Chris:
Welcome to the forum! As a relatively new member (about a year) I can tell you that this is the place to learn!!! There are only great attitudes, enormous individual experience, and nothing but a continual learning philosophy. Many (if not most) of the regular participants could easily write textbooks on multiple subjects so what we have is a huge knowledge base. I think you will find that there are no particular political agendas here, which allows for greater knowledge sharing.
Eventaully I think you will see your decision to join here one of the best you’ve ever made.
I guess you can tell I’m a big fan of this forum… 
Welcome and Happy New Year where ever you are.
Tom