I need a simple starter recipe for sourdough.
I would also love some ciabatta bread recipes.
Keep in mind I am a beginner bread maker.
So far I do best cheating and allowing my bread machine to make the dough :o then baking it in my oven. The bread machine makes good bread. I just dont care for the shape of the loaves they produce.

Here's a link for making your own Starter:
Sourdough Bread: How To Begin (easy sourdough for the beginner or novice)

Personally I'm not that venturous and use the box mix for sourdough bread when I am in the mood on occasion.

And here is a link to a Ciabatta Bread recipe:
Ciabatta Bread

I had to chuckle that you consider using a bread machine as somehow "cheating".

When I was looking up recipes for sourdough and ciabatta I found all of these lovely sites where people were making the bread from scratch. I felt a little guilty for cheating with the bread machine lol.
Thanks for the links.

I'm glad I don't have guilt. To me the bread machine is a kitchen tool just like anything else -- mixer, coffee maker, stove, oven, toaster, etc. The end result still requires the skill and touch of the cook.

Very good point.