Which Rules Apply to You?
Some of us photograph for the pleasure of photographing. For that kind of photographer, there are no rules.
Some of us are artists primarily. For that kind of photographer, the rules only exist for the breaking.
Some of us are professionals. For that kind of photographer, the rules are many, but widely available for a price.
The trick to not wasting your time and money is to decide which you are (for the moment) and act accordingly.