Jumping on the LD trail, and I have questions! :)

Hi I'm new to this whole thing, well at least the social aspect. I tried to learn LD for about a week and half, about a year ago, but had to stop due to schedule conflicts. I decided to actually get involved in a forum, and try and induce LD again. SO, my questions are:

1. How long did it take you to have your first LD? (I've seen everywhere from 10 months to 2 weeks)

2. Is a dream journal really helpful in the LD process? I can remember my dreams clear as day (although when I see them, they don't seem like I am seeming them live-and-crystal-clear, it's almost like when I'm dreaming I'm watching an old RCA cable tv) and I usually have dreams 2-3 times a week.

3. Do these "dream devices" I've heard of work? There usually like a noise machine or a flashing light that you can then use as a recognition tool.

4. How does it "feel" when you recognize a dream as being a a dream? Is it like a sudden realization and then you just appear in your dream or take control of your body (within the dream)?

5. How do I find out when to wake up before REM?

6. Are bineral beats recommended for newbies? And which beats are the best for LD?

Thank you :)

I'm just a beginner as well, so I could hardly give you an expert opinion (just had my first LD) ;)
But as far as I can tell:

1. Around 2 months

2. I never did write down my dreams, but I did try to memorize as much as I could. Downside to this is, that a memory of a specific dream might fade in a few days or weeks. So it's probably wise to write something down to help you remember your dreams for a longer period of time.

3. I didn't hear much positive about them.. though I'd still like to test one.

4. It was quite amazing. My senses cleared up and everything became very real (there wasn't any of usual dreamy atmosphere (slowmotion, unreal feelings) left). You also gain control over your body. I didn't believe it, but it really felt as some kind of virtual reality.

For finding out around what time your rem cycle ends drink three to four glasses of water before bed when you wake up to go and use the bathroom this is at the end of yor current rem cycle.

Keeping a dream journal is a must in my personal opinion if you want to investigate your dreams and understand them to their fullest extent. They're great for finding common themes or dream signs and on more than one ocation while re-reading some old dreams they've provided me with great insight to dreams I'm having currently

I have only had one lucid dream so far, but I will try and help.
1.It took me 4 weeks to have a lucid dream.
2.I kept a dream journal, and it seemed to help.
4.I think it really just depends on the person as for if the realization is fast or slow.For me I slowly picked up that it was a dream.