Sorry, for being dense but...

[clayson4908]

My first ship is just about ready -- how do I start trading and how do I know what everyone has? I didn't play the beta and didn't find any real instructions.

[abana]

http://www.tiltedmill.com/forums/showthread.php?t=19815

This thread can give you all the information tyou need on derect trading, the forums can give you a lot of information on everything, also the Wiki(thi link is next to the one for rhe forums), and for immediate help, the genreal wall.

[Kraken]

Other than the method outlined in that thread (approaching players directly on the nome level), you can also click the "Scribe Wall" icon, choose Trade, and join right in. It seldom takes long to find a willing trader.

[hotepefer]

...and be sure that Tinkerbell is on the trade wall at the same time so no one can take advantage of you. He is Captain of the Trade Police.

[Khabita]

You are no more dense than anyone else who has just started playing this game. We've all been there, with out first ship all ready to go, and unsure of what the next step is (it's a little like dating, isn't it? Okay, let's not take that metaphor too far!)

Anyway, as others have said, start with the Wiki. Also, go to the trade wall, and just lurk around for a bit. Someone might offer a trade that will interest you. If not, don't be afraid to suggest something on your own.

And if you're running Firefox, do take advantage of the GreaseMonkey script and the FairTrade applications that NO players have written. These tools make the game much easier to learn, and will help you stay better organised.