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NEWBIES INFO: PLEASE READ (v. 2.1.3
TrishS@CigarBid Offline
#1 Posted:
Joined: 06-13-2001
Posts: 3,172
The original post was 3/7/05, updated 10/19/09 and 4/14/11. The original author was long-time forum member sketcha. I haven't seen him around here for a while but want to give him props for doing all the leg-work. I'm making it a sticky at recommendation of several of you along the way.

***********************************************

I thought I'd start this thread to answer some of the standard suggestions for the newbies in order to save some time. You’re looking at a collection of thoughts here in no particular order. Hope it helps.

First off, do read the "Forum Rules and Conditions" before posting. It's not a novel and this could save you some heartache.

Use the search function before asking questions. Many of the old-timers are a little burnt on answering some of the standard newbie questions; and rightfully so. There are lots of newbs popping in here every day.

Contact Customer Serv. with any problems before you post them here, they are excellent!

Some bidding hints…

Bid Low, be patient and let some go. There WILL be more. Do your Brothers and SistersOTL a favor and DON’T get wrapped up in a bidding war! No one gives a crap if you throw your own money away, but when your auction closes at a higher than usual price, this can set a precedent for anyone watching, and it may take weeks or even months for prices to return to normal.

Don't worry about over-bidding, zealous morons. They're the ones who pay to keep this site up and running for you and I to steal the rest

Keep Cigar International's site open for price comparison. The beauty of this site is paying LESS than standard internet prices, not more.

Try adding cigars that you’re interested in to your watch list. Track them for a few weeks and see what they close at. Then use the list as a reference for your bidding.

If you don’t already have a large capacity humidor, build a Coolerdor or Tupperdor, you will fill it soon, believe me. Thanks to little self control over several years, I am finally down to just 1 Cooler and one Tupper plus 3 large desktops.

Do a search for...

Coolerdor

Coolador

Coolidor

Colemandor

Igloodor

Tupperdor

Sweaterdor etc.

PG

Propylene Glycol

50/50

Hygrometer

Humidity

Credo

Climmax (better than 50/50)

Season

Seasoning (Humidors)

Cello (cellophane) on or off is up to the individual. They may breathe a little better and age a little faster with 'em off. They are delicate and prone to damage if handled improperly though, so use your judgment. The links below expand on this. Also, if you like, do a search.

BOTL, SOTL = Brothers/Sisters of the Leaf .

Don't know what to buy???

Everyone has different tastes so it is extremely difficult to tell you what you are going to like. The best thing to do is to get some Ideas and begin sampling for yourself. Here's a recent excerpt of a response to a newbie by Slimboli...

***"The choices out there are so numerous (thousands of cigars and factories to choose from) ... it would be hard to narrow it down, without you first providing a few parameters.

1) Light, medium or full-bodied smokes ...

2) Lengths and ring guages you prefer ...

3) Particualr shapes your like, ie. Corona, Torpedo, Robusto, Perfecto, etc.

4) Wrappers that you prefer, ie. Sun-Grown (Shade Grown), Maduro, Cameroon, etc.

These are just a few ... and once you provide us with a few guidelines, it will be a lot easier to guide you in the direction of a cigar (or cigars) that would be more to your liking!"***

Do a search for...

favorite

favorites

daily

everyday

special

premium

super premium

etc. etc. etc.


A little secret...

Keep an eye on the "Cigars and Related" forum. Once in awhile, one of us will post a favorable review of a cigar that they might not normally let slip for fear of bidding competition. Often times the prices will go up for a few weeks after. Be patient and get some when the gettin's good.

When you have an idea what you want, buy 5-packs. Let them acclimate in your humi for 2 weeks or more if possible (especially boxes). Sample at least 2 before critiquing. Generally the cheaper the stick, the younger it will be. Some may need at least a few months and some, even more expensive cigars can benefit from 6 months rest to a year or more. It’s always fun to lay down at least one of most every type for 1, 2, 3 or 4 years just to see how they do.

