I have done PHP / MySQL, and learned Django before jumping ship to Ruby on Rails. I'm now exclusively Rails, but also have toyed with C# in the past.
As for projects, I have many ideas in my arsenal but as of now only one is being actively developed; however it isn't giving me the kind of passion I had when I came up with the idea about a year ago.
I'd say build as much of what you've got in mind as you can. Encourage people to look at it even when it's very rough -- don't disappear for months making something slick/complete. Adjust. Continue.
You may also want to put contact details or a personal web page in your profile here.
I know how to do the site, front and back. I know how to host. I know where to host. I was simply looking for feedback on those questions as well as some general feedback on the idea.
And I will do. I'm a long time lurker, and this is my first post.
http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20100526/0142359581.shtml
Might be relevant to your concept, which I'd also be interested in discussing further if only there were contact info in your profile.
Thanks for the link, though.