Just a question: At what point of experience does one graduate from “Beginner” or “Newbie” status to what ever category is next? Just curious.
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We are, at least most of us are beginnner or newbie. By reading questions on the forum and what answers you learn from others. Ask any question there are many here to help. I learn something about growing everyday. Share your grow experiences so others can learn. happy growing 
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Youll know after a couple harvest when u can hit all catagoreys without even thinking every step becones second nature and you begin to read the plant … I feel you dont learn a whole lot from groeijg 1 strain 1 round i harvested many many plants of the same 4 to 5 strains and got firmilar with how different plsnts csn be strain to strain seed to seed its like second nature it comes with experience
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I considered myself a moderate newbie once I was able to distinguish each of the major deficiencies decently at a glance and I had a full grow under my belt after that it’s just a matter of tweaking your style to perfection
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Hello @buddblazer, if you’re talking about the badges awarded it’s known as sand boxing and they’re awarded on things like time spent on the forum, like an attendance record for school. Number of likes given and received or pitching in and helping others that sort of thing. Me personally I gauge my experience level on the amount of questions that I can or can’t answer, either for myself or for others. There are growers on here that are shit hot, almost professional at their craft and can answer just about anything we throw at them. Rhe rest of us are just in the mix. Key thing for me, like the guys have said above, is learning to read your plants. Knowing when something isn’t right and knowing how to tackle it. My last grow was a bit of a flop. Mixture of poor watering and lockout brought on by a change of lighting. I struggled at first but I managed to see what my plants were telling me and correct it. I think what I’m trying to say is it’s all down to experience, getting in there and getting on with it is a big thing
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Thank you. I feel like I am on the right track. I spend a lot of time with my plants, constantly tweek the room, and study study study.
Grace & Peace and Happy Growing. BuddBlazer
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Only when you can take the pebble from my hand, then will you be ready. 
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You are never a true master , just a very helpful teacher…
I’ve been at this hobby for many years and I’m always learning new things every day…
But if I had to decide what makes a true artist , it’s being willing to share your highs and your lowes …
With this hobby , things can change with a wink of an eye and only true masters of growing will help get you on track without ever thinking twice about giving away their secrets…
Only a master grower wants to see you succeed and is willing to give you his precious time and years of experience to help you reach your goals…
And once you reach that level , to be a master grower you will be willing to share your advice and time and experiences and help the people that were you at one point…
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I love that beautiful community spirit. Thanks. The more I visit this forum the more I realize this is a great group of growers. Looking forward to learning a lot.
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What I like about here is the willingness of others to share their experiences like @peachfuzz has said but without feeling the need to put you down as is usually the case elsewhere and the advice given is usually on the money. It’s like studying for a degree in plant biology. The stuff you learn on here is amazing and it’s backed up by real life experiences. Good luck with your grows.
Not sure if you know or not but if you need to get someone’s attention just add @ in front of their user name, it raises a flag and let’s them know you want a chat
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thanks so much. Was wondering about those @ at the end of comments. Still learning to navigate the sight, but I love it. Agree, this site is a great place to learn and share, both ups and downs.
Grace & Peace
BuddBlazer
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@peachfuzz aka masts fuzz is right lots and lots of experience aka “mistakes” you then learn …and to ever think you know whats gonna happen and plan shead and count un hatched chickens… here comes mother nature… A bird in the hand is worth more then 2 in the bush… Makes sence
Once you understand its impossible to understand it all and you will see things u never saw before because look how much gene crossing and modifing things are going on …thc levels are like 4 to 6 x higger then they ever reacged during the wood stock. Era
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How can someone not looking for and striving to push the envelope activly and was a " master" 20 years ago… Lol 20nyears ago… Think how advanced everything must have got in 20 years with leds and just lighting …theres so much advancement inthis community … Someone growing weed with 10% back then was whooaa i know im way higher then that in my thc levels my weed has potency thats one thing i can say i have always been happy with my potency …which makes me think my issues are in curing and drying
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