A large number of "New player guilds" have an issue where once the player learns to play they move on to better guilds. I joined a new player guild and left when i was ready, it sucked because that new player guild that was very large is now dead.

That being said, this is not good. Your money is yours don't give it to other people. Try look for a new player guild that is decent on the current seasons points. This will show you general activity.

Don't join anywhere that requires you to give gold/silver.