semi-newb need general help

[trivas]

i have a couple lvl 50+ characters. my problem is that i need better items i think, but not sure. i keep getting killed. i have seen ppl on battlenet with amazing items.....How do i get them?

[Ed from Russia]

Start focusing on MF runs (MF = magic find). Build a Meteorb sorceress or a Summoner Necromancer, which are the quickest characters, equip them with items that have a high bonus to finding magic items (cheapest: socketed PTopazes, Nagelrings, Chance Guards gloves, good rares) and do MF runs. See other posts on MF for info. The idea is to quickly get to an act boss, kill it, and restart the game to do it again. This way you get the best chance for good drops, and gradually accumulate wealth. Other options are trading (once you have some useful stuff) and begging friends for items (you won't get the best stuff but may get enough to get you to the end of Nightmare so you can do Baal runs).

[Nimbostratus]

You may just be too far ahead of where your character should be, or built your character wrong. What levels are your characters, what are their skills/stats, and what difficulty + Act are you in?