I frequent a few boards quite a bit. I think what happens is the folks that go there a lot actually develope friendships, even though most have never met in person. That frienship comes though in their posts to each other and the way they interact. To a causal user or someone knew, I could see how it could be concidered cliquish, but really it is just like anywhere, the "new guy" must sort of prove themselves to the group to gain acceptance.
All in all, this is without a doubt the friendliest site I participate in, even the disagreements are dealt with quickly and nicely.
Also the thing that impresses me about this site as a photo site, is no one really acts or feels superior to others, some are much better photographers, some have much better equipment. But advise and critisism is handed out even handedly with little to no adgendas being demonstrated.
I agree with this assessment. To be sure, many forum regulars are *fiercely* brand loyal, but in general, I find the attitude on this board to be helpful, especially toward those who are simply hunting for a decent camera to take with them to WDW, to capture memories. Most of the folks in that category are not pixel peepers and do not intend to pursue photography as a serious or even semi-serious hobby.
The other camp are those of us to whom photography is more than just a few pictures of our family having a blast with Mickey and the gang, and that may be where some of the notion of a "clique" comes from although I had not really thought of this bunch in those terms until the post on this thread.
As MM has suggested, I have developed friendships, of a sort, with a few of the forum regulars, mainly Nikon drivers like myself, and I think that perhaps we tend to "pair up" based on common equipment, at least to some degree. I also agree with MM that it takes a while for someone to be "assimilated", if that is a good way to phrase it. It is those who have been an active part of this forum for a while that comprise this group if, indeed, there is a "group". Those are the ones of us who have more than a passing interest in photography, and dig a little deeper into the technical end of the hobby. The forum visitors who just drop by and start a thread looking for advice in purchasing a camera "that takes great WDW fireworks pictures" (nothing wrong with asking that, btw), then depart after they have made that decision, are not going to be part of the group, nor do I suspect that they want to be. It is the more serious participants, to whom photography is a passionate pursuit, that become that core of the forum.
Like many of you, I have benefitted greatly from the advice given here, and enjoy the banter back and forth. We don't all agree on photo gear, but we do (presumably) agree that WDW is a photographer's paradise! And, I'm very happy to be a part of a community where we can have strongly held positions on equipment brands, but can make allowances for the fact that everyone's needs, means, and preferences are different and that we all use different gear, based on those criteria.
Thanks to all who make this place a pleasant place to linger.
~YEKCIM