wetty11 wrote:
I have yet to run through it but they now have a Newbies Guide that looks very extensive. There is a link for it under WSIM buttons on the left. I have not played it since it was on beta testing but I wished they had that then!

republic: read through the rules also. The newbie's guide will give you the basics, but the rules are much more comprehensive, but it is a complicated game. It'll take some time to pick up all the details. I still learn new things occasionally.
As for games, feel free to join anything that appeals to you. No one will complain because you're new. This is a pretty newcomer-friendly site, so don't hesitate with any questions you have.