Yes I agree, the site has changed. It used to be a place where kids could be comfortable with their ability levels and engage in trick tips and such. There are plenty of these kids still on the site who are like this, but too many who are free to rip on someone that sucks. Anyone who "sucks" is someone who is just trying, and remember at one point all you "sick" kids blew ass as well. We all did.
On the contrary, NS has been a beneficial thing to the sport, even now through the bullshit, because it is how kids stay updated on the sport. Young skiers want to know when events are, they want to see videos and pictures of fellow skiers, and be updated on what the new jump and rail tricks to try.
Through all the kids that post bad criticisms to the insignificant type of stuff like what music you listen to the site has been more beneficial then not. When you browse through a video or picture and look at the comments there are usually a great deal of good comments, even if the shot or trick isnt that great. Although there are maybe 10 kids on a certain shot who rip on it, there are probably another 100 or so skiers who saw it and appreciated it and got motivated to try something- or even got an inspiration to be more creative in our sport. NS has been the site where not only skiers get together, but other people in the industry. Young film makers, photographers, designers, entreprenuers, everyone is on the site. Even guys who work in shops and tune your skis.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not a NS hugging bitch and I hate how many whack kids post insignificant things just to show their friends they made a stupid post, and I support Jacob's post 100% but also think the beneficial sides of the site should be reviewed.