well i was talking more about those who don't compete, because they have actually made a profession out of the sport, and they need to have a certain style just to keep it up (unfortunately).
as far as the rest of us goes, it's gotten pretty ridiculous with all the hate. everybody hates on everybody, and i never thought i would see the day that it would transgress to the hill, but it has, and it is probably the worst thing in the sport right now. the shit-talking can stay on the net, i don't mind it there, but when you see kids laughing at beginners for their style, gear, ability, that shit gets me going. we were all beginners once and so many of us act as if we've been stomping switch 7s and wearing the freshest threads since we were born.
i don't really know what to say about it, but amateurs should stop acting like their pro and are competing against the whole world, because they aren't.