IMO, definitely worth it, especially if you're looking for a hobby. Warning though, it's addictive, I have six dishes up right now and a 12' plus a few Ku in the basement waiting for summer! There is a lot I like to watch on C band too.
Watch the thread that Fat Air posted and keep an eye out locally as you drive around for unused dishes, my 9' dish I got for free and the 12' I got for $200 from the thread Fat Air posted, it also came with some smaller dishes, receivers, LNBs, etc.
Might also be worth checking on Craigslist directly too, in case there's no one posting any up here in that thread from your area.