What do recs mean on DU?

[CheapShotArtist]

At the bottom of each thread, I always see this number that shows the "recs"for a thread. Some threads I've seen get at least 200, while others don't get any. What does it take to get that many recs?

[NRaleighLiberal]

1. recommendations - for quality, depth, relevance - any number of attributes

timeliness, you name it. Sometimes it depends when an OP is posted, how many people are on line to read it -

[Betsy Ross]

2. A number of recs needed to get on the greatest page

check the faq

[Kali]

3. and if you click on the number

you can see who all recommended the post

[struggle4progress]

4. I used to think you could redeem them, like Green Stamps, for nifty swag. But, sadly, no:

they're actually completely worthless - there's not even a disclaimer like "cash value 1/4 of a cent"