I think all of the newbies here will answer “really really hard”...

Let me tell you something. I started joining bitcointalk ever since this new merit system was implemented. So you can probably call me as one of the “lucky” ones starting with zero merits in our pockets. The key is to research well, learn about how the world of crypto works, and learn how the system here works. By then I wasn’t that sure that I have a future here, but here I am now.

My rank is not that high, but let me tell you something. For each time you rank up, you will be so proud of yourself and so excited to get to the next rank. And everything else will follow. With this merit system, you will strive to learn, research, and create quality posts for the benefit of the community. Yes it’s hard to earn merits, but it will mold you to strive for your best.

Instead of crying about how hard the new merit system is for the newbies, why not make it a strength for you to strive. That’s what i did. Good luck newbies, don’t give up. I’m so happy I was able to get this far. I just got ranked up today as a member, but as of now I still call myself a newbie, that’s what strives me to work hard here.