I've been playing Mabinogi recently, since I was looking for something new to do.  If I care enough I might even write a review for it (care enough about doing it, not about the game).

The game started out with an awful lot to read and pay attention to; I tried getting started with a friend and she jumped out on me because there was too much reading and she couldn't get into the way combat works (which I'm still working on figuring out).  Fighting is kinda blah, and at the start it seems like letting the auto-combat play for you works so very much better than trying to control it manually.  This is very disappointing, but I expect I'll be able to pick up the combat eventually. 
 
So far, the main selling point for me is the non-combat opportunities.  I've enjoyed reaping wheat and harvesting wool and so forth, but the failures in manufacturing products from them is frustrating, and I fear they will get quite repetitive.  With the auto-combat issues I ran into earlier, this makes it seem like there won't be many opportunities to break up the monotony, which doesn't make me excited about the long-term viability of this game in my repitoire. 
 
Still, I've been having fun, and the game hasn't been bad, just carries a handful of traits that make me worry.  I haven't yet gotten into the magic available, which is what I usually enjoy most, and the item production system might be good too. 
 
IRL, I've been eating blueberries from the bush I recently discovered in the yard (it's a blueberry bush).  Also, sent off my requests for letters of recommendation; I emailed five professors, all from whom I think I could get a good letter of reference, if they respond.

Mabinogi seems confusing at first, but it starts getting really complex and cool later on. Since you just started, I'm assuming that you haven't even gotten into the rebirth system and the combat power system, which makes things a lot more unique. As for the combat, look up techniques in the Mabinogi World Wiki, as learning things like N+1 and Smash Milling is going to help you improve a lot. As for getting into magic, just lightly dabble into all the combat categories, mainly concentrating on melee at the start. Spreading out your ability points at a low level can actually make things more difficult, since the early monsters require less strategy and diversity. If you plan to get more into the game (not sure, as your  post was 3 weeks ago), rank Windmill. It's the best skill in the game and is really hard to rank when you get stronger. 
 
Sorry if I just wasted your time and mine, but I just thought I'd help a Mabinogi newcomer. :D