Should be easy to answer...
1st Welcome to the SM site.
The next competition will be starting shortly (Sept/Oct) and runs for 2 months. Mike will set the challenge topic and you are to get cracking from there, showing your work and wires etc.. As you go.
Everyone on the site will give you feedback and advise as best we can. Hey I'm doing it that now, WOW... 
Gaining Points is through purchase or winning the Challenges (I think they still give them out as a prize option). To be an active member get involved and help out as best you can...
Chris (formerly R@nSiD)
Twitter
When the power of love overcomes the love of power the world will truely know peace - Jimmy Hendrix

Winner SM VFX Challenge 1

3rd Place SM SteamPunk Challenge (May 2007)