I'm new to this...any advice to help me get started?

YES: be careful! There are people who would cause you harm here. Never give ANY personal info, like your real name, address, or phone number. Perverts and pedophiles can act your age, try getting you to trust them - don't. Block (click on the user name so their profiles show up, look down the left of the screen and hit BLOCK) people who are nasty to you in any way. The larger majority of us are 'real' and true to ourselves here, but you can't know who those people are - none of us do. Just remember to use that handy 'x' button if things are too crazy for you.