Both of my advances caught me completely by surprise, I must say....

But using me as a model (generally not advisable, but let's just push on in this instance), I guess that the best answer is to just contribute as and where you can. You will find that sort of participation rewarding in itself, and as you float from forum to forum adding to the various discussions, you will come to be recognised by the mods, who shall in turn move you up a notch.