I am happy to see questioning. You make the forum.
"So called experts", BTW, were asked to share their experience and ideas because we found them to be competent in at least one area in photography. They are not, here to discipline, to teach or to sell.
Anyone is invited to add a link to their own websites and a phrase relating to your services or interests. The "so-called experts" already do so.
The job of moderators is to maintain the thrust of a thread. You will notice several threads that developed an interesting but O.T. sub-discussion that have had the new topic moved off to its own place.
We aim for the atmosphere of professionals meeting in someone's house. Sometimes there's a discussion on a new back. There may be a diversion to some arrangement for a local shoot or recycle of unused gear between known friends.
We want clarity.
Yes there are people's names that keep appearing and they talk to one another as they develop relationships. That is a good thing. A clique implies exclusion of others. That, unless I'm not picking it up, which is of course possible, is not occuring and I hope you wont allow it!
We try to make sure that your posts are not ignored. It is up to you make the place unclique by answering those posts yourselves and not sitting back. That is the way to overcome any deficiency you see here.
Your professional posts are not cut, removed or deleted. A clique would do that. There is no appetite for banning people, but rather, by being open and helpful to make this place work.
There is trust, without knowing you. I try hard to go through scores of web galleries a day. I try understand where we are in photography and what you are interested in.
However, ultimately, this forum is about you, what you do.
My task is maintain the structure for you to build the relationships that are valuable to you.
Always on the web, as in a class in college or a party, most people don't ask questions, make announcements or contribute. They just keep attending and follow.
We appreciate all of you who contribute to building this. I hope and believe we are developing a highly profesional home for the serious photographer.
Feel free to PM or email me with any ideas or suggestions. Unless I'm on a shoot or out, I'll always make time for you.
Asher