First off this is a great site good information from people with a great deal of experience.
I have had Oscars for years, (admittedly well before Al Gore invented the internet)

I wish this site was around in the early days.
I am a true amature aquarian. I take care of my water, keep the filters running and feed as well as I know how. Do I do this on a schedule? No.... Do I maintain my tank as often as many say I should? No... However, (knock on wood) I have never had a sick or dead Oscar. I have raised all of my Oscars from very young fish and they have always seemed to thrive. The Oscar in my experience is a hardy fish.
I look forward to being part of this groups but I am afraid I will be doing more asking than answering.