Welcome Dapp. Taking a small swipe at some here while introducing yourself is not a great move. It comes across as very passive aggressive. CP is a pretty different forum. We are more a community than just a forum with faceless posters and when people bust in without wiping their feet first, it can ruffle feathers. Stick around, check your ego at the door, and you'll probably make some great friends. Take swipes, ignore the rules, and get into arguements and you'll probably be shown the door quickly.
Those are just my honest suggestions. How you proceed is up to you. Welcome from Los Angeles.
- Jeff
ETA: forum rules
* * * ATTENTION NEW MEMBERS * * *
A MUST READ: New Member Guide
Newbie Sampler Trade
PLEASE READ
Failure to familarize yourself with the below rules may result in termination of your account.
ABOUT CIGARPASS
Welcome to CigarPass, one of the friendliest cigar communities around! CigarPass was launched in 2000, with the intent to create the most knowledgeable and friendliest cigar community around. There are several rules you'll want to keep in mind while participating at CP. Following these simple rules will help you understand what we're all about, and will in turn make your experience that much better.
Our main focus is to ensure that everyone has a good time and is safe out on the forum. Follow this guide, and you'll get the most out of CP, guaranteed!
GETTING STARTED
The very first thing you'll want to do after you create your account is to fill out your Member Profile. Towards the top of the forum, you'll see a link that says "MY CONTROLS". Click this link, and you'll have access to all of your account settings. Here you can create a signature (keep it brief, no enormous/obscene images or foul language is allowed, use your best judgment); fill out your PROFILE INFORMATION, and so on. In the profile information section, tell us what your favorite cigars are, what types of cigars you like, and so on. Check out other member profiles to get an idea as to what you might want to say. There are many options in the MY CONTROLS section of the site, including your very own photo gallery. Please keep the photo's cigar related. We don't mind the occasional non-cigar related photo, but for the most part, images should remain cigar related.
POST AN INTRODUCTION
Now that your profile is all setup, let's post a message! No need to write an entire auto-biography, just a brief intro is fine. This lets people know who you are, and it's a great way to get your feet wet in the community.
Now that you've introduced yourself, check out the rest of the community. Read as much as possible in order to get the feel for the community. Once you're comfortable, post away. Please keep in mind that we strive to be the friendliest cigar community out there, so always use your best judgment when making a post.
DO'S AND DON'TS OF CP
Do's:
Read as much as possible, get used to CP, and just have fun.
Be friendly to others, we're here to promote the enjoyment of cigars, and in turn you'll make a lot of friends from CP.
Make sure you post an introduction before anything else.
Use the SEARCH tool every chance you can. If you're searching for what seems like a common question, please use the search tool. We have two search tools; one is built into the forum software, and the other is the Google Site Search (located at the bottom of the forum). Always best to try using both search tools before asking what may be a common question.
Do use proper grammar if you can. We are an international forum, so we understand English may not be your first language, and this is fine. Also, if you're not too familiar with computers, that's fine too, however if you purposely post without taking into consideration basic grammar (in other words, if you're lazy), it is frowned upon.
Think before you post.
DONT'S:
NEVER discuss sources on CigarPass. Sources are defined as company's which sell Cuban cigars. Cuban cigars are illegal in the United States. Please keep this type of communication private.
Always know which forum you're posting in. Example: don't post a Want/Sale in the Lobby. We want to ensure all information is well organized, so please post appropriately.
Don't flame another member.
Don't discuss politics, religion, or any other "touchy" subject. CP is the place to get away from all of the nonsense; we're here for a good time, not to debate one another.
Don't get involved in any controversial conversations. There are times when trolls enter CP, let the more established members handle the trolls.
If a thread becomes heated, DO NOT POST POPCORN REFERENCES OR PICTURES OF POPCORN. This is considered baiting and will result in suspension of your account.
Don't get defensive if an established member points out a mistake you're making. They're here to help you along, not criticize you.
Don't "bump" old threads. If a thread is more than a year old, then there's probably no need to post to it. There are exceptions, please use your best judgment.
Don't try to increase your post count. Post count means nothing. The reputation you build is what matters.
Don't start a Cigar Pass right away. First, make sure you are well aware of the rules of a Cigar Pass.
Don't join a Cigar Pass right away. We want everyone to enjoy Cigar Passes, but we also want to protect all of our members. Once in a while someone will do a Newbie Pass; this is designed for all of the new guys to get their feet wet and help establish themselves.
Don't try to do a group buy right away, join a couple before hosting your own.
Don't make your first post a "Sale" or "Want" ad. Get to know the community before making such a post.
Don't constantly use foul language.
CUBAN CIGAR RETAILERS, AKA: SOURCES
NEVER DISCUSS SOURCES. Due to the severity of this rule, we're going to mention this policy one more time… As noted above, sources are defined as cigar retailers which sell Cuban cigars. Cuban cigars are illegal in the United States, and it is against our rules for anyone (no matter what country you reside in) to discuss Cuban cigar retailers/sources. This rule is in place to protect YOU and our community in general. First violation of this rule will result in a stern warning; second violation will result in the termination of your account.
HAVE FUN!
That's about it… The main purpose of this guide is to help familiarize yourself with our protocol and some of our basic, yet important rules. If you don't see it posted here, please use your best judgment or ask.
Eric Shaw (CP member) created a newbie guide a while back. It's very informative and helpful, please be sure to check it out here: http://www.cigarbbguide.com
We hope you enjoy your time at CP, and make us your home. Follow the above rules, and you'll get the most out of CP. You'll be glad you did! If you ever have a question or need some help, just ask us. We're all here to help, and promote the brotherhood of cigars.
