Frank Gilliland wrote:

The lower level is trying to force someone to do it your way.

I can think of a lower level -- saying that I'm trying to "force" anybody to do
anything simply by expressing my opinions.

You are deeply mistaken if you believe that "simply expressing my
opinions" exerts no force on other people.

Earlier, you mentioned someone who was proud of having repainted the
front panel of an old communications receiver. That person may not yet
have the knowledge or the confidence to tinker much inside the case...
but with help and encouragement, they will.

Now what kind of encouragement is it, if someone more experienced comes
along and dismisses their beginning efforts as "not homebrew"? Certainly
you will have a private opinion - but will opening your mouth make them
more likely to stay with electronics and learn something... or less?

More than 40 years ago, I actually *was* that beginner who started
"electronics" with a paintbrush. I've only just realised how lucky I was
to have escaped a put-down, right when it could have done the most
damage.


--
73 from Ian G3SEK 'In Practice' columnist for RadCom (RSGB)
Editor, 'The VHF/UHF DX Book'
http://www.ifwtech.co.uk/g3sek