To my mind (and obviously I'm just speaking for me) there's some kind of balance between taking people down a notch or two who really could use it versus trashing people who are just starting out for kicks.  I think generally you've made that distinction in the past so I would think that unless you're talking about a massive ramp-up in snark you should be OK.

Kevlar Vest Girl wrote:

if I act like an asshole in the industry related forums? I really don't like it when photoshop wizards try to attract clients when the only photoshop skills they possess is the ability to turn on the program.

Is it all right if I'm a curmudgeon asshole here?

My personal opinion is that when you ask people for their credentials, you're hopefully relaying the point that maybe they shouldn't be charging people for their less than stellar work.

If they take it personally, it's probably because in the back of their mind they realize their inadequacies but don't want to admit it.

About you being a "curmudgeon asshole" here?  I doubt anyone will mind, at least in this stage of the game.

Add in new people who aren't familiar with how internet forums go...well, it'll be fun to watch.

Kevlar Vest Girl wrote:

if I act like an asshole in the industry related forums? I really don't like it when photoshop wizards try to attract clients when the only photoshop skills they possess is the ability to turn on the program.

Is it all right if I'm a curmudgeon asshole here?

I hope so.  I just got done reading that thread (over "there").  The best way for we lesser skilled to improve is to learn from the more skilled.  It is also important to know exactly who the skilled are.  Someone needs to ask for references, and be qualified to analyze the response.  Have at them. 

And I owe you a thank you for recommending the book "Art and Fear"- that is a great little book. 

Have I reached sycophant status yet?

Kevlar Vest Girl wrote:

if I act like an asshole in the industry related forums? I really don't like it when photoshop wizards try to attract clients when the only photoshop skills they possess is the ability to turn on the program.

Is it all right if I'm a curmudgeon asshole here?

Did I miss something - are we supposed to ask permission for this sort of thing...?  I thought that had already been mandated from on high by higher power or some such claptrap...

Well, just in case I DID miss something, you certainly have my permission, though why you'd either want or need it remains a mystery...

Doug Wade wrote:

I would think that unless you're talking about a massive ramp-up in snark you should be OK.

Bob?  Ramping up in snark?  Now THAT I would like to see!

Hey, go for it.

KMVS wrote:

I personally hope you (and a few others I have in mind) get spots in the chipmunk lounge.

I hope so too.  Bob has a lot to offer . . . on both sides of the snark

Kevlar Vest Girl wrote:

Actually, I've kept the real me in check for quite some time.

Sounds like the makings of a Paul Harvey Moment 

Fotographia Fantastique wrote:

B.R., please refrain from scaring off the newbies.

Will they be newbie posers? I love helping people that are truly interested, but the posers need to be annihilated!

I am truly wondering if a solution is to create 2/3 levels of each profile.

Retoucher:
Professional = I do this for a living
Amateur = I do this for fun
Student = I want to learn how to do this for a living

Model:
Professional
Amateur
Student

Photographer:
Professional
Amateur
Student

If THEN people choose to rate themselves as a pro then society can ask them about credentials. The way it stand now we have no choice.
We are all just lumped together as "pro".

When in fact many of us never want to be pros.

Brooks wrote:

I think part of the problem "over there" is the stupid Photoshop Wizard title. I'm sure they were trying to be funny, but it sure puts a lot of pressure on those who want to be retouchers but clearly shouldn't be or don't want to be called a "wizard" just yet.

That's true.  It's like if they changed "Photographer" to "Master Photographer."  Um, thanks, but now it feels arrogant/stupid.

They should just change "Model" to "Object of Worship" while we're at it.

Kevlar Vest Girl wrote:

if I act like an asshole in the industry related forums? I really don't like it when photoshop wizards try to attract clients when the only photoshop skills they possess is the ability to turn on the program.

Is it all right if I'm a curmudgeon asshole here?

Since when do you actually worry about upsetting the apple cart?
Getting sensitive in your old age?