Any Buddists?

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I'm thinking of becoming a Buddist, so I would like some information (from REAL PEOPLE, no more confusing websites!)

Well, what kind of buddhist? Do you want to achieve monkhood?
Can you endure a lot of sacrifice for the latter?

What is it about Buddhism that appeals to you? This kind of things is a very personal journey and there are a number of different (but still complementary) schools and philosophies within Buddhism. I don't consider myself expert enough on any of these to advise you on them or exlain them properly, but I'd suggest visiting teachers etc from the various schools and then doing some soul searching as to which of these appeals to you the most. You should find the answer eventually.

I'd recommend any books by the Dalai Lama as a starting point (I feel most comfortable following Tibetan-style Buddhism) but I've heard that books by Suzuki are good for an introduction to the zen approach. Eventually you will probably feel the need to seek out a teachr to relate to 'in the flesh' but these might provide some guidance on which direction you feel is best for you. I can't really give any more advice than this without knowing a bit more about you and your spiritual journey, and as I said its a very personal thing anyway.

A word of warning: as in any religion there are charlatans and cults in Buddhism, so be wary of anything that doesn't seem quite right or is trying to pressure you into things, extort money etc and steer well clear.

Well, I'm not the group type of person, so I probably won't be joining a cult. I'm interested in the meditation and learning how not to be attached to people so much. I'm hoping religion will help me find that, as everything else hasn't worked