Replying to Dumb fucker

Hi, I would like to get some advice on what possibilities there are in my situation.

About two years ago I bought a Nikon d5000, having been tricked into thinking I actually needed it. The truth is, I had no idea about cameras and I still don't now. Sure, it takes nice pictures, but if you ask me about specifics or tell me to shoot in a certain way, I really have no clue.

I have tried to get into photography, but most people's advice is just to shoot pictures until you work new things out. My pictures usually look the same though; they show whatever the camera is pointing at & they are usually in automatic mode. If I try shooting in manual mode, they always look worse, (or any other mode)no matter what I try, and so I've looked on the internet & various forums, searching for things which I could start my learning with. Most articles only explain complicated processes which require knowledge of other things first.

Are there any places I can go to start photography from a complete beginner level & actually make progress as I shoot more photos? Which easy subjects should I try to take photos of & be able to notice anything good at all about my pictures?