When I join sites, I make an avatar immediately! First thing, even before I post or anything.
Then I usually make an intro, and while I'm waiting for replies I check out a dream avatar creator if they have one (unfortunately we don't yet!) and mess around on there, then get sad at all the items I can't have. It's a cycle.
I make an intro thread and rush around everywhere, trying to see everything I leave my newbness behind LOL. If I like it enough and the items are expensive I'll go ahead and make an art shop *U*!!!
I always spend a lot of time on a site but then ditch it after a year or a few months. What really keeps me coming back is probably the updates and the fact that my friends are on the sites.
I try to make a thread in the introduction section, then browse the shops while I am waiting for replies. I also find the quest section and start my list of trying to get all the items on each site. I also will tend to have many, many tabs up as well as I try to browse the rest of the site.
I normally Create my avi, Make my intro thread, look at the items and debate on how my awkwardly social self is going to earn currency for the items xD And then lurk
oooo The first time I join a avatar site, I usually creep around EVERYWHERE. I jump through the forums, check out the role-play section, see what's poppin in the shops, before I ever make an avatar or create a welcome topic xD I like to see what I can learn about the site just by derping around lol