Hello,
I've started a new meetup group entitled "After Effects - 3D Animations" here in the San Francisco Bay Area that will be a fun way to network and learn 3d animation in After Effects together.
I have four new members in just the first day!
http://www.meetup.com/After-Effects-3D-Animation-Group/
If such a concept interests you and you reside in the SF Bay Area, I welcome you to join; otherwise you may consider starting a similar AE "meetup group" to learn about all or certain features of After Effects together with new friends with similar interests.....
It costs me 6 dollars a month to form this group for six months, which is pretty affordable.
Matt