Forums Drastic Change
Redtailhawkoz
Posts: 2,915 ✭
Am I the only one here that thinks this place has changed drastically in the last few months? It seems that the protocol and some of the Forum Etiqute has changed? Tons of New Peoplw for Which is Awesome and it shows that the Community has Legs, but really? there are Dozens of new threads posted every week , many not under the right headings or in the wrong categorys , Not ALot of Questions answers or Info about Cigar related Issues ie Humidor ,Cigar , Lighters etc Questions.....
Just been looking through alot of this stuff and it just isnt what it used to be and the older Members that i learned alot from have seemed to have disapeared or not posting.
Valueble Infor from Men that have been smoking Cigars for years with Alot of expierience is what attracted me to this sight....Im just saying
Here is a Little tiddbit that used to be put on here all the time from one of those older Members that Taught me alot Madurofan
Definitions: Cigar Bombs - An unsolicited gift of cigars (or cigar stuff) sent via the mail from a Sibling of the Leaf. Trade - Pretty self explanatory but it is where two BOTLs engage in a swap of cigars with details worked out beforehand. Pass - When a group of cigars are packaged up and sent to another BOTL with the intention that that BOTL will take a predetermined number of cigars out and replace them with cigars of equal value. PIF - Pay It Forward- A game where you agree to be someone's "mooch" and accept a package of cigars from them. After agreeing to be their mooch you then post asking who wants to be your mooch and you in turn send a package of cigars to this person. There are other games going on in the forum including the MAW, and Fun and Games. If you have any questions about the rules feel free to PM a senior member who will give you the rules and inside scoop. Some Guidelines: 1. It's the thought that counts. Do not be offended at the contents or value of the contents in a package you receive. 2. Games, PIFs or Bombing someone is not the way to get rid of your Swisher Sweets. Use the Golden Rule. Give unto others what you would hope they would give to you. 3. Don't beg to be bombed. It's annoying and look what it got Saddam. 4. Acknowledge when you receive a package. The sender loves to see that happy reaction. Be aware that some people may wish that their package's contents remain classified. Ask before posting any details if you think the person may want the contents kept under-wraps. 5. Been Bombed? Return fire? That is up to you. A Bomb is given freely without the expectation of reward. But do you really want to let them get away hitting you? 6. Send a note. Go ahead and write a little note to the target. Let them know what you are sending them and why you like it. 7. Do not covet your neighbors package. At some point someone else will get cigars from a person who has sent to you. Don't compare. It is silly to feel cheated or jaded because someone else received a package that you would have preferred. 8. Don't use the N-word (Newbie) to describe people who have just started smoking cigars. We were all there at one point. If you are a member of cigar.com you are a Sibling of the Leaf no matter what your experience level. 9. Send what you can. When participating in a game or when bombing someone send what you can. Be aware of rules, i.e. 3 cigar minimum for the PIF, but feel free to send more. However, don't feel guilty if you can only send 3. Everyone else knows the rules and shouldn't be expecting more than the minimum. 10. Pass Participation. If you agree to participate, follow through! Do not agree to participate in a pass and then when it gets to you bail out for any reason. If you don't like the cigars in the pass, buck up princess, thats how it goes sometimes, find the ones you hate the least or that you could give to someoneone you know will like them. If the cigars are too high end for you collection check with the other members of the pass to see how to go about this. It may have been that someone was trying to be generous and it will be ok if you do the best you can to match. However, pay attention to the value of a pass before you agree to be involved. Q and A: Q: I begged to be bombed. Does everyone hate me? A: No, I don't think so. But to be sure bomb someone quick! Q: I got a cigar in a package that I know I don't like. What do I do? A: Keep that knowledge to yourself. You can try and smoke the cigar and see if you still don't like it or you can keep it handy in your humi to give to another Sibling of the Leaf who may like it. Q: I've just started smoking cigars but I want to get in on the games. My Humi selection is kinda lame. What should I do? A: First of all don't worry. If its a bomb you can return fire now, later or not at all. Remember that Golden Rule? If you like the cigars in your humi, play with those. Send a note saying why you like them. You might be surprised to learn that others may never have tried a cigar in your collection. You can also go to your local B&M and get a few sticks you know the target would like. Q: I sent a package someone but I forgot to leave a note. What will I do? A: Relax, you can always send the note when the target has posted their acknowledgment. Q: I want to bomb XXXXX. But I don't know their address, how can I get it? A: Ask others who seem to know the target, they may know and keep the secret. If worse comes to worse, just ask the target. It wont be a surprise, but they should still be happy. Q: Hey! How come they got an Opus X and all I got was Henry Clay? A: Calm down there buddy. Someone thought of you and sent you some cigars. Be gracious. Q: Who made you the Etiquette person on Cigar.com? A: No one. I just like to spell Etiquette. Q: I have a rash on my ... A: Whoa! No! Don't tell me, I'm not an MD. Go to a Doctor.
