Hello, I'm Draou. I am relatively new to animation, but I feel like I got a good grasp on it and can produce somewhat-good quality results if I spend enough time on it. My favorite animation program varies a lot, trying out flash on a different computer, I've liked that the most so far. (Probably too expensive for me, D: ) I joined this forum mostly to get into RHG once I've gotten a bit more practice. (Was mostly really inspired by ones made so far.)

(If any of you could give me some tips on anything here in general... ESPECIALLY on RHG, that would be awesome.)
(Also wondering about free programs I can use to animate stick figure fights? I am having a hard time finding good ones)
(Also how does using songs that aren't yours here work? In addition, what copyright do I need to worry about when making a character/animation and posting it here?)

To be honest I have pretty much no idea of what I'm expected to do at this point. Really excited to get started once I got this all figured out and have some more time on my hands. Thanks.

On RHG, remember to not have a story in which your RHG's parents die.

Um... ok. Any tips on free programs to use?

Pivot animator is what I use, and it's free. Protip: WATCH TUTORIALS. It seems like a noob program, but that just means that you need to put more effort into creating better animations. If you move on to another program, you'll be able to grasp it much quicker, and everything will seem much easier.

Don't forget to watch tutorials on animation in general, either. I recommend Alan Becker's series on the Twelve Principles of Animation.

The community here is awesome and pretty easy to become a part of. It's fun to learn how to screw around with animation, even if you're as shitty as I am. If you like writing, don't forget to check out the writing forums. There's even a story-based version of RHG. From a n00b to another, welcome!

also, yeah, don't make a story where your parents die, it's really overused mayun

Quote from Person McPerson

On RHG, remember to not have a story in which your RHG's parents die.

You have to mention it every time, don't you. (Though I do agree)

In response to the actual question, there is lots of freeware. Quick list: Vectorian Giotto, Pivot (mentioned above), Pencil.
There is also Blender and SFM (kinda) if you want 3d animation.

Right... parents dying... very bad... thx for video suggestion, I've already seen it awhile back, watched it again... twice. I'll probably use it for reference sometimes.
When I post something here, does Stickpage/anyone associated get any copyright over it? Or does it still remain my full creation (besides Stickpage being able to move it/post it/display it freely)? Also, is there a place I can post random stick animations I make so people can give me feedback on how well I'm doing?

Quote from Draou

Right... parents dying... very bad... thx for video suggestion, I've already seen it awhile back, watched it again... twice. I'll probably use it for reference sometimes.
When I post something here, does Stickpage/anyone associated get any copyright over it? Or does it still remain my full creation (besides Stickpage being able to move it/post it/display it freely)? Also, is there a place I can post random stick animations I make so people can give me feedback on how well I'm doing?

Not quite sure about the copyright deal myself, but you can post your animations to the Community Animations forum. I would link you, but it's dependent on whether you use one of three programs: Pivot, Flash, and Easytoon (the main programs used for stick animations)

I'll probably start doing Pivot animation here over the weekend or something, it is free after all. Or maybe I'll make handmade gifs... O_o Me not know...

Oh, and welcome to the forum dude... ;D