I've seen a lot of people here lately asking questions that they shouldn't have to ask. I know we're here to help each other and ask questions, but you need to know the basics before you start. And if you don't, you're either an irresponsible asshole or an idiot. Most likely both. You need to know how to research and what to research.

Always research research research. And when you think you know everything, remember you're just a Moe off the street and you don't, then research some more and don't fucking stop ever because things are always changing and new findings are always happening.

I haven't seen a post that tells new guys what to research exactly, and while i'm not gonna hold any hands, I couldn't find a checklist on the site to guide them along the way. If I missed it, I apologize for being a blind dummy, and I'll delete this post.

Now to the point...

You need to be able to answer AT LEAST all of these questions before you can cycle responsibly:
(If i think of more, I'll ad them. Also please let me know if you think i missed something crucial and i'll add it.)

• Am I at least 25 years of age? (just because you are, it's not an automatic green light!)
• How long have I been training?
• Have you maxed out your natural potential or close to it (like 80-85% of the way there. There are calculators out there, use them)
• What is the goal you want to achieve with running your cycle? (thanks Makwa)
• Is my diet in check?
• Do I drink a gallon of water a day?
• What is your TDEE and how do you use that number to structure your cals for weight loss or weight gain?
  (thanks Makwa)
• What is the minimum amount of protein you should be consuming based upon your bodyweight?
  (thanks Makwa)
• Am I dedicated and will I continue to be dedicated through PCT and for the foreseeable future?
• What is your baseline testosterone/e2?
• What's e2, and why the fuck do you care about it?
• What's DHT, and why the fuck do you care about it?
• What are LH & FSH, and what's each of their jobs?
• What are the signs of high/low estro? (thanks Makwa)
• What is the HPTA? (thanks Makwa)
• When should bloodwork be taken and why? (thanks Makwa)
• What's a PCT?
• What are the PCT drugs?
• What does each of them do?
• What are their pros/cons/effects on the body?
• How do they interact with each other?
• How do they interact with different AI's?
• How do different AI's interact with them?
• Dafuck is a SERM?
• What are the PCT drugs you'll use?
• When will you start taking them?
• Why?
• What dosage when?
• How long?
• Will you use an AI in PCT?
• Why?
• If you do, what kind and why?
• What AI do you want to use on cycle?
• Why THAT AI? What makes that one so special? How's it different from the others? pro's/cons?
• What dosage will you use it at?
• When will you start taking it according to what ester testosterone you use?
• Do you need to include testosterone in every cycle?
  ^(YES! and no, you can't do an oral only run. Get used to stabbing yourself or don't even bother)
• What dosage of testosterone will you run and of what ester?
• What's the differences between the esters?
• What are the pro's/con's of each ester?
• What the fuck is an ester anyway?
• What are the pro's/con's/sides of testosterone?
• What's your dosing schedule for the ester you choose?
• Why?
• Do you have everything you need on hand (PCT, AI, AAS in that order)? (thanks Makwa)
• How many sites do you need in your rotation?
• Why?
• What are the sites you'll use in that rotation?
• Do you know how to properly administrate at those sites?
• What is PIP and how do you prevent it or minimize it? (thanks Makwa)
• What's aspirating?
• How do you prep the area for injection?
• What are the signs and symptoms of a real infection and how does it differ from a sterile abscess?
  (thanks Trenagade)
• If you get itchy nipples or heavy bloat, what will you do?
• If your hair falls out, and/or you start pissing way more than normal, or it's hard to piss, what will you do?
• What do you do if your gear is crashed? (thanks Makwa)

Responsibility checklist (thanks Carlos)

• do you still live with your parents?
• Is there mold growing in your bathtub/shower?
• Does anyone have to ask why your fingernails/toenails are so long?
• If you answer yes to any of the above you are too immature to use gear regardless of age.

Real talk this question should be up there:
Are you financially able to afford to spend equal amounts of $$$ on FOOD AND AAS as your rent or mortgage?
If you cannot financially afford to spend on quality food, supplements and quality gear then most likely you have bigger issues/priorities. My food bill on cycle can be anywhere between 600$-800$ a month for high quality organic foods and my supps. That's not including money spent on the gear and ancillaries. Don't be a Swoles broke ass bum. Have the right priorities and get your financials in order then worry about getting swole.

Notice there's no question about any other AAS that's not testosterone. That's because you have no need and no business adding a second compound in your first cycle, and you have no business running a cycle unless you can answer the above questions correctly. And even then it's not always a good idea.

Fucking read, people.