How Should Newbies Start out

[podcastfan]

I have finally came to terms with want I want in life and am wondering how should a newbie start out in the hobby? Any tips, tricks, or guides I should read?

[pyramider]

All hobbies require time and learning before one can really enjoy the hobby. This hobby is no different. Do your research. Scroll through the boards. Read and learn from the informative threads. The info is there, do not expect anyone to spoon feed you if you are not willing to learn.

[podcastfan]

My bad, I thought there might be a primer or guide some one had written up. Thanks for the advice I will look around.

[SAKnight1982]

I agree with Pyramider. Not to be mean but if you can not figure out what to do and how to use your resources that are already provided to you within these forums...you might as well give up now. We all were newbies once and the most important advice I could probably give you as a fellow hobbyist is this. Always respect the ladies and you will do fine. I am only a year and 1/2 in, and I still feel as if I am a newbie. You learn with experience. Happy Hobbying.

[podcastfan]

Off to the search box I go.

[bigmarv]

Search is your friend. Enjoy the journey.

[Guest080312-1]

These guys are absolutely right, but I'd recommend you start by reading the Forum Guidelines, if you haven't already. A "must":
http://www.eccie.net/announcement.php?f=5

Also useful:

Big C's Newbie Approach to Meeting the Ladies
http://www.eccie.net/showthread.php?t=5088

ck1942's ASPD Newby Survival Guide and FAQ - this is an exhaustive list of hobby terminology and definitions:
http://www.eccie.net/showthread.php?t=5112

A couple of Guides on Writing Reviews - Unfortunately, I can't locate the one that offers sample reviews. Each of us has his own style. Some are very analytical; I like mine to read like erotic fiction.

Big C's How to write a review
http://www.eccie.net/showthread.php?t=5123

Ragnar's Newbie Guide to Writing Reviews
http://www.eccie.net/showthread.php?t=5028

If you're married, some pointers on how not to get "busted":
A HOBBY PRIMER FOR THE MARRIED MAN...20 YEARS OF BATTLE SCARS
http://www.eccie.net/showthread.php?t=48854

To what the guys above have to say, I'd add the following: When doing your homework on providers, look for those who have consistently good reviews over a span of at least 3 - 6 months (the longer, the better). We recently had one who had a flurry of initial positive reviews, who proved herself to be a total whack job -- spammed the site with her ads, then got abusive (and that's putting it mildly) when called on it. I myself wrote a glowing review of my positive 1st session with a well-known provider, only to subsequently regret it. On the other hand, there are otherwise stellar providers who have an "off" or bad day every now and then -- take this into account.

Good luck!

[sanantonioman37]

Almost like being back in school........you have to do your homework. A lot of good information listed in this thread. One last thing, patience.

[podcastfan]

Wow, thanks very helpful.