I would say my knowledge level is split 50/50 between reading forums (DIY’s or general discussions) and trial and error (just winging it and hoping for the best).

 

I've learned a TON from the forums. I got my Tiburon when I was 17, and I honestly couldn't tell you the difference between a "5 speed" and an automatic. All I knew what that you had to move that stick around in some cars, and you didn't in others. Noob to the extreme!! I got on the forums and read, a ton. When I was 22 years old, I swapped my automatic to a manual in my cousin's garage over the weekend. Rewired the ECU, swapped the starter, installed the pedals and cables, and installed a new clutch. Wired it up so the reverse lights would work and the battery wouldn't get fried thinking it was still an A/T.



The forums have brought me a LONG way. Maybe this is why I have patience with noobs, I was there at one time.

 

A lot. I don't know what the ratio would be, but I have learned a lot on the internet in general, and on forums.

 

I have learned an absurd of stuff from these forums.

 

The gregory's manuals for the X2, X3, Chrysler Valiant and VW Kombi vans that I managed to beg/borrow/steal when I was fourteen really taught me the basics, then forums/the internet/breaking my various shitboxes taught me the rest