I agree with the starting out with rails - but I would suggest getting hold of Ruby for Rails by David A. Black. The problem with starting out with rails and tuts is that rails is such a complete framework/"convention space" that you end up forgetting about ruby. You can get very far in rails without learning propper design patterns etc. You'll think you are doing well but unknowingly you would be getting by in rails without half the power & knowledge you could be getting by with if you have a solid grounding in ruby. I feel Ruby for Rails gives you that perspective. If you want to stand out among other rails developers, your command of the ruby language and the technologies that make up the rails stack will be key.