Once you find one you're interested in, try it on for size for a while. Not every group is for every person. When you do see one you might like, lurk for a while, then introduce yourself if it fits your own personal criteria. High volume of mail Low volume of mail Prevailing attitude of helpfulness Lively discourse and debate A majority of experienced writers Websites Writer's websites abound and again, there is a site for every imaginable writing need. The information available can answer just about any writing question you might come up with.
Some sites are more valuable then others, especially for beginners.
The type of site you frequent is often determined by the sort of writing you wish to do. For fiction, try Coffeehouse 4 Writers . For nonfiction, Inkspot has excellent information. If you wish to write for the homeschooling market there is even a website, Teraisa's Homeschooling Page , devoted to helping you do just that. Good sites change their content on a regular basis and have frequent visitors.