Hello, anybody there?

I am new to the world of allotments, having only had our plot for one season, with a modicam of success. We now approach another funfilled, fruitful (hopefully) year; if I can get my head around crop rotation, sowing schedules, bugs, advice and not to mention the time. Is anybody else baffled by the differing advice in gardening books, magazines and of course our fellow allotmenteers. We have decided on mainly raised beds, (to the consternation of the 'old boys') and the old open site method, and are awaiting to see what is best, any advice.
On a more positive note, we really enjoy the sense of community and helpfulness of an allotment site, and enjoy our time over there 'on the land' and the food tastes good as well. Happy digging!