FYI, what follows is a small sampling of the responses I've received in personal e-mails to my thoughts expressed on the board tonight ... each of these responses came from a person whose name would be instantly recognized by anyone who's been on CBid more than 6 months ... these are people whom I've come to regard as personal friends, although I've had the opportunity to meet only one of them in person. All are people that are (or have been) highly respected members of this forum.

In reading them, it's clearly evident that more than a small degree of dis-satisfaction exists with the tone and tenor seen on the board lately. Some, as you can see, are tired of trying to change things, some aren't sure if change can be effected ... but we would ALL benefit from the return to active posting of each and every one of these gentlemen ... their cumulative knowledge and wisdom is invaluable in a forum such as this one aspires to be.


------------------------------------------------------
"Hear, hear. Well said. It's all about lighthearted fun, given and taken in the honest effort to develop in cyberspace what's hard enough to develop in person ... friendship
------------------------------------------------------

"My reply will most likely my last post to CB"
------------------------------------------------------

"I'm going to pay more attention to not responding to any of the sophomoric postings from others and to keep my tone in check as well ... If nobody responds to their (stuff), then maybe they'll go elsewhere or get the boot from Gonz."
------------------------------------------------------

"Couldn't agree more. If it's not fun, I try not to get involved. Why some people are so angry all the time is beyond me ... (that type) finally succeeded in doing away with (another board) ... I hope Keith and Gonz don't let that happen here."
------------------------------------------------------

"My advice to you is to invite all of the people you know are very good people over to (another board) but please be sure to leave the (others) behind."
-------------------------------------------------------

"I have to agree with you about the changing tone of the CBID BB ... It seems lately that there is so much BS to sift through to get to something that is of interest to me. I find that I don't even open half of the topics to read further. In the old days, it seemed that almost every topic was enjoyable reading"
------------------------------------------------------

re: posts on the board lately: " ... there didn't seem to be anything worth responding to"
------------------------------------------------------

"I agree, there's not as much fun as there used to be"
------------------------------------------------------

"I've been reading the boards but not posting too much. You're right about (stuff)lately going in a different direction."
------------------------------------------------------

" ... you are correct ... I don't post much on the boards anymore ... used to feel like a family ... its lost a lot of its appeal. I often think of the great guys I have met and regret that I don't find much pleasure in it at present."
------------------------------------------------------

"... I don't know that much can be done"
------------------------------------------------------

"... there is quite a bit more BS than informative and intellectual insight. Maybe the forum is burnt out ... I sometimes wonder if this is the sign of things to come or just a passing stage"
------------------------------------------------------

"I read some of the posts but don't have a real desire to "get involved" so to speak ... I don't really like some of the personalities who post ALL THE TIME! ... I'm not sure anything could, be done about it ..."

The one thing that's been lost in this is the effect on CBID. I think people would have to be crazy not to think that the loss of members to the forums has had some effect on these members purchases from cbid. Hence the reason that Cbid would agree that the BB should be cleaned up to its original respectful light hearted exchange.

Couldn't agree more with Chris Wilhelmi on his thoughts. I enjoy the banter and the exchanges, but some of gotten downright nasty at times. We seem to have a "Band of Brothers" (you to Marla) who take positions pro and con on issues, but let us keep them fun and light hearted.

Maybe bring back the Sports board, or an entertainment board. I know that I have found many friends on this site and intend to stay in touch with them either on this board or personal emails, phone etc. Having been the target of a December bombing (it could not have come at a better time) I know that I will participate when called upon to bomb someone else.

I enjoy the board and the folks that are posting on it. but Marla (echick) posted a missing in action posting and it was sort of sad to see the roll call of those that have dropped for some reason or another. I have been here for 2 years and 6 months give or take a day or two, and I intend to stay.

Smoke em if you got em

Charlie

I seem to have missed quite a few more, i.e., iquester...

I was going to post the missing in action thread earlier but was interrupted...then, I spoke with SteveS in regards to this and I was moved to post it.

I would really like Squattro aka Squatty to come back too...haven't seen him in ages...

As always, if you have a problem with me or just want to stay in touch...you can get me at

marla p f (at) excite (dot) com

(hope that messes up the spambots)

Laughingly, a couple of the people who are the problem, but were never identified, started up their own string. They got into a fight.

Doesn't take too much sh!7 to attract the cockroaches.

Steve,I'msorry but I expect better from you.

JJ is not amused,whish you all luck in 1984.

JJ

Looks like you're outnumbered, Jim ... LOL!

We shal see Slimeboli,we shal see.You being one of the pricipal offenders kind of cracks me up but we shal see.

You got it all wrong, jj ... granted, I've reacted poorly at times, and let myself get out of contol, and I'll admit that.

You may call it 'whining', but over the long haul, I've always had the best intrests for these forums at heart.

Right on, Steve. I am a big kidder, but flame wars and mean-spiritedness don't amuse me at all. If it were my BBS, a first time offender would get retired for a cooling off session, then maybe, depending on the egregiousness of the offense, allowed back with one more chance before suspension for life.

The thing most of us have in common is a passion for cigars and a quest for the best cigars we can get a good price on. Having a little fun along the way makes a big happy family.