The flipside of this becomes apparent with certain, quality smokes. Some, like the PAM (Padron Anniversario Maduro,) for example, are pretty well ready to go and may actually lose some of their character with too much humi time.

Keep a journal

Most of us here have been, and will continue to buy 5-packs forever... even if we have already established our favorites. You'll often hear a pro use the phrase, "my rotation," for example. But there's nothing like always having new cigars to sample!

A contribution from Smelly4tay...

A little info on cigar aging....copy & paste.

.... the cigars go to the aging room, where the media-ruidas are placed in cedar cabinets called escaparates. Each factory ages their cigars for a certain amount of time. The Fuentes typically age their cigars for at least a year, with the Don Carlos and Hemmingway lines undergoing a eighteen month period of aging, and the Opus X, Anejo, Diamond Crown, and Ashton VSG lines undergoing an aging period of two years. Most cigars made by Altadis undergo an aging period at the factory of six months, and end up undergoing about a year's aging by the time they hit the shelves, as they are first transported by ship from the Dominican Republic, and then transported to the stores by ground. Carribe's cigars undergo an aging period of six weeks, which is sufficient to dry out the cigars, as the cigars straight off the bench are somewhat wet, and will burn and taste differently. Carribe’s cigars also get a good deal of aging in during transport by ship from Honduras to Florida... Furthermore, cigars need to age at least a year. Cigars are best smoked during the first three months after they are rolled, or a year after they are rolled. During that nine-month period, known to aficionados as "the sick period," cigars are relatively tasteless compared to the brash young cigars, and the much more refined cigars that have been aged a year or more. From the one-year mark on, cigars will get more refined as time goes by. Typically the flavor peaks after about five years for cigars from the Dominican Republic and Mexico, and peaks at fifteen years for cigars from anywhere other than the Dominican Republic and Mexico. Practically every single cigar available on the shelves of tobacconists in the US has been properly aged, and "the sick period" is something that only people who smoke Cuban cigars should worry about.

Seasoning Humidors...

Any new Cedar lined Humidor will require "Seasoning" before you can place your precious babies inside. This is the process of slowly bringing the humidity inside up to the desired humidity of 65 to 73% (I prefer 68. Most wouldn't go over 70).

Here's an excerpt from the...

http://www.cigargroup.com/faq/

***I can't get the humidity in my humidor high enough!***

Be patient! A new wooden humidor will take up to 3 weeks to stabilize. Misting the interior lightly with distilled water can hasten the process in a new box, but only patience will stabilize it. Don't try to rush a new humidor....

Also, is your hygrometer calibrated correctly? 70% is the "correct" storage level, but since many new analog (dial-type) hygrometers are as much as 20% out of calibration when received, you should verify its accuracy before trusting it.

Check the lid. Is it a tight seal? Looking along the "crack", can you see daylight through it? In dry weather, this small crack can result in enough moisture loss to limit the humidity...

If you've checked the cal and the lid, the problem's almost gotta’ be in the way the exterior wood is finished and sealed. You see, the moisture must be going somewhere.... Moisture will readily seep right through the wood of a poorly sealed humidor - especially in the dry season. Be sure the bottom is properly finished (and sealed)!!! This is a common oversight of home-finished boxes. You can check if poorly sealed wood is your problem, simply enough. Put the whole system into a tightly sealed plastic bag (with wet credo and hygrometer inside), and let it sit for 3 days. Did the humidity come up? If so, you'll have to seal the exterior of your box better. (See section on humidor finishing)

Trading...

If you're looking to make some trades, or perhaps just looking to broaden your horizons, there are several, newbie trade threads on the "TRADES" board. At press time they’re up to 24 now. May not answer all you questions, but should get you started. There are some real cool BOTLs and SOTLs over there that get a kick out of spreading the love to worthy brothers and sisters.

(A helpful hint from Leoscat)

“Don’t jump into a thread and get all offended by the banter of the ol’ timers. Keep in mind that what may seem mean spirited to you may just be playful banter between old friends.”