Just been looking through alot of this stuff and it just isnt what it used to be and the older Members that i learned alot from have seemed to have disapeared or not posting.
Valueble Infor from Men that have been smoking Cigars for years with Alot of expierience is what attracted me to this sight....Im just saying
Here is a Little tiddbit that used to be put on here all the time from one of those older Members that Taught me alot Madurofan
Definitions: Cigar Bombs - An unsolicited gift of cigars (or cigar stuff) sent via the mail from a Sibling of the Leaf. Trade - Pretty self explanatory but it is where two BOTLs engage in a swap of cigars with details worked out beforehand. Pass - When a group of cigars are packaged up and sent to another BOTL with the intention that that BOTL will take a predetermined number of cigars out and replace them with cigars of equal value. PIF - Pay It Forward- A game where you agree to be someone's "mooch" and accept a package of cigars from them. After agreeing to be their mooch you then post asking who wants to be your mooch and you in turn send a package of cigars to this person. There are other games going on in the forum including the MAW, and Fun and Games. If you have any questions about the rules feel free to PM a senior member who will give you the rules and inside scoop. Some Guidelines: 1. It's the thought that counts. Do not be offended at the contents or value of the contents in a package you receive. 2. Games, PIFs or Bombing someone is not the way to get rid of your Swisher Sweets. Use the Golden Rule. Give unto others what you would hope they would give to you. 3. Don't beg to be bombed. It's annoying and look what it got Saddam. 4. Acknowledge when you receive a package. The sender loves to see that happy reaction. Be aware that some people may wish that their package's contents remain classified. Ask before posting any details if you think the person may want the contents kept under-wraps. 5. Been Bombed? Return fire? That is up to you. A Bomb is given freely without the expectation of reward. But do you really want to let them get away hitting you? 6. Send a note. Go ahead and write a little note to the target. Let them know what you are sending them and why you like it. 7. Do not covet your neighbors package. At some point someone else will get cigars from a person who has sent to you. Don't compare. It is silly to feel cheated or jaded because someone else received a package that you would have preferred. 8. Don't use the N-word (Newbie) to describe people who have just started smoking cigars. We were all there at one point. If you are a member of cigar.com you are a Sibling of the Leaf no matter what your experience level. 9. Send what you can. When participating in a game or when bombing someone send what you can. Be aware of rules, i.e. 3 cigar minimum for the PIF, but feel free to send more. However, don't feel guilty if you can only send 3. Everyone else knows the rules and shouldn't be expecting more than the minimum. 10. Pass Participation. If you agree to participate, follow through! Do not agree to participate in a pass and then when it gets to you bail out for any reason. If you don't like the cigars in the pass, buck up princess, thats how it goes sometimes, find the ones you hate the least or that you could give to someoneone you know will like them. If the cigars are too high end for you collection check with the other members of the pass to see how to go about this. It may have been that someone was trying to be generous and it will be ok if you do the best you can to match. However, pay attention to the value of a pass before you agree to be involved. Q and A: Q: I begged to be bombed. Does everyone hate me? A: No, I don't think so. But to be sure bomb someone quick! Q: I got a cigar in a package that I know I don't like. What do I do? A: Keep that knowledge to yourself. You can try and smoke the cigar and see if you still don't like it or you can keep it handy in your humi to give to another Sibling of the Leaf who may like it. Q: I've just started smoking cigars but I want to get in on the games. My Humi selection is kinda lame. What should I do? A: First of all don't worry. If its a bomb you can return fire now, later or not at all. Remember that Golden Rule? If you like the cigars in your