Beginner Collection Somewhere? Orientation problem and the Diamond Membership

Hello chess.com community!

Finally my 1st post since registration (5th May, 2011).

Since I'm a perfectionist (or atleast I try to be) I have run into some issues:

1.) Is there somewhere a collection of different chess-medias for beginners? I've found some blogs, threads but it's still hard to collect all this into one area.

It would be very nice to get to know some blogs, links, recommended books, chess.com videos-to-watch-as-a-beginner since it can be hard sometimes to what to learn now. I'm standing there with my basic knowledge and have no idea what to read, watch etc. because there is so much out there. Really confusing! I get beat up by the amount of information while beeing happy that chess is complex. (And I looove complex stuff!)

2.) The next matter is: since 6 months I'm flirting with the diamond membership, but because of that problem above, I'm not sure if it will serve me well because I really feel lost but I'm still very interested in it.... doh! I just want it but feeling lost makes me feel like I don't know what to do and where to go on and leave the basic-area! (Opening principles, Important Squares, Tactics tools, Pawn structure, Control the center, Closed vs. Open Games, Compare my and opponents position, Tempo etc.)

Plz guys.... help me! I would consider making a big thread when I have collected everything necessary for other beginners too. Could make them easier to get a membership too I think (like myself).

Greetings,

Cabal

check out this page

http://www.chess.com/article/view/study-plan-directory

When I first came on site a year ago I had a similar problem, but staff seems to be making a real effort at helping beginner and intermediate players to progress.  The study plans that Bigryoung gave you a link to are an obvious example, but there are more.  Some very good videos are popping up now and I actually think Danny Rensch's "live Sessions" videos alone are worth the price of a diamond membership.  Unlimited Tactics Trainer can be a mixed benefit if you find yourself mildly addicted to it and start using it as a neurotic coping mechanism (), but there are worse things to be addicted to (don't ask me how I know..).  And of course Chess Mentor alone has the tools to take you to expert or beyond if you are willing to do the work.  All in all, I'd have to say diamond membership here is one of the better purchases I've made in my life (and yes I did just renew).  Whatever you decide, best of luck to you.

@bigryoung

Thanks for that helpful link! Is there more of such links?

@baddogno

I appreciate the effort they are making, since chess is a universe ;) Easy to get lost!

Regarding the Tactics Trainer, I'm completely addicted to these puzzles. Doing them everyday... drugs for my brain! :) The Chess Mentor is something I'm eyeing like a Bishop on the long diagonal through every obstacle. It is a great interactive feature... not to forget the Computer Workout and other things... (reading THIS post here... I finally see a clear road towards my diamond membership soon).

I could've taken the diamond membership 6 months ago... it costs only 69€ and now 79€. *sigh* Well still getting much stuff here and it's worth it I think.