Where to start in M&M? Idea of a character/world - or meet a group here, plan later?

[Roninwriter]

I haven't had much time to play Pen and Paper RPGs since I my first year in college (1994, yes I'm old). I still collect the books for series such as Mutants & Masterminds, Shadowrun, etc., but would like to actually get in on a campaign.
Should I read up on M & M rules, create characters, etc., or should I find a group first and plan later? I feel like I do the former and at best only get into discussions with experienced players about systems but never get into playing.

[Zacchaeus]

Personally I'd run a short published campaign and find a group to play it, whilst you create your own campaign. The players you gather might then want to stick around to play in it. I doubt that you'll get players interested if you have nothing to offer them right from the start.

[Roninwriter]

Personally I'd run a short published campaign and find a group to play it, whilst you create your own campaign. The players you gather might then want to stick around to play in it. I doubt that you'll get players interested if you have nothing to offer them right from the start.

Sounds good. Is there a certain edition of M & M that's popular here?

[johnecc]

The ruleset that is available in FG is for 3rd edition