I couldn't find the details about how to earn merit as a newbie, and how to earn sMerit, I think this information is not here in this forum. I understand making useful posts will earn merit but what it means?
There are many posts and useful links above which can guide you on how to get merits for the posts. But if you are a good poster and want to keep it simple, do not think of the merits. They will come to you automatically if people like what you are posting.
Well much better really for not thinking it but what if he makes it as he's inspiration to grow up in this forum? Maybe I think it's better to think about it sometimes and check his post frequently so that he will notice that he's post is helpful and unique. And I see so lot of people doing a good post which earned more merits but seriously speaking it's very hard to get those since sometimes people look on the reputation not on the post.