Most students first immerse themselves in examples. Studying others is a natural way to learn, making learning easy and fun. Imitation can take you only so far, though.
Examples can be both good and bad.
Learning by example will help you talk the talk, but not walk the walk. Computer-based languages are precise. You've got to get the HTML syntax correct, or it just won't work. The problem is that HTML browser manufacturers like Netscape Communications choose what parts of the standard they will use, and which parts they'll ignore. They even make up their own parts, which may eventually become standards.