I feel that a newbie discussion board is fine.  Though the title listed is FAQ for newbies under the discussion area page.  Perhaps there should be a separate static FAQ for newbies somewhere on the site.  No doubt it would take some work and research to set it up, but I think it would be worth it.  With a static FAQ in place then the Newbie Discussion Board might be a little more interesting or at least new relevant questions could be posed or discussed here instead of the same questions being asked over and over...and over.  It's really pointless for me and others to come by and continue to help out answering the same questions and repeating experiences.  

Again to new folks starting out, 99% of what you want to know is archived if you look for it.  I promise you that nearly every question you want to ask has already been asked and answered.  Seek and you shall be rewarded.  Don't expect answers to come to you, go out (search the forum) and find them for yourself.  It's much more rewarding.