I am a newbie here too a long time ago since registration. As a fellow newbie just like you, please refrain from thinking that this forum can be only used as a source of your additional income. Just read some stuffs and if you have ideas that can contribute to the forum then you can share it.

Learn the fundamentals first and then you can earn something. I have read someone's post here that said "Bounties are just a bonus" and that's true. You know if you have something you can offer in this forum like services then you can make it as an option to earn.

My tips for you to summarize everything I said:
1. Read the necessary things like the RULES itself.
2. Share/Post ideas that can help and never spam.
3. Gain reputation by doing good
4. Offer services that can be on-demand in the forum (e.g.signature designs)
5. Join bounty campaigns and also for gaining experience promoting a campaign.

That's it, also patience is the key to everything here.