Starting a photography business !!

During my "down time" I check blogs, other photographers sites and for a bit of a laugh (and often a scream in frustration) I check out Yahoo Answers, specifically the photography section. I actually enjoy answering some of the more intelligent questions that people ask and if I can help I will.
HOWEVER, some of the questions which really boil my 'P' are the "New business" ones.
Here are some examples of what I mean.

I want to start photography business,what kind of camera should i buy?

I want to start photography business what kind of camera should i buy? price range $600 to $1000.. should i get Canon or Nikon? i wanna the camera to be professional! pls help!

What basic equipment do i need for outdoor photography?

i am starting up my own photography business and i have the following:
canon slr
canon 50 mm lens
corel paintshop pro 4x
tripod
remote
clip on flash

Best places to start photography business?

I want to start a photography business. What are some places where portrait photography is in high demand or popular?

How can I make my photography business boom?

I started my own business but am looking for ways to attract alot of new customers!! right now ive had only non paying customers that i've worked with because they are about as broke as me, i havent charged. I have to paying appointments bieng set up for fall, one wedding,one halloween mini. other than that i have no more customers. I have set up fan pages which aren't getting enough attention, word of mouth, and telling people I meet or see, other than this, how can I build this up and get more appointments so I can finally generate an income!?! I feel kinda awkward just walking up to people and asking if they are interested in a photoshoot..... is that how most people do it? it just seems odd to me... I have thought about telling the parents at my kids school, but im not exactly comfortable with just walking up to people to offer my services.especially when the school is doing the same for school pics... what can I do??

Photography business without a studio?

I am starting up a small photography business. I will not have a studio until later on whenever I know my business will be profitable. I am wondering if anyone out there has any suggestions on how my customers will pay for their photos. I will take their photos, send them the pictures online, they will choose them and I will have them mailed to their home or brought to a location for them to be picked up. But I do not know of a way to have them pay for the pictures, since most people have debit cards it will be a little difficult for me to grow my business if they all have to pay cash up front. Is there a way to pay with paypal with having an ebay account or anything?

What is the best way to start a photography business?

Anything ideals are appreciated. Where should I put my business? From home or storefront? How much will it cost? What should I charge? Who should I allow as clients?.... Any insight would help

 What is the common theme?? Simple, not a single one of these people who have either "just started" or "are starting" their new photography businesses has taken even a minute of time to research the business side of things properly.
Not a single one of them have the slightest idea of the most basic things required for any business let alone a photography business.

One of them asks "what kind of camera should I buy"??
Another asks "Who should I allow as clients?"  ALLOW as clients for crying out loud???
The one I like best is the one which asks the question, "how will my customers pay for the photos".

Come on folks - I know that the web is a great place to ask questions and Yahoo Answers is for exactly that but for pities sake at least do the most basic research for yourselves first.