Like Rastus said, I explained to our future son-in-law (avid golf nut) that shooting with Julie Goloski on your squad and having many others just a bay away or watching is like being in a foursome with the best in the world ... including Tiger Woods, taking batting practice with Kirby Puckett, or playing catch with Favre (Can't believe I said that one ... time for some lutefisk to clear the mind)!
Anyone that enjoys the sport owes it to themselves to go and do it. No matter how bad I've ever done, no one has ever laughed at me (laughed with me, but never at). Nothing like having Rob or Angus come up and give you a pointer when you screw up.
That right there says a lot about the gun culture as a whole. They (we) won't make fun of someone if they miss. Pointers are given. Advice is dispensed. Hardly ever will you hear a gun person say, "Well you did that all wrong, you should quit and go home."
The only time someone, like the people on here, get upset is over a safety rule. Which is exactly what is needed for those first learning to shot. But remember, get upset like a father with their child should. Not with anger but with knowledge and loving care. And always remember to explain to the less gun educated why such a thing is so bad.
I count myself lucky to be able to have influenced a lot of people in enjoying shooting, the same as many here have.