(04 Aug 2015, 4:18 pm)aureolin wrote So come on. Million Pound question: What determines whether or not you're a "highly respected" enthusiast?
It seems to be, that if you've taken pictures or been around since the year dot, then you automatically command respect from the entire hobby. I've never understood it, and probably never will. I've always just taken each individual as I find them, and if they're alright with me, then they'll always get that mutual respect back. Respect is something that is earned though, and not something that is accumulated or inherited.
Relatively new to the scene, I was once told that I ought to respect enthusiasts who have been on the scene taking photographs for more years than I've been on this planet. I was shunned when I suggested that respect is something that had to be earned, and it was also a two-way street.
Having been in many arguments with just about every Tom, Dick and Harry over the last three years or so, I've learned that it's best in this hobby to chill out and don't let any comments offend you. Like you, if someone is nice enough with me, I'll be nice enough with them. If someone's even civil, I'll be civil back. If someone's an arsehole, then I'll try my best to ignore them!
Life's too short to care about this "hierarchy of bus enthusiasts" - it's a concept designed to boost the egos of some while making others feel a hundred times worse.