Just checking in to say Hi. I too am a newbie here and to Karaoke. I've yet to get up in front of anyone and sing. Too bashful?, too shy? too insecure? who knows, maybe a combination of all the previous.

I hang with a 1,001% dedicated (and very talented Kar singer/prolific song writer) junkie though and he is constantly needling me to try it. I have some low level (is a $200 CD-g console count) Karaoke equipment and about 40+ CD-G disc's, pre-amp system w/2 hi-amp dance hall/bar room style jukebox speakers and a mid-level RadioShack mic and a 20-inch RCA color TV/monitor dedicated to the system.

Maybe some day I'll get up the nerve to try it for real. Like others I think I sound like crap but my friend tries to assure me everyone thinks that about themselves but that doesn't really help all that much. If anyone has any ideas on how to take that first step, well sing out.