There is forum for angry cigar smokers who write on bathroom walls. You'll find all the rats who sunk Juliette Romeo's ship there, at the Hotel Papa, happily flinging offal at each other in what they call a free for all. I hope Keith and Gonz gives some of our would-be shipwreckers the URL and the boot before they scuttle Charlie Bravo.

LOL @ eleltea ... too funny ... Hotel Papa, that's pretty good, and I agree.

Is this really a problem? Admittedly, I don't read every thread on this board so I don't see all the stuff you guys are all worked up about. Quite often I'll open up a thread that starts out with a few well articulated thoughts then turns down another path as certain people persist in making offensive remarks or personal attacks. It's a shame it happens but it's just like any other conversation I may become involved in. If I don't like I get out of it. I close the thread and move on. I don't feel a need to reply most of the time or encourage the bad behaviour.

Some of this is done as humor. Sadly, most of you aren't comedians and you miss the mark. Nothing wrong with some good natured ribbing but it tends to turn nasty fairly quickly. And there are a few regulars here who are constantly ridiculed for their opinions. Having been around this board for a few years now I'd say one thing about them. At least they have the balls to make statements or express opinions that they believe in, even when they know they will be personally attacked.

As far as CBid is concerned, this is "THEIR" board. If they don't like something, they'll handle it. They make the rules and should enforce them. I don't know how often they yank a thread because it's offensive but I imagine it's not too often. I seldom see comments from the CBid staff reminding us of the rules or letting us know things are getting out of hand.

I've found that name calling and personal attacks usually result when a person is unable to present a well thought out, intelligent reply to a statement or opinion that is different from their own. Everythiing gets brought down to the lowest common denominator. I don't like you so nothing you have to say is worth listing to, and you're an idiot!

It seems there are self appointed watchdogs that feel compelled to act on CBid behalf. Maybe they have control issues, I don't know. I'll just keep opening the posts that sound interesting and reading until it goes sour (like so many of them do). This thread will probably be in the toilet by the end of the day.

Well said penzt8, additionally, I find it amusing that those who profess to be "above it all" have no problem slinging a little mud at those they may not like or agree with. Somehow, their mud doesn't seem dirty? Interesting... Oh, and anyone silly enough to think that folks who don’t post, don’t shop doesn’t understand the basic laws of economics :o)

Robby - aka G.O.B.P. - I think that anyone who understands marketing would also realize that the proximity to the sales side and the discussions within the forum spur additional purchases, so when people leave the forums, they probably buy less... I could be wrong....

And the mud? BTW, Robby who? The mud? Seems like some folks think their own mud doesn't stink? Never observed any of that? Not you personally, but others? Living in glass houses? With granite counter tops?

If 4 out of 5 people SUFFER from diarrhea...Does that mean the fifth one enjoys it?

Here are just a couple of examples of what I’m talking about;

1. I agree 110% ... and it's not in my best interests to have to take on the role of the so-called 'Lord of Discipline' and 'Slim-Slap' those who don't have a clue. It would be such a relief if I didn't have to go there ... This is coming from someone who espouses “a better tone” wouldn’t a better tone be to live and let live? Why should people “need to be slapped”? Isn’t that part of the problem and not the solution?

2. Here’s another, “Keep it up R and there will be few left in which one may converse.” A bit personal? No? All in the name of civility, of course this person’s dirt is clean.

3. I'm going to pay more attention to not responding to any of the sophomoric postings from others and to keep my tone in check as well. I’m curious, why would this maven of the boards, a “well respected individual who we would all recognize” need to “keep their tone in check?” Wouldn’t it by default be in-check?

4. I don't really like some of the personalities who post ALL THE TIME! ...Ahhh, now we’re getting down to the meat of it. Silence the dissenters? And in this boar maven’s “humble opinion” how often should one be allowed to post? And should that number vary based on this most excellent judge of opinion’s position on the subject or philosophy of the poster? That sounds very Fahrenheit 451 of them, don’t you think?

5. Here’s another, “, a couple of the people who are the problem, but were never identified, started up their own string. They got into a fight. Doesn't take too much sh!7 to attract the cockroaches. . Judging, mud slinging, but it’s my mud, so it’s ok, only other peoples mud is dirty, mine is just fine.

It’s quite amazing really. The elitist mentality. The “judges” and the king Judge. Occasionally a war breaks out. As it did yesterday, but on-the-whole, it’s not as bad as some of the nabobs have made it out to be. Not the utopian “paradise” they may wish for, but not the “apocryphal” apocalyptic view expressed by some of the more “sensitive” posters here either. It’s cigars. Relax, light one up. Quit trying to practice picking BB’s up with you cheeks. Quit walking around smoking cigars with your little pinky finger extended and your nose in the air. Get over yourselves and lighten up…

Grizzled.Old.Board.Purest

i thought it was nose extended and finger in the air.

boy, live and learn.

What I would like to know is who called China and who is this Chang person who is going to straighten out this board. JonR

((((Tap)))) (((((TAP))))) ((((((TAP)))))

is this thing on??? Hello??? I think we got a bad connection... Hello??? is their anybody Out there???

Tear Down the Wall!!!!!!


Ahem... I've Said too much as usual!!!! LMAO!!!!!

Hog

btw Raydar that would be Fly's... Cockroaches only come out in darkness but fly's are on crap all the time.. Light comes on Cockroaches disappear!!!!!