Well Master Po, I have been to a Rolando Workshop, a JT HTL, and I hosted a JT Supershoot here. Overwhelmingly most of what was discussed related back to photography. At none of those events did I hear politics discussed, or religion or whatever. Sure there was talk about jobs that people had and how they would rather do photography full time. We shared and talked about wives kids etc but the conversstion really never strayed beyond.... photography. I never saw people get into spats with each other, everyone traeted each other with respect. No maybe I was talking to the wrong folks, perhaps. Maybe the events you have attended were different, or people acted differently at the events you attended. I am not naieve but at the same time I don't believe it is out of whack to believe that people can remember to act civil towards one another. I'm not talking the greater world population here, just folks that share a common interest. Heck the world population doesn't seem to agree on any common interests.
My point is I have rarely seen a pissing contest here whose root cause, was photography. I don't think I have seen anyone really receive mentoring or training or get questions answered over arguments between folks. I have seen many folks leave for those reasons.
I guess I just expect more from folks and maybe I shouldn't, but alas I always will within at least the smaller circle.
Mike
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