Harvey, I have never seen anyone state that joining a club is the ONLY way to learn. It is probably the BEST way assuming that the club has at least one qualified instructor. With the advent of quality simulators and a person who can learn how to operate a glow engine SAFELY by just reading... sure, self taught is very possible.

I too have noticed on occasion that the original question does not get answered. In most cases if the beginner takes the advice to join a club and get "face to face" help... their questions will be answered during that interview with much greater understanding than if it were typed here.