Though like you all, I'm new, I would think that there are advantages and disadvantages with the early alliance. The good thing is as you said, it will keep some from attacking after the 7 day grace period. On the other hand when we start our early raids as Zif is doing, we may make a name for ourselves in a negative way though war is war . That said, I think it would be wise to sally forth only against accounts that aren't being played as more than one faq guideline has suggested. We need to avoid any contact with alliances whatsoever in our infancy.