humi, play with those. Send a note saying why you like them. You might be surprised to learn that others may never have tried a cigar in your collection. You can also go to your local B&M and get a few sticks you know the target would like. Q: I sent a package someone but I forgot to leave a note. What will I do? A: Relax, you can always send the note when the target has posted their acknowledgment. Q: I want to bomb XXXXX. But I don't know their address, how can I get it? A: Ask others who seem to know the target, they may know and keep the secret. If worse comes to worse, just ask the target. It wont be a surprise, but they should still be happy. Q: Hey! How come they got an Opus X and all I got was Henry Clay? A: Calm down there buddy. Someone thought of you and sent you some cigars. Be gracious. Q: Who made you the Etiquette person on Cigar.com? A: No one. I just like to spell Etiquette. Q: I have a rash on my ... A: Whoa! No! Don't tell me, I'm not an MD. Go to a Doctor.
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Comments
Cigar Bombs - An unsolicited gift of cigars (or cigar stuff) sent via the mail from a Sibling of the Leaf.
Trade - Pretty self explanatory but it is where two BOTLs engage in a swap of cigars with details worked out beforehand.
Pass - When a group of cigars are packaged up and sent to another BOTL with the intention that that BOTL will take a predetermined number of cigars out and replace them with cigars of equal value.
PIF - Pay It Forward- A game where you agree to be someone's "mooch" and accept a package of cigars from them. After agreeing to be their mooch you then post asking who wants to be your mooch and you in turn send a package of cigars to this person. There are other games going on in the forum including the MAW, and Fun and Games. If you have any questions about the rules feel free to PM a senior member who will give you the rules and inside scoop.
Some Guidelines:
1. It's the thought that counts. Do not be offended at the contents or value of the contents in a package you receive.
2. Games, PIFs or Bombing someone is not the way to get rid of your Swisher Sweets. Use the Golden Rule. Give unto others what you would hope they would give to you.
3. Don't beg to be bombed. It's annoying and look what it got Saddam.
4. Acknowledge when you receive a package. The sender loves to see that happy reaction. Be aware that some people may wish that their package's contents remain classified. Ask before posting any details if you think the person may want the contents kept under-wraps.
5. Been Bombed? Return fire? That is up to you. A Bomb is given freely without the expectation of reward. But do you really want to let them get away hitting you?
6. Send a note. Go ahead and write a little note to the target. Let them know what you are sending them and why you like it.
7. Do not covet your neighbors package. At some point someone else will get cigars from a person who has sent to you. Don't compare. It is silly to feel cheated or jaded because someone else received a package that you would have preferred.
8. Don't use the N-word (Newbie) to describe people who have just started smoking cigars. We were all there at one point. If you are a member of cigar.com you are a Sibling of the Leaf no matter what your experience level.
9. Send what you can. When participating in a game or when bombing someone send what you can. Be aware of rules, i.e. 3 cigar minimum for the PIF, but feel free to send more. However, don't feel guilty if you can only send 3. Everyone else knows the rules and shouldn't be expecting more than the minimum.
10. Pass Participation. If you agree to participate, follow through! Do not agree to participate in a pass and then when it gets to you bail out for any reason. If you don't like the cigars in the pass, buck up princess, thats how it goes sometimes, find the ones you hate the least or that you could give to someoneone you know will like them. If the cigars are too high end for you collection check with the other members of the pass to see how to go about this. It may have been that someone was trying to be generous and it will be ok if you do the best you can to match. However, pay attention to the value of a pass before you agree to be involved.
Q and A:
Q: I begged to be bombed. Does everyone hate me?
