Slaying Fear and Getting Into the Game

I think that is the proper title or as close as I can get to it. I'm sure there are few people who want to join a campaign but simply fear getting a few things or everything wrong. The idea of not knowing anything and/or lacking the funding/ability to hunt down most of the relevant material is like a major roadblock. Another stone in the road is the question of compatibility. "Will it work on my machine?"   I'm just listing fears that are eating at me but I'm sure there are other reasons not being said. I won't say I'm quick, I learn best by doing and text wall instructions leave me confused for days which is why I'm asking for the simple. Where can I find enough basic information to be able to not be a lost puppy? If I ever have the funds to afford a solid book or file download, where do I look? Is there an easy to get to sample interface so I know if it will work on my poor sickly old computer? I REALLY don't want to feel like the third wheel on a unicycle. Any advice to help with the nerves after bulking up the bravery and applying for a role? Umm... now that I think of it. Do I need to have a character sheet all premade and up for review? Cake or Pie? I'm going to stop now because my nerves are getting to me and I go weird...well, weirder when I'm unnerved.

1) Basic information on games can be found in Source Reference Documents. They are abreviated SRD. 2) Many popular systems are free, google the system name, followed by SRD (i.e. Pathfinder SRD), It'll pull up links to purchase paid systems, and links to the rules for free systems. 3) I've run this game on VERY old computers, so you can bet your poor sickly computer can still do it. Even if it takes a second more to load. 4) Apply for a newbie campaign, they frequently pop up on the LFG forum and will teach you the basics of a system. 5) It helps, but a newbie campaign typically has a session specifically for teaching you how to build a character! 6) Cake. Pie crust is the worst thing man has ever invented. <== this is relative and I do not hate anyone who likes pie, I just strongly disagree with everything they will ever say. 7) Goose Fra-Bah.

Thank you... I can't really think of anything to say but... Thank you... Now to control my nerves.

Moved to Off-Topic - Gauss

1)  Talk to the GM of the game first.  There's a ton of different systems out there, and each GM runs things in his or her own way.  Because it may be difficult to get in to games from time to time here, you might want to look for a group first before doing anything else.  Make sure you check the "welcome new players" box when you use the Looking for Group search. 2)  Amazon.com is going to have a large number of RPG books in hardcopy.  RPGnow.com is going to have a large number of gaming pdfs for purchase.  If it's old and out of print or used, Nobleknight.com has a pretty good selection of books for purchase. 3)  Best way to find out is to create your own campaign (no one is going to see it unless you let them) and just go nuts.  Experiment with all the features, draw stuff, make macros, test out dice rolls, just go wild. 4)  Interacting with people you don't know on the internet can be a little weird at first.  Keep in mind that everyone here has one thing in common:  they want to play RPGs.  That is a really big icebreaker in casual conversations.  I've gamed with people just out of high school to people who are retired; people from Maine to Taiwan...we have more in common than you'd think. 5)  Talk to the GM.  Most GMs are happy to have new players in the group if there's room and are typically used to answering questions.  Again, people run games differently, so for information go to the source. 6)  Lemon icebox pie. 7)  Keep in mind that everyone is here to have fun.  Don't stress about it.  I've been here around a year at this point and out of all the people I've gamed with there was really only one douchenozzle and if you run into one, they are easily avoided in the future.

I agree with everything Dave says, except #6... You're wrong Dave... wrong.