I got a protective plastic sheet, but every time I try to put it on, a million bubbles keep popping out.
Unfortunately, it's not really possible to eliminate every bubble. Just put it on very slowly and try to rub them out as you go instead of trying to get them all at the end. Keep in mind that when the iPod is turned off, the bubbles look horrible but once it's turned on, you won't notice them nearly as much.