This badge would work like invites to beta tests - once you have received the badge, you are then able to give it to someone else. The original badge creator should be able to set exactly how many instances each future badge issuer can disseminate as well, so they can define the rate of transmission.
So, let's say I had a "Certified Yoda" badge (or whatever). I can give the badge only once, and once I give it I can no longer give another. Once my friend receives it, she now can issue it to 1 (and only 1) other person, and so on. Ideally, each transmitter would be allowed to change the description of the badge, but not the name or picture. That way, as people changed why they gave the badge (I gave it initially because a friend was smart, then she gave it because a friend helped her out of a bind, then he gave it because... etc) that explanation chain could be tracked and referenced from all badges. That way, the path of the badge would be a narrative/storyline unique to those in the chain.
"pass it along" badge:
This badge would work like invites to beta tests - once you have received the badge, you are then able to give it to someone else. The original badge creator should be able to set exactly how many instances each future badge issuer can disseminate as well, so they can define the rate of transmission.
So, let's say I had a "Certified Yoda" badge (or whatever). I can give the badge only once, and once I give it I can no longer give another. Once my friend receives it, she now can issue it to 1 (and only 1) other person, and so on. Ideally, each transmitter would be allowed to change the description of the badge, but not the name or picture. That way, as people changed why they gave the badge (I gave it initially because a friend was smart, then she gave it because a friend helped her out of a bind, then he gave it because... etc) that explanation chain could be tracked and referenced from all badges. That way, the path of the badge would be a narrative/storyline unique to those in the chain.