Can't believe it took me so long to notice the RPG board over here.
I've been role-playing since early '88. And it started with Star Wars, the WEG D6 1st Edition. Still the easiest RPG system ever IMHO. Started by buying the Sourcebook just because I was a Star Wars fan. I was intrigued by all the stats so went and bought the RPG book, still not knowing what a role-playing game was. 18+ years later and I'm still gaming and having fun, although I do play other games now.
Best groups I've found are usually a GM with 3 to 4 players. I currently play in two groups, one with GM+2, the other GM+4.
A few tips for new GMs
1. Plan. Plan and Plan. BUT... be prepared to throw everything away in the first 5 minutes of your adventure.
2. Don't plan a campaign. Start running a few adventures and see how things develop. Sooner or later the campaign with grow on it's own and you'll be able to link it all together.
3. Remember what went before. Continuity is important.
4. Canon is only as important as you want it to be.
5. Recurring NPCs or returning to previous locations can add depth to a campaign.
6. Be fair. You're providing an experience for the players, not trying to 'beat' them.
7. Have Fun. It's fun to GM
A few tips for new players
1. Don't try to 'beat' the GM. Most adventures are more enjoyable if you work with the GM.
2. If you have a problem ask for a time out, at an appropriate moment, and discuss it with the GM. You're friends, no point falling out over a game.
3. Use the rules but don't abuse the rules.
4. You cannot cheat. If you cheat you're only cheating yourself. Having PCs fail sometimes is part of the fun.
5. Keep out of game chatter, such as discussing last nights football, to a minimum, even if the GM is concentrating the action on another character.
6. Have Fun, it's what it's all about