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Seriously, you BBQ experts, I think providing some more of your "how-to" knowledge would be awesome. Perhaps especially focused on equipment to get started with, etc?

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Although I don't consider myself an "expert" I have competed locally in a couple of bbq competitions. It really depends on what you are looking for in regards to equipment to get started with. You can crank out some really good bbq on a standard charcoal or gas grill by using soaked wood chips. Of course if you plan on entering competitions, you have to go with a charcoal or wood grill as gas isn't allowed. If you don't plan on competing and are looking for something really easy to use you could go with an electric or propane smoker. They are very easy to use because you don't have to worry about temperature control - which is the single most important thing in cooking bbq.

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I'm still investigating what to buy. There seems to be a huge following for the Weber Smokey Mountain cooker, both here and on other sites I've checked out. I've seen the electric ones in several stores though. Do any of you BBQ geniuses have any input on the relative strengths and weaknesses between a charcoal and electric/gas smoker, besides the ease of temperature control?