(I deleted the links because several of you said they didn't work. If you would like to find the 'working' links and post them, please feel free)

Watch out for E-Chick! She's a bad, bad girl!

{ =^ )

(“Esplendido Chick”/Marla hasn’t been around in awhile, but I’m leaving this here as something of an homage. She was a real credit to these boards!)

Remember to post an introduction after you've read the above. And above all, just have fun!

Thanks
ZRX1200 Offline
#2 Posted:
Joined: 07-08-2007
Posts: 60,476
I like cello on.
rah0785 Offline
#3 Posted:
Joined: 01-26-2011
Posts: 946
ZRX1200 wrote:
I like cello on.




YOU WOULD!
TrishS@CigarBid Offline
#4 Posted:
Joined: 06-13-2001
Posts: 3,172
ZRX1200 wrote:
I like cello on.


More protection???
DrafterX Offline
#5 Posted:
Joined: 10-18-2005
Posts: 98,508
TrishS@CigarBid wrote:
The original author was long-time forum member sketcha. I haven't seen him around here for a while but want to give him props for doing all the leg-work.




I heard he was banned.... Mellow
ZRX1200 Offline
#6 Posted:
Joined: 07-08-2007
Posts: 60,476
He should have been a ******** member.
gimbel Offline
#7 Posted:
Joined: 02-04-2010
Posts: 11,148
I'm picking my jaw up off the floor at the sight of a sticky post!

Thanks Trish.
gimbel Offline
#8 Posted:
Joined: 02-04-2010
Posts: 11,148
Too bad it doesn't work like it's supposed to.
TIGERCDW Offline
#9 Posted:
Joined: 09-17-2009
Posts: 7,897
gimbel wrote:
Too bad it doesn't work like it's supposed to.


At least you got what you wanted.

I don't even know what the hell a sticky is.

Actually I don't give a shyt what a sticky is as long as theses so called stickies don't screw up what's left of this forum.

TIGER
gimbel Offline
#10 Posted:
Joined: 02-04-2010
Posts: 11,148
A sticky post is one that stays at the top of the page regardless of the last post to the thread. It makes important threads easy to find which is kinda nice considering how well the search function works here.
TIGERCDW Offline
#11 Posted:
Joined: 09-17-2009
Posts: 7,897
gimbel wrote:
A sticky post is one that stays at the top of the page regardless of the last post to the thread. It makes important threads easy to find which is kinda nice considering how well the search function works here.


Thanks for explaining it but it still does not make sense to me because you just said it would stay at the top of the page no matter what.

Well that's not true.When I just opened this it was the third on the page.

TIGER
Lancaster6802 Offline
#12 Posted:
Joined: 10-20-2011
Posts: 7,255
Learned to read.
Newbie up to date
gimbel Offline
#13 Posted:
Joined: 02-04-2010
Posts: 11,148
TIGERCDW wrote:
Thanks for explaining it but it still does not make sense to me because you just said it would stay at the top of the page no matter what.

Well that's not true.When I just opened this it was the third on the page.

TIGER

See post #8.



Still want to keep your current IT team, Svedes?
SRH1 Offline
#14 Posted:
Joined: 12-16-2009
Posts: 1,943
Trish is right about customer service. They've consistently been attentive and helpful. Give them a chance to resolve your issue before griping here. But hey, if you tried and you're still unhappy, then go ahead and vent.

