First, let me recommend a book, from the library perhaps, called "Worms Eat My Garbage", by Mary Appelhof. It is easy to read and very informative on how to build and maintain a worm bin. Here is my "nutshell" version of how to start: Make sure your bin is opaque (not see through). Drill 1/4" holes in the bottom for drainage. Drill 1/2" holes along the top of the sides, for ventilation. Shred and dampen newspaper and add to the bin about 2" deep. Add food scraps, (anything organic, except meat and dairy). Add another 3" layer of shredded dampened paper. Add worms, (not all worms found in your yard will thrive in a worm bin), on top of the paper and leave the lid off, so worms will burrow down to get away from the light. Close lid. There are many variables as to the amount of food, worms, bedding, and bin size. That's why I think you would be better off checking that book out..:)

I agree with SQH1. When I was starting I tried to get my information from this and other forums. The problem is that people tend to give very specific answers in response to questions asked here. It was very hard trying to get a coherent picture of vermiculture by reading so many disjoint bits and pieces.

After a while I bought and read "Worms Eat My Garbage". It laid out pretty much the whole story in a logical way. Once I had that background I was able to make much better use of the information presented here.

I still continue to learn from the forums because "Worms Eat My Garbage" is not the end-all of information. The best part is that I can recognize which postings provide generally accepted "best practices" that apply to everyone and which posting present alternative methods of doing things ( top feeding vs. pocket feeding for example). Without a good understanding of the big picture you risk simply becoming more confused by the many options offered here.

While I agree that a FAQ could be a good idea you have to remember that it would just be a collection of some of the same posts that are causing you confusion now.

Mike