The reference manual is fine....only if you are an insomniac.  Don't get me wrong, it does have it's merits.  However, Dr. Geep's tutorials are fully illustrated with very practical hands on learning.  In general, topics covered in Poser 7 will transcend to Poser 8 except the theoretical concepts of Tone Mapping, IC, gamma correction, etc.  Those are intrinsically covered in depth here in the forum.

And welcome.  Ah! fresh meat!