I'd Like to Try Once More

[ashauler]

This happened gradually. I didn't get an epiphany one day and decide to turn the spigot off.
Some honored my request. Others sent a 5 pack of something and asked me to just try them. If I liked them, I might review them. But most of the time, I didn't. I tried to be diplomatic and not hurt their feelings. I had a lot of boutique brands send me stuff. On average, 90% of the boutique cigars weren't very good. They were businessmen who would meet a blender and the blender would throw a dozen different sticks on the table and the business man would pick. Then he'd put his bands on the sticks and voila'.....a new cigar was born. In most cases, these cigars needed a lot of humidor time but the businessmen were anxious and impatient. They had sent their cigars to most reviewers and pressured them to publish a review ASAP. It was a shitty situation.
I'm still on the reviewer's list of a few manufacturers....Alec Bradley, La Palina and a couple others. Who turns down samples from these people?
The tool that really helped discourage the cigar guys was how I began to write. R rated. Throw in stories of drugs and sex and rock n roll.
So to answer your question, yes, it was a gradual process. It was not like hitting a light switch.
Now, I buy the cigars I review. It takes time to back your way out of something you tried so hard to accomplish. The last house brand I reviewed for an online store was back on Aug 9. I closed the door after that. And now I review a cigar when I feel like it.
Unfortunately, I did burn some bridges. The "customer" couldn't fathom that someone did not like their product. Such is life.

Except the La Palina.

Originally Posted by ashauler
Was this a freebie?

Yes. I received two.

These interrogations are getting old. If you don't want me to participate on this site, then say so. I don't know if the guys trying to catch me in a lie are moderators or management, but if you aren't, then go to the powers that be and say what you will.
I'm not going to justify myself anymore. I've said my piece. I have been truthful and sincere. Who among you haven't stepped on your dick at one time or another?
I've apologized and asked for forgiveness. I want to enjoy the fun of belonging to a forum.

This is a self-moderated forum, though we do have a moderator and there is an admin, they pretty much act at the will of the community and let things take their course. **Hint, if you wish to belong to a community, it's best to read a bit, understand the rules/practices and etiquette of that particular board before wading in.

There is little need to try and catch you in a lie man, it's simply too easy, all you have to do is read your posts.

Yes, many have stepped on their dick at one time or another. Some have recovered; many have not. What you fail to understand is that recovery is easier if you start off trying to be a botl, are honest, and simply make a mistake. That isn't the case with you, is it?