I finally bought this game due to all the positive hype in various pockets of the nether-webs.
 
I'm a fairly casual shooter fan, never had a problem with the MW2 multiplayer, but I'm interested in a new experience. I remember playing the multiplayer demo a while back and failing hard. I just never felt like I was a contributing member of the team. 
 
So my question to you is are there any tips for a shooter/Battlefield newb like myself?

Things are far far more open in Battlefield than they are in Modern Warfare. Running into the open is going to get you mowed down by a vehicle or sniped from a hill a quarter mile away. Also, always keep in mind that walls arn't impregnable fortresses. If you go into a building and someone saw you you're likely to have a bunch of new windows soon.

You just need to invest the time to learn the maps and weapons. There are no helpful "tips" that will make you better. 
 
But... I guess start with a support role before charging into the front lines. Choose the medic and get the defibs and healthkit, or choose the engineer and help repair and take out tanks.

- Use the select button to spot enemies (but don't spam it since it has a burnout thing) 
- Stick with your squad 
- Always give out ammo if you're an assault class 
- Always give out med kits if you're a medic aside from reviving people 
- Stay close with tanks if you're an engineer so you can repair them 
- As a recon, use your motion sensors and don't just camp out killing people, do actual recon stuff like spotting enemies 
- In short, know your role in your squad/team 
- Don't blow up MCOMs as a defender just to make yourself cool 
- Do blow up MCOMs as an attacker so you can be real team player 
- Be smart with covering yourself in the battlefield and not just run around being suicidal 
- Learn how to use the vehicles effectively
- Have fun :)

Team up with friends if at all possible. It's the best way to get teamwork which is essential in this game.
 
Communicate with your squad via your microphone. Call out enemies verbally as well as spotting them with select/back and try to synchronize your attacks.

" Things are far far more open in Battlefield than they are in Modern Warfare. Running into the open is going to get you mowed down by a vehicle or sniped from a hill a quarter mile away. Also, always keep in mind that walls arn't impregnable fortresses. If you go into a building and someone saw you you're likely to have a bunch of new windows soon. "

" @lilman1101: You've obviously never dated a fat chick. "

"  

  Watch this. Basics you will need. The rest you will learn through playing. "

Wow, this is all great stuff. You guys are the greatest!!

i also just got this, i never play multiplayer but i keep wanting to try some game in multiplayer...might try this, but by now wont everyone be pro at this game making it impossible for new people to get into it?

Don't rely on yourself alone for killing people, its all about the teamwork. You won't be able to take on 4 dudes alone because the weapons in this game aren't designed to be user friendly .
 
also, use the parachute, ALWAYS use the parachute.

" i also just got this, i never play multiplayer but i keep wanting to try some game in multiplayer...might try this, but by now wont everyone be pro at this game making it impossible for new people to get into it? "

If your entire squad is sniping, leave that squad and find another if possible.