A: No, I don't think so. But to be sure bomb someone quick!
Q: I got a cigar in a package that I know I don't like. What do I do?
A: Keep that knowledge to yourself. You can try and smoke the cigar and see if you still don't like it or you can keep it handy in your humi to give to another Sibling of the Leaf who may like it.
Q: I've just started smoking cigars but I want to get in on the games. My Humi selection is kinda lame. What should I do?
A: First of all don't worry. If its a bomb you can return fire now, later or not at all. Remember that Golden Rule? If you like the cigars in your humi, play with those. Send a note saying why you like them. You might be surprised to learn that others may never have tried a cigar in your collection. You can also go to your local B&M and get a few sticks you know the target would like.
Q: I sent a package someone but I forgot to leave a note. What will I do?
A: Relax, you can always send the note when the target has posted their acknowledgment.
Q: I want to bomb XXXXX. But I don't know their address, how can I get it?
A: Ask others who seem to know the target, they may know and keep the secret. If worse comes to worse, just ask the target. It wont be a surprise, but they should still be happy.
Q: Hey! How come they got an Opus X and all I got was Henry Clay?
A: Calm down there buddy. Someone thought of you and sent you some cigars. Be gracious.
Q: Who made you the Etiquette person on Cigar.com?
A: No one. I just like to spell Etiquette.
Q: I have a rash on my ...
A: Whoa! No! Don't tell me, I'm not an MD. Go to a Doctor.
The forum has probably grown enough that a little light moderation might be a good thing now. I can think of several posts/threads that need to be stickied, moved, and one or two that need to be outright deleted.
I hear you loud and clear Mr. Redtailhawkoz. In the same it's good to help with the change. What I mean by that is. If those guys help mold you to the more refined smoker that you are today. And they are no longer here and you are. By all means, please sure that knowledge with the forum. Don't think for one minute that I or some of the other new guys and gals just want to play games and stuff all the time. I'm personally in all the sections trying to learn about something or something I didn't know. I wish I would have known about this place a long time ago. I would have been here. I'm pretty sure everyone here would listen. Diamondog touch on this same topic, I believe yesterday. And I replied to that. I asked tons of questions to individuals before I started playing games, passes and my favorite giving out bombs. This has been a great experience for me. But I can assure you Sir. That if you have something to sure. I'm listening. Also, there is one person in this forum that everyone at some time has asked a question about a cigar, lighter, how to smoke etc. That's Kuzi for sure and he's been here for a while. I believe you have valid point. That was one of the reasons I stayed here. I think it's just a balancing act that may have to form. But, just like anything else. It will take time.
Please, this is just an opinion of mine. A answer to a question from my point of view.
AGreed......
It is what it is, on a computer Much can be said or done , I live by a Brutal Honesty Rule, Dont have a place in my life for Liars or Jugmental stuff, I personally have been lied to and judged wrongly for my Honesty and my intergraty has been questioned because of that Honesty. That being said there does need to be some Revampinig or something done to this forum. IMHO
*edit to clarify: above is in answer to the question has everyone noticed a drastic change in the forums the last few months
Many of us have been here for an extended period of time. We were / are a pretty close community considering that we are an online community. That being said, perhaps some of our troubles come from the familiarity we enjoy with each other and that leads to things being said that might not otherwise be said in a roomful of strangers.
I have been as guilty as anyone else here for engaging in some of these discussions and have taken some steps to refrain from adding that kind of content here. Perhaps like a real family we tend to say things in a manner which doesn't transend the internet very well and things get taken out of context sometimes. Other times it is just "shot across the bow" type of comment which seem intended for a specific purpose.
I think we all need to think about what we write here BEFORE we write it and perhaps a moment to consider how, what you are about to post will go a long way to bringing these forums back to the helpful, supportive place it used to be that we all used to rave about. IMO
Thanks Laker Also agrewe with some of what you said ,,
That is a comical example of what I meant by things being taken out of context. I am not a religious person as many of you know. However I do remember from my Sunday School days the one thing that has always remained with me... The Golden Rule. If we always practiced the golden rule we will be in good shape around here and in the world for that matter.
