<i>&quot;The rap on NYC and LA is that they have competitive, take-down cultures (NYC more so than LA).&quot;</i><p>That&#x27;s why they&#x27;re better in the arts.  In NYC, they tell you if you suck.  In LA, they don&#x27;t call you back if you suck. In SF nobody says anything and you can suck forever. Go to little theater or art openings and this is quite obvious.