I'm with Morkonan on this one

The manual seems to confuse beginners because there's so much information.   It's better to take a look at some beginner tutorials or talk to someone who is willing to show you the ropes.  This is a much faster learning process for learning Poser.  Only pick up the manual after you have a solid grasp on some of the basics.  Manuals only answer the question "What does this do?"  Manuals won't tell you how to use that knowledge to create the art or effect that you are going for.

The good news is that you don't have to read the entire manual and that Poser has a fantastic community of people who are more than willing to help you when you get stuck.