How is money earnt on MyLot?

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I understand that your daily earnings are calculated on a basis of your contribution in the form of posts and comments, but can also include 25% of the earnings of anybody who you have referred. I also understand that a post's worth is calculated on a sliding scale and that there is no set "price" per post. However, I don't understand how the post counts next to our name, which contribute towards these earnings, are calculated. If I start a discussion, my post count increases. If I post a comment, it increases. But is it true that your post count only increases when commenting on a different response to that topic? I am so confused. If anybody knows of anything else which contributes towards earnings on MyLot, I would love to know.