I did a beginners course after I made my first quilt and realised that I needed to learn about points (they were all cut off - forgot about the seam allowance). I had been taught to sew by my gran - she sewed for her living - did the samples for Jaeger and Aquasum in the UK. Tough act to follow! The course was great and really hooked me - did find that some of the others were a little slower so I did 2 quilts (sampler type) when some of the others did one.
Since then I have done lots of courses - always learn something new and meet some really super people as well. The chat and gossip that goes with the quilting is an added bonus.
I also belong to a guild and find that a great source of information/help and friendship.
To be honest I haven't had a bad experience with any dealings with quilting people - certainly not come across the quilting police!