That is true about all of the information at our finger tips. +1
Actually
Fermentation first. Sanitation comes a close second.
I left out O2 because the box hasn’t showed up yet, and I haven’t tried it. But it could probably fit in with yeast.
I agree to an extent. Sanitation and Temp control are at the top. I didn’t like my extract beers enough to invest in kegging. Once I started really liking my beers, that was the time to dump that money on a kegging system (and what an investment that turned out to be). I designed my first all grain batch, so I had that before all grain. I think I only did one starter prior to all grain, so yes, I certainly would agree to practice starters.
I will also encourage to make the jump to all-grain after a half a dozen or at the most a dozen extract kits. Once your comfortable with hitting your numbers and what not. It’s a lot like your first time having sex… You’re never fully prepared, but it works out for the most part, and it’s fun. The next time is better… Over time, it becomes kinda natural 
Can’t help but draw the analogy of a bunch of veteran baseball players standing around the batting cage as a rookie takes his first few swings and commenting on what they think is the way to improve his swing…can you tell I am anxious for spring? And I don’t even get into baseball that much!!
Good luck OP and have fun!
Let’s Go Bucs!
I take it you are a Pirates fan with many reasons to look forward to the season, as opposed to a Cubs fan that has been over served and has trouble spelling? LOL - yes, go Bucs, indeed. Great seasons last year and maybe better things to come in 2014.
I hope so… There’s no reason why it shouldn’t be another good year… Last year was fun… It’s been a LONG time coming for this faithful fan… I need some more RAISE THE JOLLY ROGER!!!
Yeah, I am in a mixed marriage - I am a Sox fan and my wife is a Cubs fan, here in IL. Neither is looking good, but if the Pirates win the NL Pennant, that means the Cubs didn’t (re-building for nearly a hundred years)!
The cubs have never looked worse. And that’s saying a lot. But perhaps they will win in my children’s lifetime.
First batch = Toad Spit Stout. 1991 or 92 or thereabouts. Many things have changed since then.
As a lifelong fan, the Cubs’ bleacher bums have to quit accepting mediocrity (at best). For too long it’s been ok because it’s a great place to hang out and drink. You can hang out and drink while expecting your team to win. Fans in a city that big carry a lot of clout, just gotta wield it.
BTW still waiting on the Wonder Kid Theo to start the rebuild…
Welcome! This forum is great…visit often!
As I see it fermentation is the yeasts job. As a brewer my job is create the conditions conducive to successful fermentation. The one constant in my process is sanitation.
Good save on the epic derail
I’d say sanitation first for two reasons. It’s easy to master and bad sanitation can make beer undrinkable - worse than bad fermentation. But, you know - YMMV.
That’s because you are a fan of the wrong Sox! ;D
The Cubs are always my team in the NL and for the WS if the Red Sox are out…we know the pain they are going through.
I just wonder how many “extract beers sux” opinions exist because they quit making them way before they figured out all the other aspects.
YES!
I’m late to the party. Welcome. I’m sure once you brew that first batch you’ll be hooked and then your issue will be finding the time to brew. If I go more than a few weeks without brewing I “get the itch” lol.
As others have said sanitation in paramount. Get yourself some Star-San and like the old lady in the hot sauce commercial… Put that shit on everything.
Completely disagree. You can get away with lax sanitation as long as you are clean. The yeast will outcompete most nasties. BD fermentation makes bad beer every time.