The idea is to keep trying, not to get merits directly, but to contribute more qualitatively to discussions and to impact others positively, the marit system was designed to encourage and reward quality contributions.

Also learn to use the SEARCH option, you can find lots of useful info on previous posts.

Edit: there is a thread not far below yours on this board which asks this exact same question. The reply you'd get here would be no different from those which has been made multiple times. .

Stop wondering what the forum can do for you, what can you do for the forum?