The basic concept that I understand is that there are varying levels of membership in the board. In order to move up levels, you must collect merits. As one graduates up through the levels they gain additional rights and access on the board. Merits are given out in a couple of different ways. The most general way to gain merits is based the amount of the that you are logged into the site. Those merits are given out at specified time frames and are based on log in time. The second way to gain merits is by posting on the boards. You do not get merits automatically by posting. They must be given by those who already have merits. Once merits are given away to another person, they are subtracted from the balance of the person giving them. Merits are given for posts based on the value that the post adds to the discussion.

Simply put.. those who have the power must share it with those who seem worthy.

There is one other way...Ive seen some members offering merits to newbies for completing tasks. For the most part, the offers I have seen require crazy amounts of work and posting. Seems a bit excessive imo.

the merit system is a very good idea. It definitely helps maintain the validity of the information that is being shared. It just needs to be adjusted a bit so that it they are more attainable.