Guilds are great places to make connections, learn the art, share ideas and like any organization their are always the controlers, the nasties and the know it alls but if you ignore the attitudes in general quilters are caring, sharing & loving people. I belong to many guilds in four states over the years, jumped in for all kinds of committees & offices and made life long friends-people who picked you up when things got bad, shared their homes and food, swapped fabric and trips to the quilt shop, watched your child grow and even chipped in for a sewing machine. I wouldn't let anyone stand in my way of making a quilt friend. My life has been very interesting because of guilds and the wonderful people in them. Moosegirl