I need some orientation on how Participants get merit.

If it is shared, how is that done too?

Please let's help each other out.

You can know how if you spend your time for searching with merit as a keyword or if you look at sticky threads in either Beginners & Help or Meta board.

• Newbies - Read before posting (a sticky thread in Beginners & Help)
• Forum ranks/positions/badges (What do those shiny coins under my name mean?) (a sticky thread in Meta)

If you search, you will find following topics

• Merit & new rank requirements
• Welcome message

Bonus for you on how to search

• [Guide] Searching effectively