Not just for newbies but for everyone.
Smerit is the one to give to the people who post constructive and informative.
but now only selected people are getting Smerits.
It's hard to get Smerit, even if it's done well, but it's not that easy, and it will continue because many new members will join. To learn this forum must be really careful, and this Smerit will give a gift if you have useful ideas.