site building

Overview
Many publishers and media companies have shifted their Websites to Drupal. This DrupalCampNYC8 session explores why this is the case by examining current and future trends. We will present several case studies and host an open discussion about workflow tools, popular contributed modules, mobile publishing, and techniques for monetizing content, all of which are helping publishers rethink their businesses. From workflow management, multiplatform publishing, and subscription payments, to video integration, social media integration, and user generated content, this session will focus on how publishers and media companies are using Drupal to invite wider audience participation and ultimately improving their bottom line.

As a newbie to Drupal, you know what would help me? Purpose.

What I mean is that learning Drupal is cool, but learning it so that I can actually do something with it is even cooler. What I want to know is could someone come up with a few different types of sites and specifications so us new people can build those?

For instance, instead of just installing everything and figuring out what works, someone says:
"hey, build a social site with these features"
or
"build a site for a small school that needs these features"
or
you get the drift.