If you've been reading the dust up in Sid's "I'm pissed off..." thread, then I believe you can surmise there is not "walking on eggshells". You can either choose to stay out of the discussions, or you can defend adding your .02. It's really as simple as that.

Remember, though - your reputation may be called into question and you're going to have to answer for that. If you don't have a reputation established in the overall cigar board community , it doesn't automatically mean your opinion will not be accepted. Each time you present logical, well thought out arguments lends to your credibility. Before you know it, you will establish your reputation (good or bad).

The other thing only time will do for you here is seeing people come and go. Especially those that are obviously complete morons. That doesn't happen very often, but when it does it certainly opens your eyes to why there is an unofficial "testing" of newbies (the wariness some express in new thoughts or opinions).

At the end of the day - no matter what - it's really about the cigar... I hope at some time in the not too distant future you get the opportunity to herf with some of the members of these cigar boards. It's a VERY enlightening experience - one that you will be EXTREMELY grateful for - and it will open your eyes as to the tenacity these boards are defended. You will meet some incredibly nice and generous strangers.