Medals and Stars from in game achievements?

Are the medals on the forum profiles from medals earned in game form achv? Like Threading the Needle: Artisan has a little medal next it (Crafting > Weaver) and there are a few achv that have medals and/or stars but nothing else listed as a reward. What do the medals and stars mean?

Stars: Items > Items > "My body is a temple" (note: none of these have a title listed)
Medal and Star: Items > Materia > "Materia Hysteria" (note: there is a title listed)
:confused:

I Believe Medals An' Stars In The Forum Are In Regards T'The Forum Specifically. Medals Are Dependent On 'ow Many Posts Ye 'ave Written. And The Stars Are 'ow Many People Approve O' What Yet Say.