Upstanding Dude is a level on the site that allows a few extra options not available to all registered users. For example Upstanding Dudes are able to edit their posts after creating them. They are also allowed access to 'The Dungeon' - a secret area of the site in which we post the good stories.

Old Hands are essentially the same thing, however Old Hands have all met other Old Hands, and have been vouched for as being good guys. Old Hands have a few extra options that even Upstanding Dudes don't.

You can become an Upstanding Dude by contributing to the site in a positive manner. The more you contribute, the more points you earn. When you reach a certain threshold, you will be made an Upstanding Dude. What is that threshold? We'll tell you when you get there!

You become an Old Hand by meeting other Old Hands. We are a pretty friendly group. We often like to meet up and go for drinks, and newer users to the site are welcome to join along. If we meet you a couple of times and like you, someone will vouch for you.

Points enable you to become an Upstanding Dude on the site. If you have enough points, you become an upstanding Dude. If you don't have enough points, you lose your upstanding Dude status.

You can gain points by contributing to the site. Posting a forum post gives you five points. A blog gives you 10 points. An establishment gives you 25 points! Commenting on a thread gives you a point.

Yes, you can create a blog. It should be about your experiences in Japan, whatever they may be.