I'm usually good at searching help files, but I have not seen any mention anywhere of what those little bubbles mean next to each topic. The gray or red little speech icon, some of which have arrows. It's possible they have a mouseover description, but I'm using iPad. Thanks
Arrows means it's been replied to, red means that it's a hot topic. 
July 2013 score: EQ FICO 819, TU08 778, EX "806 lender pull 07/26/2013
Goal Score: All Scores 760+, Newest goal 800+
Take the myFICO Fitness Challenge
Current scores after adding $81K in CLs and 2 new cars since July 2013
EQ:809 TU 777 EX 790 Now it's just garden time!
June 2017 update: All scores over 820, just pure gardening now.
Thanks Shogun! I was straining my brain trying to guess. What about a solid bubble vs one with a shiny mark?
Shiny bubble means it's brand new, no one's browsed or posted on it.
July 2013 score: EQ FICO 819, TU08 778, EX "806 lender pull 07/26/2013
Goal Score: All Scores 760+, Newest goal 800+
Take the myFICO Fitness Challenge
Current scores after adding $81K in CLs and 2 new cars since July 2013
EQ:809 TU 777 EX 790 Now it's just garden time!
June 2017 update: All scores over 820, just pure gardening now.