Photo Editing

I would like to learn some photo editing skills.  I have GIMP downloaded and installed, but can't seem to figure out what to do with it.  I think I need a photo editing for dummies class or someone to get me started.  Normally, I'm pretty good about reading & following written instructions.  But so far with the GIMP stuff, I think I'm missing something of a foundational or concept level.


So does any one have any suggestions or recommendations?

My pictures are all pretty much straight out of the camera with some very basic cropping done.  I think I need to learn some new techniques for fixing some photo problems.