Advice To Beginners

KEEP AN OPEN MIND
Research clubs in your area, they are a good and inexpensive way to meet others and sample shows to find out what you like. (Some Alberta clubs are listed in the links section)
Try the first 4 or 5 episodes before deciding whether or not you like a series. The first 2 or 3 are often used to introduce the characters and the story line, and are often not the best the series has to offer.
It's OK if your a guy and like "shojo" (Anime equivalent of a chic flick); and ladies, just because a show seems heavy on fan service geared towards guys, doesn't mean you can't like something about it.
If your having trouble finding shows you like in stores, check company web sites to see if it has been released yet. Check your local comic book store, many of them carry a small selection. Some places like "Future Shop" have been known to carry Anime; if you don't see it ask, they can often order it in.

See Show Synopses for my recommendations.