how big of flat screen tv should i buy?

I'd say that 47"- 50" should be about perfect. Cnet says for widescreen lcd's that this is about the correct size for your viewing distance.

I have 61" and it is too big. It uses too much electricity. The size doesn't matter much at all. You can just watch a smaller one closer.

I think 50" isn't too big at all, a very good size. We had a 47" one before that we don't use anymore and that was very good and didn't use that much electricity. It was very good. 12' isn't that far away. You can try looking at best buy a 47" tv from 12' and see how it looks.

To be honest I would think a 32' tv would do you good. I have yet to purchase mine but when I do that's the size I'm going to get. I'm choosing this size b/c it's not too big and it's not very small either. I like to personally keep think simple without making things look gaudy. Then again, I'm a woman so maybe men care more about this sort of thing.

32" usually provides the best value for your money. After 32", the price becomes exponentially larger.

no actually a little smaller would be better