I'm wondering....

if it's possible to learn all there is to know about knitting solely from books and the internet. I've purchased several books, Knitting for Dummies, Idiots Guide to Knitting and Crocheting, Stitch N Bitch, to get me started. I've gone to YouTube to see videos of how to cast on and bind off. I've gone to countless blogs to see what other people are making (most of which I am in dumbfounded awe). I've joined Ravelry which I visit daily but don't participate much on.
Would it be easier to join a group? Go to a SNB or Sit N Knit gathering? I think I'd feel awkward there. I'm a 45 year old beginner. This isn't an age which is comfortable beginning anything. I feel as if I'd be more of a hindrence to a group. Would I be welcome? Would I be helped? Or would I be looked upon as someone looking for an easy way out by bothering those more experienced than I?
For now, I think I'll stick to what I'm doing until I feel more comfortable in the knitting community. Comfortable enough to join it in a social setting.