Here is a link with tons of information that may help you.
One other thing I will add is this…are you in an active alliance? Your alliance leadership should be able and willing to help you learn the ins and outs of the game. If they aren’t, I suggest you find a new alliance. The thread titled Teaching Alliances has several options, but I’m going to put in a shameless plug for MB Foundation, the new teaching alliance for Magnificent Bastards.
