For a new player... my short list.
1. The primary developer Jorb- is not focusing on improving the quality or game play of Salem. Whatever you see- that's all you get. He's got another game that he's more interested in. Will updates come eventually- sure... but it could years. Keep that in mind
2. Defense changes. Mostly changes to braziers and wall defenses. Weaker walls can no longer cause splash damage to better walls. (Long ago and still true today- folks tried building 3 stone walls next to each other... only to discover when the first one was destroyed it did 75% damage to the 2nd... and the 3rd, etc... it was a like have only a single wall really.)
3. Use a better game client: Latikai or Ender... I support the first as having the most features; but if you use just the basic client... you will be at a disadvantage to every other vet in the game.
4. Tribe- avoid politics if you can. Tribe is the most dominant group on the server; but they are also the most hypocritical bunch too. They follow the mantra "Do as I say, not as I do". If you can kiss their ass, remain inferior, and give them whatever they want when they want it... you might survive them. Otherwise- they'll welcome you in...and then kill you off later whenever they feel like it.
5. Don't settle near Boston... Tribe will readily harass you if you do.
6. Learn how to use the map application- it will make a huge difference in your success.
https://code.google.com/p/salem-map-tool/wiki/Howto (you will need Ender or latikai client to use this)
7. Never tell anyone where you live. Nobody. Because chances are they will show up when you are offline...and wipe you out. Tribe particularly... first thing they will want to know is where you live... so if you join them thinking to leave later... know you will be leaving whatever you build at that location... they will definitely come to clean house when you take off.