They work and give you additional weapons in your arsenal of skiing. The more weapons the better. I hope I didn't scare you with all that talk about weaponry. Conventional skis can be used for carving. They just make it more difficult.
Many mountains offer a free clinic in their use at the demo center.
If not find yourself a Ryan or a Gary and take a lesson. Watch people into carving from the lift. Get behind a carver and imitate them. Follow in thier tracks, it helps. Give carving a chance.