You don't have to know much about the forum before you'll explore it. If you already know much about the forum, what then would be the essence of exploring it. It is now you have identified as a complete newbie that you have the opportunity to explore the forum.

You don't necessarily need everyone's advice to succeed here. Not everyone will be interested in helping you, just pick a few advice and go your way. Infact, when advice becomes much, you will be more confused on which to absorb and the one to expunge.