Why is it so hard to find a zero-BS community of actual store operators?

I’ve been analyzing the e-commerce space lately, and it feels like the signal-to-noise ratio is completely broken.

There seems to be a major paradox: the individuals who are actually running profitable stores are too busy optimizing ads, managing suppliers, and handling fulfillment to post content. Meanwhile, the loudest voices online often have no real operational experience and rely on selling programs to beginners as their primary revenue model. [1]

I am trying to find and connect with actual operators who are currently in the trenches. It doesn't matter if you are operating on a small scale or doing heavy volume—the goal is simply to share real operational insights.

I want to form a tight-knit network focused strictly on:

• Sharing data on what is currently working with ad platforms and conversion rates.
• Troubleshooting supply chain and fulfillment bottlenecks.
• Exchanging pure strategic knowledge with zero commercial intent.

No monetization, no services, no links, and no courses. Just a straightforward knowledge exchange between real business owners. [1]

How are you guys finding other legitimate founders to network with these days without running into constant sales pitches?