Some advice for people seeking that which is not easily obtained...

[ggiese]

In a private message, someone asked me about my opinions of online Cuban cigar sources a few months back. I would like to share what I wrote back:

The issue is not so much what I do or do not do when it comes to ordering cigars. It's very much what YOU should do or not do when ordering. While very tempting from the outset at some very nice deals, you really should see, hear, experience all of the sights, sounds and smells of any cigar board (particularly Smokers) and keep your ear to the ground while you're here. It's no big deal for me to list a set of URL's you may want to use - but - the reason people are so protective of those URL's is because everyone really hates to spoil a good thing. If every member that walked in was immediately given "the list" - it would not take long before those sources were no longer available. But - you will develop that list over time - trust me in that...

And - unless you really know what you're doing (no - not think you know, but REALLY know), you will definitely get burned (in so many ways, it's hard to put into writing). Too many have bought one thing only to later learn they'd bought something entirely different. There was a very recent dust up on another cigar board - which actually factionalized the place - because someone bought very rare cigars only to be horribly burned with some very poor fakes. Thousands of dollars was floating around - many are still trying to recoup their losses - and people are still very pissed off that things went the way they did. I look at the situation as humorous - because I saw all of the earmarks of a truck coming that was going to flatten some people - and they were not even the least bit aware it was coming (despite the very loud sounds of blaring air horns well before the crash happened). And the incredible arrogance of that group made the crash that much sweeter for me.

The best thing that has happened by you stumbling into Smokers is you're amongst some of the most incredible people you will ever meet - that's why we defend this place so staunchly. Sit back, relax and enjoy the company - and you never know what kind of useful information may come your way... Just have patience, grasshopper.

If your purpose here for is to develop sources, be forewarned - You will not find comfort in this community - please move on now to another board. There are several out there that will cater to your whims.

If you're interested in the mutual camaraderie of cigar smoking - you've found a great place. Primarily because we do not offer comfort in this community for those that are focused on developing sources above developing friendships.

Bottom line: the people that are the core of this place (FOG's), value friendships more than they value sources.

...and if you're intent upon using this boards resources (i.e. PM, chat rooms, etc) to do your box splits/purchases/trades covertly - knock it off now. If I get wind of it - I will be the first to bring it out into the community so that you can face the scrutiny of those that will not tolerate bringing this board down because someone was righteously burned for not heeding proper advice.