The new characters now used after some usernames

[toban]

I am curious about something that I've noticed over the last while. Commonly seen usernames have suddenly appeared with added characters such as an asterisk * or plus sign + following them. On searching the Members Lists these new marks do not appear so I must assume that they are added by Forum not the members themselves.

Question: Provided that it does not compromise National Security, may I ask, "What is the significance or meaning of these marks?"

[toban]

Gotcha!

Those have been there for a while.
Not sure which is which but one signifies that this user is on your friends list. The other means they are active or something.

Which is different than the bars and awards that may now appear by usernames.

From what you mentioned I think I can figure out some of it. Thank you Admin.