Oh yeah, don't get upset with the old fuggers here who apparently failed spelling. Most can't spell for chit!
See what I mean!
gimbel Offline
#15 Posted:
Joined: 02-04-2010
Posts: 11,148
I can't complain about the customer service here. They have helped me the few times that I've had issues. Kudos to Trish for attempting to create a sticky post, its not her fault that the guys corporate is paying to take care of their site (money maker) have yet to work the bugs out of a basic system after several months. We let them know what's broken or doesn't function properly, which shouldn't be our job, and send it up to their crack team of webmasters to make reactive fixes. Part of their job should be regularly testing every aspect of this site to ensure that it functions the way it was intended to, not fix it when one of us finally gets tired of following broken links and lets them know.
dubleuhb Offline
#16 Posted:
Joined: 03-20-2011
Posts: 11,350
Sticky not stuck!
Mrs.Tank Offline
#17 Posted:
Joined: 02-15-2005
Posts: 10,047
Hey now... you asked for a sticky, you got a sticky. if it works or not - well, they tried.

(lmao - that was said with a chuckle)
gimbel Offline
#18 Posted:
Joined: 02-04-2010
Posts: 11,148
This sticky is as effective as dressing a dog as a cat for Halloween. No matter what it looks like it still barks, or in this case gets buried the same as a regular thread.
dstieger Offline
#19 Posted:
Joined: 06-22-2007
Posts: 10,889
Oh, the irony......just think, gimbel - you're helping make the CI IT dept look good by keeping this 'stuck' near the top :)
dstieger Offline
#20 Posted:
Joined: 06-22-2007
Posts: 10,889
Long lost links.....

Posterity...
http://www.cigarbid.com/...EWBIES-INFO-READ-THIS-2

Slim lighter FAQ's (one of many, actually...search for Slim's posts with "lighter" and you can learn much)
http://www.cigarbid.com/...posts/34522/Lighter-FAQ

Believe most of Viper's beads posts would be censored now, anyway. Google is your friend.

Acronyms: http://www.cigarbid.com/...d-Acronyms--500-Thread-
TrishS@CigarBid Offline
#21 Posted:
Joined: 06-13-2001
Posts: 3,172
Up top for the sticky that isn't.....
TrishS@CigarBid Offline
#22 Posted:
Joined: 06-13-2001
Posts: 3,172
up, up and away!
gimbel Offline
#23 Posted:
Joined: 02-04-2010
Posts: 11,148
Wouldn't it be easier to.... never mind, that would make too mu..... never mind again. I'm done.
dstieger Offline
#24 Posted:
Joined: 06-22-2007
Posts: 10,889
:) LOL.....TrishS must be short for TrishSticky.....nice
TrishS@CigarBid Offline
#25 Posted:
Joined: 06-13-2001
Posts: 3,172
dstieger wrote:
:) LOL.....TrishS must be short for TrishSticky.....nice



that's what it feels like these days! :)

gimbel - IT has put the forum on their project list. But as you said, we have 10 billion sites to keep up and running...that's a lotta manpower. They'll get to it. I promise. But I can't promise when.

Until then, is it really rocking your world that much? Yes I know its annoying. Trust me, I know! We're aware of it and will work on it as time allows.
Nicar Offline
#26 Posted:
Joined: 03-18-2010
Posts: 14,972
TrishS@CigarBid wrote:
that's what it feels like these days! :)

gimbel - IT has put the forum on their project list. But I said, we have 10 billion sites to keep up and running...that's a lotta manpower. They'll get to it. I promise. But I can't promise when.

Until then, is it really rocking your world that much? Yes I know its annoying. Trust me, I know! We're aware of it and will work on it as time allows.



Woowhooo.... finally, we get a number
TrishS@CigarBid Offline
#27 Posted:
Joined: 06-13-2001
Posts: 3,172
Nicar wrote:
Woowhooo.... finally, we get a number



I may have exaggerated a bit..... Sarcasm

(And don't think I didn't notice your little edit!) whip
Nicar Offline
#28 Posted:
Joined: 03-18-2010
Posts: 14,972
TrishS@CigarBid wrote:
I may have exaggerated a bit..... Sarcasm

(And don't think I didn't notice your little edit!) whip



Your edit... I cannot edit your post!!!

Now we're our puppy doggie emoticon!!!
stogiemonger Offline
#29 Posted:
Joined: 06-25-2009
Posts: 4,185
Sticky still not sticking.

