The NetBeans mailing list is at: http://www.nabble.com/NetbeansUsers-f2605.html - you can either subscribe to receive emails, or look at conversation summaries at this link. I too am new to NB and read all the emails as a way of becoming acquainted. It is a very active group - at least 20+ a day.
I also see NB questions in this forum, so keep both bookmarked for reference.
Good luck!