Guys - Rod really doesn't deserve this and I ask that you please cut him a tad bit of slack. He has proven himself over the last six years to be a good guy - and he established a cigar board community which is currently experiencing some "issues" but generally is a great place to hang out. The growth of the place has been phenominal, but as a result the number of asshats showing up will match that growth. It's a very frustrating problem, and is much more a complex issue to deal with than here. I sincerely hope Hex never has to be in Rod's position, but I'm sure Hex's vision would be to see this place become something like CigarPass in size - so it's inevitable.
I think the whole episose between Rod and CC will be worked out. What I'm VERY concerned about is the backlash this whole situation has created. The bigger issue is who this person was who violated a trust. That really has caused an uproar in three different cigar communities. Whoever captured this conversation said in frustration and passed it along to Rod had only one thing in mind - to cause maximum damage to CC's reputation. If I were Rod and read what was in that thread I'd be pissed as hell. But, and I think Rod understands this (I'm not going to speak on his behalf) given the context in which it was said you could understand what CC was doing. Should he not have posted what he did? You betcha - and I think CC will address that with Rod. But the fact remains - whoever passed that info on to Rod should be drawn, quartered, tarred and feathered. That really was low - and in my estimation - was done with maliciousness at heart. I really would like their explanation as to why they did it - because it may have been something entirely innocent - we don't know because we've not been offered an explanation.
Also, I believe I know Rod as much as I know Hex. Both are very great guys. I may be wrong, but I really find it hard to believe either would attempt to hack into another cigar board to "spy". It is not in either of their character's. If I learned otherwise I would feel very much confused and betrayed.
Bottom line - this whole situation has three cigar communities left trying to recover from this mess. Some members in those communities will just let it go because, after all, the discussion is about cigars not drama. But - there are those in those three communities who have developed deep friendships and those friendships are really being tested right now. This is tearing apart the family. I hope it not only resolves itself, but it also leads to a tighter bond between us. And I hope relationships like the one between CC and Rod can be repaired - it will take some doing, but I really think it's worth it in the long run.
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