@Arc: It depends. If someone asks if you have an art shop, or it's an art request thread, then you are welcome to inform them you have an art shop. You can also include a link to your art shop in your signature. Otherwise, advertising is considered spam. I hope that helps! ^^

@alepto29: When you are making a shop or a thread that requires multiple posts on the front page to ease organization, you're welcome to make more than one post in a row. But that's the only exception.

@tothpick21: Is there anything specific you are confused about? If you read this thread it explains how to earn gold, otherwise we have plenty of guides available in the Fresh Meat forum or I recommend visiting the Adopt-A-Newbie thread to be assigned a mom/dad to give you personal help while you get to know the site. ^^ You also are welcome to PM me or another moderator if you have other questions.