it seems like it could be fun. however, some of the swaps don't accept newbies. apparently you have to have a certain rating to participate. probably like Ebay feedback, lol. still, could be worth it to check it out.
There are plenty of easy swaps out there just for newbies, to get ratings and such to do other swaps. ATC swaps were really popular a year ago when I participated.
Oh man that could get addictive fast, lol! I used to participate in swaps only - all scrapbooking ones. I would sign up for WAY more than I could handle and then freak out because I had to do so much work, lol...eventually I had to give it up! I haven't done a swap in a really long time...