New camera terror continues

So I got my Sony DSLR out of the case, charged the battery, inserted the battery, and turned it on.

And shot a bazillion photos on Auto.

I'm still waiting for a good time to open the manual. And then cross out all the extra languages so they don't add to my confusion.

I'm also studying Darren Rowse' Digital Photography School. There are enough tutorials out there to keep me busy until the boys graduate high school. Maybe by then I'll have figured the thing out.

I'm thinking I'm a bit behind in my camera education, however, since Ritz Camera has already asked me to REVIEW the camera I purchased from them.

Huh?

It might go something like this:

"I just purchased the Sony a350. It's really pretty...no fingerprints or anything. The box it came in was a lovely shade of orange...like a pumpkin! The camera has lots of shiny buttons that make noises when I push them. And the shutter has makes a very satisfying click, a lot more pleasant than my point-and-shoot. The neck strap works great. And attaching the lens to the body was a cinch.

And Auto works."

Ritz says I'd be entered to win $1000 for my submitting review.

But they may want to pay me not to.