You might try the village bakery --- http://countrylife.net/bread/

When you get there -- there should be (in green) several sections (boards) down the right .... 'bread forum' and 'questions/answers' ... have lots of pointers for both breads in machines and by hand. It's a learning of ideas for me ... just scrolling thru.... and tho I've baked for years and with my machine for 4 years .... I still get a ot of good tips.

IN the meantime - does your machine have a setting for type of crust? i.e. light? dark? If it has a French bread setting - that is a denser crust. If you want a lighter one, be sure your recipe contains some milk, etc.

I think the machines are wonderful as they free up so much time to do other things .... and tho some of the breads I've tried have not been great ... the majority have. Also, you can use your machine to make dough (dough/manual cycle) ... and then shape and bake -- rolls, pizza, baguetes, etc. I make and freeze ahead for parties, holidays, etc. Enjoy ...