Bumped for I.T dept.
TrishS@CigarBid Offline
#30 Posted:
Joined: 06-13-2001
Posts: 3,172
bumping the unsticky sticky

My magic isn't powerful enough to make this work!! :)
watchurai Offline
#31 Posted:
Joined: 09-17-2008
Posts: 9,289
Pity top.
TrishS@CigarBid Offline
#32 Posted:
Joined: 06-13-2001
Posts: 3,172
watchurai wrote:
Pity top.



LOL
Nicar Offline
#33 Posted:
Joined: 03-18-2010
Posts: 14,972
TrishS@CigarBid wrote:
bumping the unsticky sticky

My magic isn't powerful enough to make this work!! :)



You got some emoticons added, but you cannot get sticky to stick stick? Not talking
watchurai Offline
#34 Posted:
Joined: 09-17-2008
Posts: 9,289
TrishS@CigarBid wrote:
LOL


Stole it from LeHockeyDad. Herfing
stogiemonger Offline
#35 Posted:
Joined: 06-25-2009
Posts: 4,185
Bumped for IT Dept, and Scott Hicks.
dubleuhb Offline
#36 Posted:
Joined: 03-20-2011
Posts: 11,350
Brick wall
TrishS@CigarBid Offline
#37 Posted:
Joined: 06-13-2001
Posts: 3,172
dubleuhb wrote:
Brick wall



agreed!
stogiemonger Offline
#38 Posted:
Joined: 06-25-2009
Posts: 4,185
topped for the IT Dept.
dubleuhb Offline
#39 Posted:
Joined: 03-20-2011
Posts: 11,350
dubleuhb wrote:
Brick wall

Brick wall
TrishS@CigarBid Offline
#40 Posted:
Joined: 06-13-2001
Posts: 3,172
dubleuhb wrote:
Brick wall



Back to the top with the non-sticky sticky
TrishS@CigarBid Offline
#41 Posted:
Joined: 06-13-2001
Posts: 3,172


happy Friday!
Lancaster6802 Offline
#42 Posted:
Joined: 10-20-2011
Posts: 7,255
TrishS@CigarBid wrote:
happy Friday!

Happy friday to you too! Im happy cause i won my auction of Tatuaje La Casita Criolla
05busa Offline
#43 Posted:
Joined: 01-02-2007
Posts: 97,187
What da
stogiemonger Offline
#44 Posted:
Joined: 06-25-2009
Posts: 4,185
Daily "Pity Top"

Bumped for I.T. Dept.
TrishS@CigarBid Offline
#45 Posted:
Joined: 06-13-2001
Posts: 3,172
stogiemonger wrote:
Daily "Pity Top"

Bumped for I.T. Dept.



LOL Thanks stogie! Your help is greatly appreciated!!
skinnykenny Offline
#46 Posted:
Joined: 01-07-2011
Posts: 1,043
Herfing Herfing Herfing Shouldn't an edit to the original post that was edited include a research on thonginator Think Herfing Herfing Herfing
TrishS@CigarBid Offline
#47 Posted:
Joined: 06-13-2001
Posts: 3,172
skinnykenny wrote:
Herfing Herfing Herfing Shouldn't an edit to the original post that was edited include a research on thonginator Think Herfing Herfing Herfing



I think that's against the Constitution... something about cruel and unusual punishment.

Besides, don't we want the newbies to hang around?
TIGERCDW Offline
#48 Posted:
Joined: 09-17-2009
Posts: 7,897
See the sticky is still stuck not stickin'

TIGER
TrishS@CigarBid Offline
#49 Posted:
Joined: 06-13-2001
Posts: 3,172
TIGERCDW wrote:
See the sticky is still stuck not stickin'

TIGER



Yeah.....what Tiger said..... Brick wall
stogiemonger Offline
#50 Posted:
Joined: 06-25-2009
Posts: 4,185
Daily "Pity Top" for the sticky that don't stick.
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