For the most part, I ignore them. For I don't expect my competition to be friendly. But when they start effecting your business, other than legal ramifications, then what's the next step?

"There are very few personal problems which cannot be successfully resolved by the appropriate application of high explosives."

M

I dunno, I just picked it up many years ago.

When I was younger and meaner, or at least less subtle, when I was asked if I planned to attend my high school reunion, I would say, "I am only going to get close enough for the detonator to receive a good clear signal."

M

Other than taking legal action (if you can), there's really not a whole lot you CAN do besides ignorethem unless you want to get into some long, drawnout mudslinging fest online.

Sort of like an [offensive] image I saw once on somethingawful.com:

"Arguing on the internet is like running in the Special Olympics-- even if you win, you're still retarded."

How do they affect your business?  I don't get along with alot of my competition here in San Diego, but it doesn't stop me from getting work.   Kiss my ass biatches!

I deal with detractors de same way I deal with deplows, dehorses, dechickens, and debarn on my farm.

Life is full of detractors.  Especially if you are a dreamer.  Not to sound immodest, but I have started four companies and done a ton of things in my life that 99% of people either actively or passively discouraged me from doing.  I plowed along nonetheless and am so over-the-top grateful for the way my life has developed as a result.

Most people are now doing that (detracting) about my photography.  I know I am a newbie, I know I need refinement and practice (lots), but that is a reason to do more, not to abandon it. 

People are generally weak and afraid and conformists.  They are comforted by those who adopt the same narrow world view, and are freaked out by those who challenge the prevailing mindsets, take risks and pursue their dreams.  I know this sounds very broad and philosophical, but it's true whether you are talking about photography, politics, or business.

My rule: follow your dreams.  Accept thoughtful advice, but ignore the detractors.  You will not get another trip down This Road.  8-)

I look around me now, at 35, and look at all those who discouraged me along the way.  Some of them did not really consciously realize how discouraging they were, but they were.  I am far and away the happiest and most fulfilled one of them all - and even most of them would (now) say so.  Sure, I'm woefully defective, but I could not be more pleased with the path I've chosen.  And core to it is the above mindset.

So, Cheez, in sum: rock on.

The last detractor that I can remember made a point of telling someone i shot with that I was "Such an asshole" -- but then had to end up admitting the images I'd done of her were still good.  Laughed at the time, and then laughed again when said detractor recently turned on the model!  Pattern of behavior anyone?

I usually just go find a nice quiet place to cry.
Then I take my football and go home.

It used to really bother me.

I no longer care.

I'm bigger, I'm better, and gosh darnit, people like me.

If I'm not, then I will be.

If they don't, then that's their problem, not mine.