i am a noob grower as well, although i have definitely learned a lot over the months i have been on here. anyways, i have topped my plants, and lst'ed them- with great results. i would suggest topping a plant that is either too tall, or topping a plant that is sort of a slow grower and isn't putting out any side shoots. i would highly reccomend lst'ing. for one, it's lots of fun being able to manipulate your plants into whatever shape you want, and it's cool watching the plant perk up and start growing straight up towards the light if you bend it over or tie it down. the benefits to the plant are great- because it allows more of the plant to get light, and can even up your canopy if that's what you desire. currently, my pride and joy is my champagne plant, which i topped, then bent over. it grew four major shoots, which i tied down to the sides a bit to spread them out. it's now in flower and is the shape of a square, four large colas and lots of light getting to all the little buds in the center. it's awesome. the link in my signature goes to the pics of that plant.