GameFAQs is a goldmine if this is about video games. Walkthroughs, reviews, message boards, the works. For music, check Allmusic.com — they have great write-ups and 'if you like X you'll like Y' recommendations.

Check out dedicated forums and message boards for this topic. The communities are usually very welcoming to newcomers and can give much more detailed advice than a general Q&A site. Plus they have buyer's guides and FAQ sections.

Don't be afraid to buy used. eBay and Half.com have tons of stuff for a fraction of retail. Pawn shops too. I've gotten some of my favorite stuff secondhand. As long as it works, who cares if it's not brand new in the box?

My buddy got me into this and the best thing he did was let me try his stuff before I bought anything. See if you have a friend who's already into it, or check if there's a local club. Hands-on beats reading reviews any day.

Whatever you pick, the most important thing is that you actually enjoy it. There's no point owning the 'best' gear if you never use it. I've seen people get so caught up in specs that they forget to have fun with the hobby.

Whatever you do, ignore the snobs. Every hobby has gatekeepers who act like you need expensive gear or 'correct' taste to belong. Forget them. Enjoy it your own way at your own pace. It's supposed to be fun.