I'm still a member f the RF, but a few problems there drove me away. I love the fan community, and I love props. Of course, I have little skill in making them, but I love to see what people can do.
There are, as far as I can tell, two types of people in the fan prop community. There are the people and groups like the Dented Helmet and the R2 builders. They'll help you every step of the way. You don't have to buy a single thing from them, they'll show you how to make a perfectly accurate Boba Fett o R2D2. They have tutorials, and will show you how to paint, make your own items and so forth. They are a true credit to the community. The 501'st is a lot like this as well. You might not be able to mold, and vac form your own stormtrooper, but they'll be more than happy to help you put together an awesome costume, and show you how to fit and trim your own armor (Providing beer helps for the armor parties!)
Then there are those who only want to show what they can do. Sure, they make great stuff. They've got skills and talent. But when you ask them for hep it's always 'no'. You show them what you've done, and they say 'You did it wrong', but have no interest in helping you fix it. That drove me from the RPF. I have a Vader costume. It's great, but not perfect. It also probably never will be, as sacrifices need to be made in order for it to be comfortable to wear and walk around in. But you know what? The public loves it. To them, I *am* Darth Vader. Thy don't care that the gloves aren't accurate, or that he cod is a little off. The Vader fan community is HELL. They don't want to expand or share knowledge. They want to hoard it. Some within this community think that I, and others in the 501'st bring down the the prop community. Demean it even.
It's sad. I know it's not everyone. But I am well aware of who is like this, and that they aren't in it for the community, but only for themselves. Most are good people, and helpful, but sadly, not all.