Big reason I don't join a guild. I was in one of my LQS the other day and there were 2 ladies from the guild in our area. They asked me if I had ever been to a meeting I said no that I am not an expert quilter and I have heard some of the ladies talk about this type of thing. The one said that is why we took guild out of our name. We want all quilters to feel welcome. I do think I will visit a meeting to see if the others are as nice as these 2 ladies. I am sure there will be some that aren't, but I can visit a couple times to see if I want to join. I am starting to enjoy art quilting I can imagine what your ladies would think of that. LOL