giving a typical one-line-answer: https://www.mvpsummit2008.com/Default.aspx

 Excellent! It's good to see that my post has been constructive. Big thanks to everyone. 

In reference to eck two's reply, it goes along with the basis of my post. I would get to a point where my portal would cease to function for some reason. Why it broke is not important. The important part for me was deciding on whether to spend the next umpteen days trying to figure out how to fix a problem where I didn't know where to even begin looking, post the error or issue to the forum and wait for a response, or just go ahead and re-install. For the most part the re-install was the only logical option.

I also use the forums at ASP.net. That's where I found info on DNN and I also use the training there. It's an awsome site. But...... DNN developed a portal system. DNN has a web site. I use DNN. If I have a DNN issue or problem or question I shouldn't have to go outside of DNN for most of my assistance. I should be able to get 99% of my information/assistance from the DNN community.

Once again, thanks to everyone for your input.

GMan

Its also important to realise that these forums are not the only source of support.

There are three excellent books - from Wrox, Packt and the Dummies book from Wiley.

In addition there is the Online Help available on this site (and the PDF file version that you can get from Phil and Lorraine).