Some excellent suggestions here. I'd add a bit of Patti Smith and Kate Bush to the mix.

Good piece. The one thing we can all say about 50 Shades is that the huge amount of attention those books got has made it a lot easier to discuss kink without people freaking out and calling the police.

Particularly important advice if you are, or identify as, female/submissive. Make friends with other female submissives. DO NOT listen to the creepy man dom who offers to be your 'protector' when you haven't asked for one.
Most of the people you will meet are actually OK. They may not all be your Read more… perfect partner, but most of them don't mean you any harm. Inexperienced people are better off playing in clubs while they build their confidence and get some idea of what they actually do and do not like, because safety in numbers.

I'm not into relationships so I just look for people who will be fun to play with.

I'm in the UK, hopefully some US members will be able to help with details of events etc that are good for newcomers and not too demanding.
Books are actually quite useful, but they are not everything. Another key thing to remember is that there is more to kink than the DS aspect, and plenty of Read more… people like to have fun, try stuff out etc but have no interest in 'lifstyle' stuff. When you're new, it's usually best to play around and try things - and generally, anyone who wants to go straight into a DS relationship with you is likely to be a creep or a loser and best avoided. Most people who do that sort of thing successfully and enjoyably are aware that a) it takes time to get comfortable with someone and b) it's a GAME. It's not real. You can back off and walk away at any time.

There are any amount of dickheads online. It's a good idea to explore things safely in real life by going to something like a fetish fair or market (some people recommend munches but they are...variable in quality and usefulness).
I don't know where you are (no need to tell me obvs) but if you are Read more… in London/Bristol/Biringham or can easily get to any of those places, there are monthly markets that are a really, really good low-pressure way to make friends and learn stuff.
And take this thought with you for future reference - it's ABSOLUTELY FINE to tell someone to fuck off and leave you alone, or to end a relationship, no matter how subby you feel and how dommy they claim to be. Kink is a GAME that is supposed to be enjoyable. If you're not enjoying yourself, you don't have to keep doing whatever you are doing. Anyone who starts talking about contracts and collars on the first date is either a laughable loser or a nasty bit of work.

What I would actually say is: Tops have limits too. if you find the idea of doing this particular thing upsetting, it oesn't make you a bad person or a bad partner if you say you don't wwant to do it. Remember kink is supposed to be enjoyable (or rewarding) for everyone.

Some people are really not into kin, while others really are. So, though you might feel a bit sad about having split up with your last partner, it was probably the best thing to do, because you would have ended up making each other unhappy.,
When it comes to exploring your kinky side, the first Read more… lesson is: don't bellieve everything you read online. You may well get given some TERRIB|LE advice as well as some useful information. The best advice I can give you (after nearly 30 years on the kink scene) is: There is no 'right way' to be kinky. Find what you like, don't feel you have to do anything that you don't like, and remember you can say no to anyone or anything, at any time.
If you are near somewhere that holds fetish markets or fairs (like the BBB or the LAM) these are a good place to start. Some people will recommend you go to your nearest munch, and you might want to try that (I loathe munches, and some other people find them either tedious or unfriendly). What you want, as a beginner, if to make friends. If you are or identify as female/submissive, you need sub female friends. They will give you much better support/advice than creepy dominant men who slime up and offer to be your 'protector.'
Always remember, kink is supposed to be FUN. If you're not enjoying something, there's no reason to do it. Good luck.

I would add: Start slowly unless you a) know very well what you are doing and b) know the other person very well. And if you're new to rigging, go to groups and events and get people to show you what to do_ tying is a tehcnical skill that (beyond the absoltue basics) needs to be learned.