I didn't realize what a rager this thread would become, but I love it! I'll note for the record that I consider the "gear credit" to be a minor annoyance. It's not something that is going to shake me up. I wouldn't even say it makes me angry.
Tangent #1: My mother in law takes great photos with a Rebel XS, kit lens, on full auto. Not suitable for huge hi-res prints, but beautifully framed, wonderful shots. My cousin takes spectacular photos with a fairly cheap P&S. She's been hired to do portraits based on the strength of her images and been greeted with confused frowns when she pulls the camera out of her purse. She's been wanting a Canon DSLR for awhile and look out when she gets one. The point is, gear is cool and can do awesome things, but credit the photographer too!
Tangent #2: My other hobby/passion is competitive long distance running. Believe me, average Joe on the street doesn't understand that any more than he understands photography. It is a world most people simply cannot understand. Keeping this in mind, I try not to get annoyed with people who say or think my training is excessive, unhealthy, obsessive/compulsive, pointless, vain, etc. All the same, other runners and I will gripe about it because it's a common experience among us.
