I created a ripple account ... what next? (how do I start?)
To see an active Bitstamp BTC IOUs vs. XRP market do the following:

Advanced -> Trade -> change issuer

Enter rvYAfWj5gh67oV6fW32ZzP3Aw4Eubs59B which should then fill in BTC Bitstamp.net

Click on "Order Book" to see BTC/XRP offers.