i'm trying to figure out how at one time some months ago i was a top contributor, but that was taken away why?

Your TC badge is only yours on a week to week basis. It appears without warning on Monday morning, if you have contributed enough in the category in the previous / past week to trigger the algorithm that awards the badge. It disappears equally mysteriously without warning on Monday morning if you have not achieved enough best answers the category in the previous week to retain the badge.

The number of questions you need to answer and get selected as best answer is Yahoo's secret. There are many imaginative and illogical theories as to, the number of answers submitted, points required, number of best answer needed, and weird and wonderful percentages. All rubbish, no-one really knows. You answer questions, you get best answers, if it's enough best answers, you get a TC badge, if it isn't enough, you don't.

It is an equation of best answers and points earned in a week, and Yahoo!Answers does not disclose this formula.

If you don't put a lot of effort into it, you don't get the category. Some weeks there are not enough good questions in the "Chicago Travel" section, or I'm too busy at work, for me to earn my banner.

Banners are earned or lost Sunday at midnight PST.

p.s. I think it was unwise and unecessary to publish your email address.

http://yahoo.indie.my/2010/01/25/how-do-you-become...

http://yanswersblog.com/index.php/archives/2009/06...

I read in the suggestions for moderators is to form a new group.