We ask for proof of ownership across a couple of signals—domain control, references from established profiles, or documented work. Fame is not a criterion; consistency is.
Badges stay small and informational. They never reorder search results or inject algorithmic boosts, because that is how platforms slide back into pay-to-play dynamics.
Appeals are human-reviewed with written responses. If we decline, we explain which criterion missed so applicants can fix real issues instead of guessing.