I didn't know where to post this (newbie or tradeskills). I'm newish to the game as it is now (played many years ago, but my characters were all lost- long story) . I'm under a free account so I cannot join a guild (or can I? I don't know) I'm a citizen of Freeport and I have no idea where to start my career in tradeskills. Little help?
Yes, you can join a guild. You won't be able to text chat in the general channel, but you will be able to chat in guild. For crafting, http://eq2.wikia.com/wiki/Crafting_Tutorial_Timeline
As the official unofficial "Crafting makes me nap team captain" Welcome to the game. Any questions concerning crafting should be answered by non "Crafting makes me nap team" members. But for any general questions concerning game play feel free to ask, be more than happy to help you out.