Hi Maddy! Well the reason I posted it is because it seems latley it hasnt been used at all , Most of the the boundries are overlooked or softened and new guys have no clue what some of the abbreviations are etc. I have saves all the useful stuff in a folder and this is one of themj. Thanks for your Original Post!
rotflmao ! TOOOSHAY... i KNOW THATS NOT THE SPELLING BUT YOU GET THE IDEA. I too have been trying to stay away from Engaging in STUPIDITY and EGo Based Posts. and Engaing in that Ignorance.
I joined the forums earlier this year and pretty much stumbled through. Heck i won a trivia contest before I knew what a a Good Trader was. I have been privately educated by the kind BOTLs on this forum when mistakes have been made.
I didn't even know how to break a line when I startedThanks to guys like you.
Someone should set the rules in a post and occasionally bump.
I have an idea. In the Etiquette list, tell the newbies they must bump this post 10 days after they receive their first exchange.
With the exception of the political threads, nothing's changed - the forums is still as helpful as ever, and bombs are flying as often as they ever were, if not more so. If you're talking about long-time members going inactive, well, it happens from time to time. Someone gets bored, or some **** comes up and they can't do the things they'd like to - that's life
If you're talking about the tone in the political threads, well, that's politics for you, especially since election season is starting up.
You talk about politics and you're talking about how people identify themselves - if you've got thin-skin and can't stand to see your political viewpoint get jabbed or insulted, then don't open the threads. Honestly, there's a minimum amount of political threads in the Non-cigar forum - most are about family or something going on in a member's life. All the political threads are clearly identifiable as political - no excuse for clicking on them and then being surprised when your view-point is being talked about.
Three things:
1) I hope this is not directed at me in any way. I know I'm opinionated and sarcastic and that gets me into trouble. That said I can't think of anything too terrible I've posted on here, but I'm relatively new so if I've contributed to this change for the worse I apologize.
2) I really wish you'd be more explicit. It is very difficult to fix a vague problematic feeling. You don't have to name names but you could cite incidents or instances, even in general terms.
3) This isn't meant as an excuse, but this forum is pretty dang amazing in my experience. Check out the 2 + 2 forum for poker players sometime. Yikes. That said, if it used to be better then by all means we shouldn't satisfy ourselves with the way things are currently, that previous better instance of this forum is something we should all strive to achieve...but...well, see point number 2. Without that, I don't know how to start working...
I wanted to get that out there before I went into this. I think the big thing with these forums is unlike almost every other forum out there, we have no moderators. This bad boy has always been self governed. So when people throw things out there like this don't take it personally, its the way we've always policed our little spot on the web. When I originally posted what Ozzie just reposted it wasn't addressed at one person but in general to try and maintain this place. Change isn't always a bad thing but a little law and order isn't either.
This forum also has no 'newbie' welcoming letter that a lot of others have. There are a few forums where you have to check the block when you get there in the welcoming letter like a EULA, before being able to post.
If we could come up with a welcoming letter we could get one of the ccom/moderator people to pin it to the top of the list for us, therefore negating the need to bump the thread.
"Long ashes my friends."
I agree 100%
Puro, my moderator remark was more along the lines of being able to use the forum to its fullest potential. Not actually having a moderator that 'moderates', more of a facilitator for improvements. Like pinning certain things, ie. Welcome letter, or other always pertinent stuff. Also adding a section for newcomers so they can go in and figure our how to post things the way they want, or the general guidelines of the forum, to before coming and jumping in the pool, so to speak. I think that moderators who have the power to remove opinions tend to make forums suck!
Hmmm... Almost 4000 posts. A contest might be in order soon!!!
I haven't really noticed other changes, but it could be that you yourself are changing. When a new person joins a forum, they read a lot of 'info' posts and think "hmm, that's great information!". A year later, people tend to think "jeez, not this question again...why can't people do a search?". The forum remains the same, but the older members just view it differently.
I dunno things haven't changed too much, though that isn't a bad thing.