Many of the best guys that have ever participated in this forum have been driven away in less than the last year ... emgjet is a perfect example of that ... I can name more than 3 dozen guys who no longer post here that were real stalwarts ... to me, there is NO excuse in the world for all of the crap that has taken over what WAS a really good forum ... it just isn't the same anymore ... maybe there's no going back, but there SHOULD be ...

I agree with everyyhing you've said Steve, but I want to point out just one thing. 2 people alone on any thread cannot take over a forum with an argument or disagreement.

It takes the rest of you, that cant help but put in your 2cents, to add fuel to the disagreement, and top the subject over & over. Thats what keeps these types of threads alive.

There are 4 boards, 200 threads at all times available. How can a dispute on 1 thread or 2 take over these forums?

NOBODY can make others post. If others just ignored a negative thread without adding comments, it would dissapear in no time. Its very simple.

Mag

If it were only two people on one thread, you're absolutely right ... the crap would sink into oblivion in no time ... problem is, it's far more than two people and it's many threads ... not only the personal arguments and disputes, but a serious degradation of the whole nature of the forum ... not all, by any means, but way too many of the threads have taken on a tone reminiscent of jr high kids writing on rest room walls ...

Ed's gone because he apparently felt his integrity had been demeaned ... Mag, you were gone too, but have chosen to return, hopefully to stay and make the sort of positive contribution you're so capable of making if you can avoid entanglement in controversial issues ... problem is, too many guys figure the best way to avoid the controversy is to log off and stay logged off ... and IMNSHO, that's a real crime ... we are poorer by their having left ...

Mag, just as it's good you've not logged off to stay, it would also be good if all those many others could see their way clear to do likelwise ...

Amen SteveS. It isn't Mag and it wasn't any one person who is causing this trend to leave. Even Digisle could not have caused the trouble he did if folks didn't stoop to his childish level. I am tired of the personal attacks on character and physical attributes being thrown around a board where I want to discuss cigars. I don't post often anymore because I won't post on threads that have taken that turn. The entire board is worse than it was a few months ago when everyone called for reform. I guess the new poeople didn't have to go through that and so they aren't walking carefully. I doubt that the CBid staff would even post anymore.. they probably don't even want to be reading this stuff.

If somebody doesn't like you.. ignore them. If you don't like somebody.. ignore them. If you don't like a post.. ignore it. If you don't like a picture.. ignore it.

I, myself have considered leaving the board just because it gets too hard to find civil discussions. If it weren't for the b-day club and the box pass and the few friends I have acquired here, I probably would have.

Just MHO
Dan (JustDanD)

I ain't goin' nowhere!! If you don't like me, try harder. LOL........


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-----JustDanD wrote: ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I , myself have considered leaving the board just because it gets too hard to find civil discussions. If it weren't for the b-day club and the box pass and the few friends I have acquired here, I probably would have.
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Good points, Dan ... particularly about the friends acquired here ...

I have so much to say from experience on this subject but will try to be brief...

I've been accused, defamed, inflamed, berated and belitted...I've been picked apart for what I wear, the color of my hair, being a woman, and my opinions.

I've flamed back in self-defense and childishly (out of frustration) name called...all because of my politics, religion, and the way that I think, write, act, look and for posting things that I find humor in...

It's a public forum and I am Jane Q. Public, poster at large...

Yeah, I have pissed off and annoyed some here...but it's been reciprocated. I have had comments made in regards to me from some that intentionally wanted to hit me where it hurts...relentlessly. So much so, that I felt the need to leave. Not with my tail between my legs, but because I am not the monster that I was made out to be...and the people that are important in my life KNOW that.

This *place* could dry up and disappear with or without you or me. If one or two of us decide that we are done, then so be it. If one or two of us decide to keep the flames flaming, then so be it. It's not a sad day that someone in particular was offended...it's life. We choose how to deal with it on our own terms.

Like so many have said before, if *you* choose to leave, we may miss you, but so long! If you choose to stay, well, then good for you.

Of course there are friendships that have been formed here. Some of us have met, some of us may never. The bottom line for me is this...you have to take it as it comes. This isn't a required course. It's an elective.

The more people that are onboard here, the better off we collectively will be, as far as knowledge and trades go...right? The more the merrier. Each one of us has positevly contributed in some way to at least one other person seeking information - cigar or otherwise.

Be good to one another or not...it's up to you...the repercussions will be apparent. I don't have to like you and vice versa. BUT we have a commonality...THE PURSUIT OF FINE CIGARS AND THINGS RELATED TO SUCH.

And THAT should be the key factor as to why we are here.

Long live the BOTL and sisters too!

Damn, E-chick...you really get me goin'...

Well said!!!

Are you married?

LMAO @ Billy..

Well Said E!!!

Hog