Here's the strange question of the week. How do you feel about the people you interact with on the BBs (not talking about those you've actually met in person)? Do you think of them as friends, acquintances, or is some cyberword needed to describe these relationships? Do you like them? Do you care what they think of you? Are you concerned with what goes on in their lives? How satisfying are these relatively sterile "virtual" relationships of the need for human companionship?

Let the flaming begin, I guess. I hope a few of you will provide serious answers. If you don't want to post answers to such off the wall questions, e-mail me.

mr_reddoch(at)yahoo(dot)com.

Great question! Feel like I have met many new friends on THIS BB! It is great to exchange barbs, fun stuff and to just carry on a 'conversation' regarding cigars, world affairs and other issues!

Even though we do not all agree on politics, cigars and entertainment, we share a kinship that is truly unique!

Do not need to get to mushy with this, but yes, I consider you guys and gals my friends!

Charlie

This is by far the best board out there on cigars and other topics that happen to surface. So far, everyone I've come in contact with either through trades or correspondence has been a welcomed experience; and the best part is that on this trade board, nobody knows how to count (including myself!).

I'll take you up on it...

I can't say that neither when I type to you guys nor when I get replies do I get the warm and fuzzies. But I do enjoy reading some of the ideas, answers, comments and wit (or lack thereof) that everyone posts. Some make me laugh and some make me think. Any one who can make me laugh or smile, I'll call a friend. A simple bond (like the love of cigars) is a great starting place for a friendship.

I don't agree with Rick’s politics, but if we ran into each other in Vegas, I'd call him a friend.

I don't ride like USAHOG, but if we crossed paths at a roadside stop, I'd call him friend.

I'm not in the military like smithbw, but I'm grateful for what he does for this country and me therefore, I'll always call him friend.

So I suppose I'd say "friend" to each one of you.

I'm off the soapbox now.

Next...

M

There are some good folks here, some I've met, others I've only corresponded with. Many here I that I consider good friends that I am confident I can leanon as well as they know they can lean on me.

Lean on me! When your not strong.

sorry, got caught up in the feeling.

I am not nearly as involved on this BB as I am on several others, however, I view the people whom I speak with to the same reguard and esteem of my friends whom I see regularly.

Most large and interactive BB's are like a family. There are people you like and those who you don't. Typically BB's are set with a common theme, which goes to help solidify the bonds of kinship between its patrons.

They're my good friends.....in the MATRIX. X

[temporarily taking over eleltea's computer]

X's real name is Neo

--Morpheus

I think we share a common bond in cigars. From that we've branched out and exposed our "inner-selves". We share ideas, tastes and mostly kid around and jostle each other. It's amazing what you learn when you're exposed to people with similar tastes.

In the span of my life I've come to a certainty that there's certain sects of people that are all right, generally speaking of course! Golfers, boaters, fishermen, cyclists and cigar smokers. Hard to find the bad apples!

While I haven't met any of you in person, I feel that I know several on a "personal" level. While this type of conversation isn't a replacement for face-to-face verbalization it is what I thought the internet was made for. An outlet to reach the far corners of the earth.

Ditto X and Meanie

I have considered this question myself. Being a stay at home Dad, I currently have no peer group I can regularly interact with. I got used to that in the Navy and it can be a great comfort. I guess this is my psuedo peer group. We share experiances and, like in any other setting, we draw conclusions and form opinions about each other. It's nice to post something and have someone react in a positive way. It's great to post a pic and receive some nice comments. Sometimes ANY reaction is great! I would say, speaking for myself, we are acquaintances. Though I am sure upon meeting I could quickly become friends with many of you.

This is a very deep question you have asked. As most that have been on the internet for 5 yrs or more know, you build relationships over time. Some meet online and go on to get married.

Although online nor the telephone can take the place of shaking someone's hand face to face, substantial friendships can be built online on a bulletin board or otherwise. I consider many of you aqauintances and some friends. To me, I would invite a friend to my house, but find reluctance in inviting an aquaintance.

You see, all relationships are built on some type of foundation.. whether it be meeting at a herf, a tobacconist, vacation, or over the phone (ie.. suppliers etc.) Although you may never have met them in person, you feel like you can discuss things with them that you would not talk to family about.

I guess it goes back to you as a person and if you are insecure in the real world, or uncomfortable dealing with people in general.

RJ