I like to think I'm a pretty good photographer and I would also consider myself an artist, of sorts lol! But I certainly don't think I am elitist and I don't think anyone else, who I know here on RR, is either.
If I see a picture that I think is rubbish I just ignore it, but if I think I can offer something useful then I'll say so. I, for one, certainly don't mean to cause offence but if you don't want criticism then just ask for non-critical comments when you upload.
There are people here on RR of all ages and abilities and that cannot be anything other than a good thing. By looking at those artists who are better than me and trying to see what it is they are doing different I feel I've become a better photographer - just take a look at my early work, lol!
Maybe it isn't quite right that some images that are of poor quality get loads of comments and the really great shots get few, but no matter how much it annoys me life's too short to get all bitchy about it. So lets all just relax folks and get back to posting some really good images that we can all criticise.  :biggrin:

www.natural-photo.co.uk

"Dodging and burning are steps to take care of mistakes God made in establishing tonal relationships.  ~Ansel Adams"