This is why I avoid the sewing machine dealers in my area like the plague. A snobbish attitude is the norm. I know their business is a tough one, and I don't begrudge them making money. But there are ways to talk to people nicely, and then there are ways to make people feel small. I think many of the store owners have studied the latter. I will continue to buy online, research techniques online and in books and, of course, learn from this board. There's no harm in being self-taught!