Many people's experiences will vary along with their expectations. As many games are being hosted on Roll20, it is just as difficult and time consuming (and worth while) to find a quality group, in person. I have been playing various tabletop games for more years than I care to admit, and have had a great deal of experience finding games both physical and virtual. The thing to realize, however, is that this takes TIME and socializing. Were I to look for a completely new group; I would rightly expect to spend no less than three to four weeks to talk to people, find out who's like-minded, perhaps sit in on a few one-shots or similar, and get to know them. It's far from instant, despite being conducted over the internet, the land of instant gratification. Were I to look for a full Pathfinder Campaign (which generally last a good year and a half or so) right off the bat, I would undoubtedly come up short (as I did when I first joined Roll20 back in '13). Over time, and several one-shots and who knows how many forum posts, skype chats, and Private Message discussions, I got to know some awesome people and was able to join plenty of games with them. There always is, and will be, more players than GMs. This is normal and to be expected. However what Roll20 makes possible is getting to know other players and GM's alike across the world! My very first game in Roll20 was played between Australia, the Netherlands, Canada, and New York... where else would you find such a disparate group of gamers? Yes it takes some time to find a solid group, there's no question about that, but patience and getting to know people will win out in the long run. As it is, now... having met and chatted with some excellent people through Roll20 that I suspect I would find little difficulty joining them for a game at most any time. So I urge you and anyone else who may be somewhat discouraged by a slow start... be patient, be friendly, and get to know people. Even if you can't join them for a game right away, get to know them anyway. Make some friends, help out where you can, and solid games will open up to you :) Now that all being said; Roll20 does offer a number of tools to assist you with this. The Find a Group tool is great for matching search results to the kind of game you're looking for. Yes you have to respond quickly, but that's expected given the size of the player/gm base. The LFG forums are also an excellent place to well... look for games, but it also is a wonderful jump-point to get to know some folks. And of course, as you suggested, if you REALLY have trouble... pick up that Dungeon Master's Guide and start up your own game. TableTop is one of the more open-minded and accepting genres for new players on both sides of the GM screen. Give it a go and don't worry about "not doing a good job". People will help you out, gladly. Also, it's important to note, that if you find yourself talking with a few GMs and being turned away for whatever reason; find out what that reason is. If it's a recurring topic, that may be an indication of something you can improve on to be a better TableTopper. I've found this to be especially true with a few folks who have been offered to join several games but asked to step away once they got started. TableTopping *IS* a cooperative community hobby, so getting along with folks is of course paramount.
