[theraw]

Well I have to say that I have been following the advice from AJATT. I have ordered all almost all the books the he recommended on his site, and the Kanji poster. However I am still confused by a few things (Which I'm sure if I just wait would become clearer, but hey, why not ask?).
I'm tryting to understand the difference between Hirigana and Katagana. From what I've read, Hirigana is more formal or traditional than Katagana. But what I think I'm also seeing is that they basically have the same objective: Spelling out words as apposed to symbolizing them (i.e. kanji) My big confusion though is what the difference is between katakana and hirigana. The only conclusion I can come to is that using Hirigana would be the equivalent of using a professional font for typing up a report, for example. Where as katagana would be the equivalent of using an informal font. Am I even "in the ball park" on this one or am I totally off base? If I am atleat some what close then what do most Japanese people write in? Kata or Hiri [then supplemented with kanji]?

Secondly, and this it what's killing me and keeping from progessing, I have to say that there has been some very good info given thus far, but... I was wondering about something else.

I know this goes against the most experienced peoples advice given here, but wouldn't it be easier for a westerner to learn romanji first [or atleast along side the kana]? The reason I ask is that if you were to use katagana and hirigana, and not know what the romanji was (as a westerner) then how could you piece the Katagana and Hirigana together?