Because I've received numerous eMails and PM's, I'll elaborate on what I'm refering to. I also must aknowledge that my first post is entirely tacky. I should have just left. I guess I'm just too lazy to PM those for which the message was actually intended. I appoligize for bringing my personal issue to the public arena.
I'd like to say that I came here for insight and to make a few friends. I succeded in that task famously. That is why topic was what was and not "fu#k you guys." I don't think that way at all. I have had a great time and have put up with the same RANDOM BS as the rest of you. My issue is that the BS seems waaay more regular of late. For the first half of my time here, the only big deal was that Sir Smokes was allegedly selling counterfits and gifted cigars. Shortly after that, I tore Sir Smokes a new asshole for not caring about his pass at all. Those were the only two incidents for a long time - and by the same guy - so really only one bad apple. I've just chosen not to deal with him, though currently I have no ill will against him at all.
Then there was the political ranting. No biggie. All the threads were entitled with some clue to let me stear clear.
Now the problem seems TO ME that we have a combination of people that just love to stir up stuff and people trying to profit from the community.
I don't think there is a single person on this board that would claim I'm here for gain. I love sharing the joy of cigars to they who appreciate it. I can think of no better venue to allow me to be selflessly generous than a closly-knit online community for BOTL. I cannot say I don't expect ANYTHING return for my bombs/trades/etc....but what I expect is the shared wisdom and aggregated experience of the ~50 active members. That's it. It doesn't cost y'all anything, I believe I'm sufficiently comensating the group, and we should all be happy.
From my perspective, the group isn't really holding up its end of the trade anymore. I know none sign a contract agreeing to my terms, but it is my perogative be be a member of the group for the reasons I choose.
I no longer have the titles like "George Bush is an idiot" to alarm me that I might not want to read a post. Lately, due to a few members, I have the perception that I am just as likely to find someone getting flamed in a political thread as in a "Cigar Cutters." I don't like worrying about it. I want the anomoly to be when someone says something rude. I don't mean to make it sound like every thread is flame jacked - they're not....but it has happened enough that I know it isn't so distant a possibility that the next one will be. That's just not for me. I signed up for a brotherly (and two-sisterly) community where we only share funny stories, write reviews, offer experience, and offer opposing opinions and points-of-view (not to be confused with the current flaming). This might seem unrealistic, but that is exactly how this board was when I joined in august - exactly. I praised it publicly and privately for be that way too. Every newbie got a genuine welcome from most active member. ...and that , again, is not to say newbies are not welcomed now, but we don't have the same family-like vibe as before (my inference). I would not complain about not having it that way if it hadn't been only 6 months ago.
SAAMCLEMMONS:
I expect that you might understand now that what I think is "wrong" about this site no is not with in my control. I cannot control others' behavior. I have no desire to repramand people for what I don't like - it isn't my right, and it isn't worth my energy to try. My mom taught me that "when I don't like someone's behavior, the best thing to do is walk away because you can only control your own" (and she would repeat "just walk away" for emphasis). So, based on everything I've said....CP probably IS better off without me (for now at least).
LEEBO:
I think it's clear we disagree on the importance of appearances...
To each his own.
As I said before -thanks for the share knowledge and laughs. I've leared a few things from you two as well.
Cheers,
BO
