Thats interesting that you say 'become the plumbing'. Thats exactly what everyone told us when we first launched http://www.KaBadge.com - Why do I want to give you my badges?

That's why we ended up creating another product called http://www.IActionable.com where we provide a rule engine that constantly evaluates actions performed by users and awards the badges, points, whatever for you.

I was actually just reading someone's comment this morning about how they created an Achievement system for the workplace. Can't seem to find the post it was on though.

Keep up the good work guys. I'm happy to see other sites enter this space.

Here are the posts we made for our two services. Perhaps the feedback provided there can help.

(IActionable) - http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=1126780

(KaBadge) - http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=795952