Hey, this is my first post here.  My name's Tyler and I'm new to stretching.  I have 8g plugs in my ears as of now and my goal is to get to a 6g and stay there.   I have a birthday coming up this month(the 24th) and I'm getting money for my birthday so I'm going to go ahead and buy the 6g poor persons stretching kit so I'll have everything I need to get to my goal.  In the picture on this page....http://www.bodyartforms.com/productdetails.asp?jewelry=plugs&gauge=12g&ProductID=1199&index=15.....it looks like the plugs(12g-6g) are actually longer than 1/2" but that's what it's listed as. .Are you supposed to put the plug where it's right in the middle of it(each end has the same length sticking out) and put an o-ring on each side or do you push it all the way to the end(where the back is sticking all the way out) and put an o-ring on each side?  Sorry, I know it's probably a dumb question but I'm new to this...Also, has anyone used either of those kits and if so how do you like them?  Thanks for the help! 

 Welcome. Start here.

i've used the kit, and was satisfied with it competely. i wouldnt use anything else in smaller sizes. however, i've found its much more tempting to rush sizes when i have the next sized jewellery and taper already, so thats something to think about before you buy all of them at once 

 First of all, start off with some plugs like these: 

Pinchers cause uneven stretching. 

From 14 g to 12 g, I didn't even use a taper. I just dead stretched in a hot shower with Satin soap and steel plugs.  Sometimes tapers are unneccesary when your ears are truly ready for the next size.

First, I would for sure check out the link that heathdawg posted.

 I've used the poor person's stretching kit with great success, and I would definitely suggest it for stretching, at least at smaller gauges. To wear the plugs, you just slide them in your ear without the rings, then put a ring on each side to keep it on. Either side can face forward, and you could even put one o-ring on before you put it in to prevent the plug from falling out the other side. I center the plug in my ear to ensure that the o-rings are able to stay on each side without sliding off. I hope this answers your question(s)?

 whatever looks good for u,i rarely wear no flare plugs

but personally i would  push the jewerly all the way to the end, so none is stickin out, thats the way i like it to look

and i agree with andy, having the jewelry at the enxt size will make me more impatient