In the beginning, reading in the basics is important because you need to know the language of the field, the special terminology. And then you're in a position

In the beginning, reading in the basics is important because you need to know the language of the field, the special terminology. And then you're in a position to learn from experts talking to other experts (at a convention, for example). When you know enough to know what good questions are, then the expert has something to gain from the conversation.