Just to avoid confusion from this statement of yours to the OP since he/she is a noob. To earn merits you don't just have to create topics, that's not the only means to receive merit as you can, as well create constructive reply that would add value to the topic been discussed or question been asked.

You can also help in the fight against spam and scam on the forum by bursting offenders steadily and get rewarded too with merits. Although the merit system was mainly introduced to tackle the post quality of the forum, it has evolved into been used as a reward system for other good deeds to the forum which to some extent is quite understandable by all as it also contribute to the betterment of the forum.