First, I am not a baker. The most I've ever done in the
past was brownies according to the box. So starting with
sourdough is probably crazy, but such am I.

I followed the instructions at
http://samartha.net/SD/MakeStarter01.html

I used a baking stone and baking parchment. I put a bowl
of water in the oven.

The results for me:

1. The dough didn't seem to rise fully. I let it go for 8
hours or so, but it was never quite what I would call
"double". The starter, when fed, does seem to double
and more. Maybe I didn't wait long enough?

2. The bread is sour and tasty! The crust is thick, but more
crispy than chewy (but it hasn't cooled yet).

3. The crust is lightly burnt, and the insides slightly too
moist. The parchment turned black, curled up, and
smoldered. The bread was starting to blacken/char before
cooking time was up.

I surmise that my oven runs hot. Next time: oven thermometer.

-Mike