I created a new char, but when I got to the part where you choose a side, I just ran down a hall without stopping to talk to the chars there. It let me zone into a backyard. But once there, I was unable to access either my inventory or the skills system. The game said I could not do those things until I had chosen a side.
Either the game should not allow zoning before a side is chosen, or the side should automatically be assigned when you zone.
[edit] went back and deleted the char (easier than waiting on a petition). The second time, I specifically talked to the guy at the desk, but there wasn't a choice to sign up. Fortunately, it worked this time. Maybe the bug occurs if you step through without talking to anyone first? When I had the bug, I talked to the lady at the rope line, but that's it.