Yeah see the title of this thread makes it defensive automatically to the current inn you wish to speak to. Other than a couple innkeepers I know here who have inns on eiterh side or across the street, most of us are unique enough to not have actual "competitors."
When someone new opens an inn and jumps onto what we have worked so hard to build. Marketing and advertising etc to promote our areas and does not get on board of give of their own resources, then that could be looked down upon.
There are plenty of B&B's/Innkeepers who never even get a chance to meet yet send referrals, I do when I can. ONCE you are open - is when I will quote "We are all in this together" before you open, it is not the case. For every 10 aspirings there is only 1 who opens and inn. (theoretically speaking, I am sure others have the stats)
Then there are what I will call substandard B&B's who operate differently, perhaps under the radar or do things of which you yourself do not do or approve, or even simplt find foolish. They are there and guests think all innkeepers work for the same boss, so we all know each other. So guests call and take your time asking about them, and you know very clearly you would not stay there yourself, nor send any one to them.
I am an open book and love to share about this business. BUT - when I am approached and told like by the lady RIGHT NEXT DOOR "I am going to come over so you can tell me how to run a B&B." Oh you are? What the! 
Good luck with that. and oh, btw GET A CLUE!
So let's face it, not all aspiring innkeepers aspire at the same level. Not all innkeepers do what we do either. An owner of a B&B will likely not be the same owner in 5 to 7 years.
