I think the problem or mistake most people have when joining as a newbie usually is taking merit in the front run without thinking about the value they would add to the forum. As a newbie, you have to also think of what impact you would make on the community positively aside from learning, and even if you don't have anything to offer at the time of joining, chill and learn from others with time, you too would have a good contribution to make, as success is a process and at last the merit you think is difficult to get will become available to you when people must have seen your quality contributions.