I'm new!! beside to my nick name, compares a number (8)....

Yep you got i rigt, the number in the () is the number of posts you've made :)

Hi Corallo and welcome to myLot! You are correct in saying it is the number of posts that you have done. The number beside your nickname is the number of activity you have done here in my lot and those are only the number which you have responded to topics or discussion. That does not include the topics you have posted. And when you have reached 100 posts, myLot will assign you a star - which is your reputation rating in how you participate here in my lot. That is based on how members rate you and how you answer in a quality manner. Good luck and happy posting here and enjoy!