Interesting thread. From a Debian/Linux and Debian email list newbie's
perspective: I spent several months researching Debian (actually tried
openSUSE before Debian), printing/reading manuals, wiki's, doing multiple
installations trying different options and configurations, *before *ever
signing up on this list. The resources available for Debian are so good and
plentiful a complete novice like myself got Debian installed on a desktop
and laptop at home, and use the desktop as a wireless music server running
Squeezecenter (formerly Slim Server). The way I view it is - I don't post
until I've exhausted trying to figure something out on my own. However
since I'm a newbie sometimes this doesn't take too long. :) My experience
has been, when I post I try to share what I've done and if I have an idea,
post it and look for edits/comments if I'm on the right track. Using this
approach on this list has resulted in very helpful responses and quick
solutions.