step one take bag out of package, step two put bag in cup, step three pour hot water into cup, step 4 add milk and sugar, step 5 drink it and enjoy

You forgot the most important step, and that is taking out the bag after several minutes!

I dont know I kinda like keeping the tea bag in ^^ But that's just me!

I do too!

Very true! I haven't had a spice tea in a while so I forgot about those! I know when I leave my green tea bag in it'll just get more intense closer to the bottom but if I"m drinking it to wake me up in the morning then I'm fine with a little extra shot xD

Sorry no advice just questions.

Perhaps we can go over and list different types of teas (green, black, white, ect) and then go over the difference between each one when it is bagged or loose.

Look up the brew time of your teas, especially more delicate greens and green loose leaf.

Dont get cheap tea that looks and smells like dried catnip, its got a weird bitter taste usually and the plain flat square bag setup does not seem to bring out much flavor. most good teas have split bags now. Mint herb is easy to grow, it grows like a weed and can be boiled and sweetened to your liking then cooled. Getting a tea ball (Metal ball with holes on a small chain link) is a neat way to try different mixes. I dont consider myself a Tea Expert, but i am a Tea Lover =^.^= My common mix is just Green tea with honey and very little suger...

Most people find this weird but feel free to try it at your own risk, i only say that because i have a thing for stuff that have odd taste and im gonna guess this is one of them ^///^...but anywho, dipping peanut-butter toast in my tea like it was an oreo and milk <3 A little thing my gram taught me when i was itsy-bitzy

Cheers

Blimey, there are so many different teas and methods of preparation....I think the whole 'tea, pot, water, brew, drink' sort of thing, is a good place to start.

As somebody who is new to loose leaf and somehow fails every time with it. Basically I'd love to see advice on boiling water to proper temperature for each tea and how to estimate it when a thermometer isn't present. Lol. Basically I'm asking on how to be a water psychic. Haha.

How to ID good loose leaf tea, etc.

I do know that those who aren't bent on having one tea shouldn't invest in a clay teapot. It tends to soak up the favors over time and most people won't enjoy english mint green oolong. They should consider a cast iron or non clay variety while discovering their favorite.

Ha! but English mint green oolong is my favorite! :P

I would suggest maybe for early beginners go over the popular groups of tea like black, green, and oolong and their characteristics between them.

You should first definitely go over how to properly make tea, the difference between steeping and brewing, and maybe make a simple guide of types of teas, steeping times, water temperatures, and tea party etiquette. Add in some personal tips (such as heating the cup and pot before serving) and flavoring suggestions for people on diets? Then you could suggest brands or kettles or tea sets you know are reliable.

If its gonna be fro new tea drinkers you might have like a glossary. Explaining many of the jargon related to tea and tea prep, Also perhaps some information on the various ways to actually brew tea and the teapot types and their pros and cons.

A glossary would be the best idea! Seconding Raynard's comment.

From  yelleena Tell beginers: Don't be affraid to experiment even if you start by using the humble plain t-bag that allows you to purchase a wide varriety at little cost.
Keep the first installment simple.
If you make a glossary separate cultural things like the tools for Japaneese tea, weatern or european tea and indian tea. Even australia has its unique methods such as Billy Tea.
*hugs* from yelleena

Right temperated water is important , there are some green teas you have to wait 15 minutes until the water has the right temperature

A glossary is a good idea. A simple tea chart might be good. Type of tea, temperature of the water, how long it should steep, etc. Just approximations as most tea comes with a suggested temp/steep.

Do not be intimidated by loose leaf tea. Try all kinds of tea (in the USA, the prevalent tea of choice is black tea, iced). Experiment. Swap teas with others - an easy way to find out if the tea is worth buying is to get a sample from a friend.

A later installment would be interesting about the different cultural significance of tea. Of course, if you were an anthropologist, you could write a thesis on that so a brief summary would be cool.

Pour boiling water over the tea!
How simple and clear can instructions be?

...I vote with Reynard for the glossary.

I would think a list of possible sweeteners and milk/creamer people could use would be useful, including which is recommended for the various types of tea?

I'd also like to vote for the glossary. I mean, I don't consider myself a tea newbie, but there are still definitely terms I don't know.