> Similarly, do not discourage anyone from pursuing photography by telling them that they have to start with something like film.

When I started photography as a hobby years ago, the community in the forums never suggested I used film, neither did friends (a couple of them working at pro level) and colleagues. I know there are some snob people out there but even the ones I’ve met never actually said to start with film.

That being said, every one of them gave the same advice: don’t worry too much about the gear; instead, go learn light and composition.