Yeah, I remember those days when I was a first timer, but that was back in year 2007. I thought that I was a kind of pro in VC, but then found that people better than me existed at that time. (There is always someone above you, still, after so many years of playing...)
As a first timer, I would recommend you to join a clan/gang. If you wish to do more of a cop work, go for ARPD. If you like being a criminal, try joining some gangs like EAF, DC etc. You can find these clans upon joining the servers. You can meet them players on the server itself...
Remember, there are two types of clans (DM/ RPG). Many clans don't mind people joining in multiple clans. But some clans do...
But if you really like to make a gang/clan all by yourself and want to become a leader, you can make ofc. But its not recommended. Check out the sticky topics in this board. You will see names of all criminal gangs and there territories. Wait, I'll better link it up for you,
http://www.argonathrpg.eu/index.php?topic=33373.0For making a successful gang, its better you team up with a existing one beforehand. Its always better to have some allies in start, that will help yours one prosper. In argonath RPG, you wont find many mafias (particularly in VCMP). It might be a good option to open up one. Though, it also depends on general crowd, I guess they don't like mafias much...
You also ought to know the difference between clan and a gang/mafia.
Its highly recommended, that you learn shooting for VCMP... Its unique in many ways. EAF (Eighth Avenue Furies), train their members periodically in shooting stuff. Another thing, don't become a hotshot and consider war-ing against them and DC (both are allies).
Also, the first thing you MUST do is learn to live with the ping differences. Press F5, and you'll see players names and their pings. It can get really difficult killing players with high ping in the start. But keep on playing, you will come to know much more about the basics...
Note: Experience is everything :p Get to the server and start pwning...