Look at the top right of any post you like and you will see +Merit
You cannot see that +Merit until you finally have one/1.
Every merit that you gain you earn 0.5 sMerit.
Do you mean anyone of us will have merit in hand even we are newbie?
Anyone can gain merit it depends on the quality of their post but maybe if you are new in crypto and this forum it is imposible to be merited by someone.
So i suggest newbies to read pinned post, and articles about crypto and bitcoin.
For some Jr. Members out there I suggest to read this tips.
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=3058025.0