Is it normal for a nikon kit lens (18-55mm) to start breaking down in less than a year?

Rubber grip coming off, focusing problems at 24-35
been using it since january 18 this year with the D5000 it came with
and i've used it for about 20k actuations.
i'm not sure if this random into will help answer the question but, hey, what's to lose?

What are disadvantages of Nikon D60?

What are disadvantages of Nikon D60, besides it can't shoot no videos and it's three year past camera.

What you think of Nikon D60?

What do you think of Nikon D60 SLR camera. It's a three year old camera that obviously not as much better than D3000, D90 or other type of Nikon cameras.
But what are good specific about that camera, what's good in Nikon D60 and what is the best features. Plus how is it compares to Canon Rebel XS

How to use lenses for a Nikon D5000 on a Canon T2i?

My brother has many different lenses for his Nikon D5000 and I just got a Canon T2i. If we could just share lenses it would make life much much easier. Is there some kind of adapter out there I could get to do so? Please help me out: D

Thanks

Added (1). I got the T2i for the video more than the photos. I realize Nikon just released the D3100 but I seemed to like the T2i a little better. Plus I have previous experience with Canon cameras.

Looking for a fixed lens to go with my 50mm1.8 (portraits mainly)?

I shoot maternity, newborn, family portraits etc. I LOVE my nifty fifty. Nifty doesn't do it justice, the lens is amazing, but need just a less focal length. I find there are shots that I would love to get in a little closer. I just got the 18-55 nikon lens (super cheap and pretty decent) But i prefer fixed lenses. Will the 35mm 1.8 be a waste, is it too similar. (52mm vs 75mm on my DX d90) SHould I go for the 28mm or just wait till I can afford something SPECTACULAR down the line.

Websites to learn digital photography?

I really want to learn how to take good photos with my Nikon D5000. Does anyone know of good websites where one can find articles and tutorials for beginners?

Added (1). Of course I've read the user manual, so now I'm worrying about websites.

Lens advice for a beginner photographer?

I'm pretty new to the photography thing and I know very little, if anything, about lenses. I've had my Nikon D90 for about a year and, after a whole lotta saving, I'm starting to look at possible new lenses.
My cousin, who was a professional property photographer and also photographs in his spare time, swears Tamron is the best for your money's worth. He also says that Sigma, from his experience, is a very delicate brand? Easily breaking n' all.

I'd like to get a Macro, and I think I've decided on the Tamron 90mm, but after reading up some reviews that says it's a very slow lens, though I prefer the shots that come out to the sigma shots. I figured I'd do some field research and ask some photographers themselves (you)(hoping that someone out there owns ones of these) and see what people had to say.
Exactly how slow is the lens and does it get in the way of shoots?

I would also like a wide-angle lens, I've been comparing the Tamron 10-24mm and the Sigma 10-20mm, and I seem to be leaning toward the Sigma, for several reasons, but I'm wary because of what I've been told about how delicate the lenses are (obviously, I wouldn't be rough handling them or anything, but accidents are unfortunate and sometimes I'm an accident magnet) and I'd love to hear some opinions from some people who know what they're talking about.

Does a tripod for Canon 350D fit Nikon D5000?

I recently bought a Nikon D5000 and a friend of mine offered the tripod he used for his old 350D but I'm not sure about the mount/socket size. If my research is correct, the screw used by 350D is 1/4" - 20 and D5000 is 1/4" ISO 1222. What is the difference? I'm pretty in the scene so sorry for the n00b question. Thanks in advance

Added (1). *pretty new*

What do i look for in a fisheye lens?

I want to get a fisheye lens for my 16th birthday. I own a nikon d5000, I'm not looking for expensive if its possible.probably just around 300 at most. I need help with a list of things to look for when I go to purchase one.

I have a Nikon D40, what type of lens would I use to get my pictures to look like this?

She uses a Nikon D90. And I'm not sure which lens.
But what kindof lens would I use to get that crisp, clear effect?

Just with my regular camera, they just look like normal pictures. I'd like for them to have more of a look to them.