No question that there are places where it seems that there is a sort of "Black Hand" that controls who gets access to venues, and who doesn't--you can generally tell if there is something going on by the way beginners and newcomers are treated--if they are taken advantage of, clandestinely mocked, and ultimately shut out, you know that things are run by the few for the few--if they are welcomed, given encouragement, and support, and opportunities, it is a different story--