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Yar! Welcome aboard (thats a new one)!

For sticks, here's some links:

I know that you might find this one retail (plus it is multi platform):
www.x-arcade.com/
This one has its own joysticks and buttons, whilst others tend to go for pats from arcade manufacturers (such as Happs)

Another one similar to X Arcade. You'll have to like purple .
www.hanaho.com/Home/index.php

This one runs of real arcade parts and can be customized. Very expensive though (in my book anyways).
www.slikstik.com/index.htm

This site's really good for arcade related reviews. This link goes to a review of a bunch of different sticks.
www.retroblast.com/reviews/controller2.html

Finally, you can build your own. It's not really that hard. It's basically a box with holes for the controls. The great thing about going this route is you have complete choice over what parts you want. For example, if you tend to like the Japanese style sticks (such as Sanwa), it's hard to find a pre-made controller that comes with them (whereas if you built a controller, you could order them).
Three sites to look at are Build Your Own Arcade Controls:
arcadecontrols.com/arcade.htm

Ultimarc:
An encoder is required to interface the controls with the computer, and you can get one (plus all the parts, including Japanese style joysticks) here.
www.ultimarc.com/

Happs:
Makes the controls seen in almost all of North America. Not sure what manufacturer makes European controls.
www.happcontrols.com/


You said you were having trouble finding people to play 2D fighters etc. with you?

There's a client for Mame that's called Kaillera that allows for online play. While traffic is sparse at best, you can usually find some to play with. A good idea would be to get a controller first, keyboards make life very difficult! Here's the client with a bunch of emulators:

www.kaillera.com/download.php

Hope this helps,
Drew