Lady Ginkgo:
I have the same problem
Hi! First: If you just downloaded 'free downloads', your ratio can't be 0.48, since free download doesn't count! So, maybe you downloaded some other things before?! Another thing is that if you could reach your ratio to 0.48, it might mean that you're on the right track, jus need to be more patient?!
In any case, I wrote some recommendations here before, I'm copy pasting here in case you haven't see that. But let me add one more thing to that first: This is a time-consuming process. To the best of my knowledge, there is some 'queuing' mechanism: You need to keep activated your torrent software for hours, even a day or more, so finally it's your turn. I might say that before crying or doing anything else, keep your software active for at least 2 days (2x 24 hours non-stop). It's just a guess based on my experience, but it seems to me that when you shut the software, you lose your place in the queue. On the other hand, when you prove that you're persistent, then things go unexpectedly well for you.
This is what I wrote:
There are some tricks to survive. The most important is to start with downloading some popular 'free-download' torrents (with Golden star sign) to then let others upload from you. Make sure that the torrent has enough leachers. Just after your ratio is ok, download what you want. Here, you can find free-download torrents that a newbie like you can download:
https://avistaz.to/torrents?in=1&search=&type=0&discount%5B%5D=1&tags=&uploader=&special%5B%5D=newbie
Three-four months ago, I started with downloading 'Crash Landing on You', a Korean drama I never ever watch! But it helped me massively to reach my ratio to about 5. It's still popular, but you might find better options. The higher the ratio of leachers to seeders, the better! I remember that for Crash Landing you, there was about 500 seeders and 50 leachers, but this is a good ratio. You just need be patient, people start to download from you.
As far as you don't rush into downloading things, you'll be fine! But it might be difficult when you suddenly find what you've searched for ages:) They are like the apple that Eve ate:)