Can't resist putting in my two cents here, more or less.   ;)

This is what I think has become the "reputation" of QJ, from others I know pretty well on another board who know that I am also a long-time contributor to QJ and share their thoughts occasionally with me.  (Just for what it's worth.  Not saying it is MY opinion, guys.)

1.  QJ is pay-to-play only.  You have to pay to really use the site in any meaningful way.

2.  QJ is only for those who go to Quetico or places further north; BWCA travelers are barely tolerated and rarely encouraged.  (I might add here, not that well respected either.  I didn't feel that way when I first joined, but I sort of do now.)

3.  Inexperienced canoeists' questions are not handled politely; if you haven't already searched your topic, you are in trouble.  Asking a stupid question gets you ridiculed.

4.  QJ isn't particularly friendly to new members who don't fit in; there are cliques and groups to which you must belong.  (As an aside, this is true of all boards, but they don't recognize it in themselves, only in others. ;))

5.  The political forum turned a lot of people off.  I realize that it is now available only if you opt in, but I think the damage was already done if you are talking about perception of people who just happened upon the board and then talked about it to others.  That was where the "reputation" began, from what I perceive.  A place of nasty arguments, and particularly a place where people of conservative political leanings are not welcome.

I have been a member of QJ for many years.  Longer than I have been on any other board, and I only frequent one other, although I lurk in some places where I am not a member.  I still enjoy some things about QJ and I post occasionally, although not as often as I did once.  I have a lot of friends here and I don't want to offend a single one of you.  But you asked.  These are my ideas about the "reputation".