requirement?
   Or is it strictly 100 forum posts in public threads?
2. Do replies to threads count the same as starting a thread?
   I mostly engage by replying—just want to make sure that’s moving me closer to the goal.
3. Is there a way to check my current post count vs. messages sent?
4. Any tips from other Jr. VIPs on reaching the requirement without just spamming “thanks” everywhere?

Why I’m Asking:​

I’m genuinely interested in upgrading to Jr. VIP for marketplace access and to support the forum. But I want to make sure I’m going about it the right way, without doing anything that might get flagged or look low-effort.


Would really appreciate any advice from seasoned members or moderators!


Thanks in advance!

Hello @JonT_Prox,

For the Marketplace Seller, you can upgrade right now, without meeting the post count condition (minimum 100 posts) or the account age (minimum 60 days): https://www.blackhatworld.com/account/upgrades

JonT_Prox said:

Do private messages or conversations count toward the 100 posts requirement?
Or is it strictly 100 forum posts in public threads?

Click to expand...

No. The direct messages don't count. Same for the Lounge posts. Read more here: https://www.blackhatworld.com/seo/why-isnt-my-post-count-increasing.1045856/

JonT_Prox said:

Do replies to threads count the same as starting a thread?
I mostly engage by replying—just want to make sure that’s moving me closer to the goal.

Click to expand...

Yes, if the threads were not posted in the Lounge section.

JonT_Prox said:

Is there a way to check my current post count vs. messages sent?

Click to expand...

Yes. See this picture:

JonT_Prox said:

Any tips from other Jr. VIPs on reaching the requirement without just spamming “thanks” everywhere?

Click to expand...

There is no trick (spamming the Community will translate in warnings and a potential ban). Bring your contribution here by sharing your knowledge regarding Y's or Z's subject.

Furthermore, I recommend you to take a look at the Newbie's section: https://www.blackhatworld.com/forums/newbie-guide.242/

Congratulations for looking to upgrade your account! That's a very business-wise move.

@JonT_Prox The comprehensive and always helpful response by @TheMarquis above covers just about everything you should need to know there.


If you have further questions please visit our newbie guide summary here: https://www.blackhatworld.com/seo/s...ter-list-of-all-newbie-guide-threads.1389081/

If that doesn’t answer your question, please reach out to our Support for further guidance.