First of all you need to improve an article. Like you need to promote a stub article to start or start to C. So you need to promote an article to the upper step. If you promote a stub to C then it'll count as 2.
Never change an articles talk page by yourself. If you think that you've made a good amount of improvement by which an article can be promoted to the upper step you just add this to your log. Everyday authorized users will review them and if they thinks your submission is okay then your article will be promoted.
Do not update the leaderboard by yourself. It'll be updated by the authorized users..
Never ever vandalize any page or break any rules. If you break any rules for the improvement program then we'll not take any responsibility. You take full responsibility for your actions.