Recently i have observed that some new from users are unable to develop consistency in their contributions maybe because they feel that their opinions are not relevant ,lacks quality and many more .
The forum is actually a very tough place ,but the only way to survive it's toughness is when you are consistent in your contributions ,patient and also try as much as possible to eliminate phobia .
It is always difficult to start learning about a forum especially if you are new to the subject matter. Many people with little or no knowledge about Bitcoin might find it a little bit difficult to join the discussion at the beginning but this gradually change as they keep visiting and learning from the forum. Consistency, patience, and perseverance are virtues that can distinguish anyone in any field. You will always need them to succeed in academics, business, and career. Most members that lack virtues will either be frustrated and leave the forum and others will break the rules and get banned.
furthermore, don't feel that your opinions are not noticed ,they are actually noticed and recognized but just know that nothing good comes easy and don't be discouraged maybe because you have not been merited . However , i have seen some newbies here with 100 activity and 0 merit please don't be discouraged or feel that you don't know how to make quality post ,just know that those post are very relevant and time will come when they will be merited.
For me, the most important thing is to keep learning and improving on your posts. Don't always be too concerned if your posts are recognized or not just keep improving. Your post will get merits as you contribute positively to the forum. One of the ways of attracting merit is to be creative and add something new to discussions. It is better to have a few quality posts than to make constant low-quality posts. I have received merits from posts I did a long time ago which is why it is good to always invest time in your posts.
lastly, always see the high ranked members as motivation because they where once newbies ,they also made some similar mistakes like you and i but patience, consistency and perseverance brought them thus far. following their footsteps will enable us grow they are here as helpers ,moderators and instructors . sometimes they might criticize your post , don't panic or feel bad just have it mind that it is a way to make you grow like them because when you are criticized you learn more.
Observing the forum and the post pattern of some knowledgeable members will be a good step. Don't see criticism as an attack but receive it as advice and corrections. Anybody that doesn't tolerate criticism might find it very difficult to learn. Don't also forget that some boards attract more merits than others, so you could check them, learn, and start contributing.