An Official Web-wide Apology

[MMAB]

This is a great example of why one shouldn't waste their time buying Cuban's at this point in time.

In all sincerity I don't mean to sound like I'm saying "I told you so".

I could never understand all the supposed trouble that the Cuban manufacturers go through to make their cigar packaging difficult to duplicate. Seals, codes, holograms, etc. Because it is ALL readily available printing technology that is accessible to anyone, anywhere on the market. Even the mylar hologram seals are nothing special and I'm sure are easily duplicated. I mean we're talking about a cigar box and bands here. Not counterfeit money!

My advice, and I've said it many times. Spend your money on a great box of Dominican or Nicaraguan cigars instead. When the embargo is over, then we can all buy Cuban's with a lot less worrying.

Oblik, I admire you for your honesty.

[CoventryCat86]

This is a great example of why one shouldn't waste their time buying Cuban's at this point in time.

In all sincerity I don't mean to sound like I'm saying "I told you so".

I could never understand all the supposed trouble that the Cuban manufacturers go through to make their cigar packaging difficult to duplicate. Seals, codes, holograms, etc. Because it is ALL readily available printing technology that is accessible to anyone, anywhere on the market. Even the mylar hologram seals are nothing special and I'm sure are easily duplicated. I mean we're talking about a cigar box and bands here. Not counterfeit money!

My advice, and I've said it many times. Spend your money on a great box of Dominican or Nicaraguan cigars instead. When the embargo is over, then we can all buy Cuban's with a lot less worrying.

Oblik, I admire you for your honesty.

There are many, many people who think Cuban cigars are far superior to Dominican or Nicaraguan and if you're experienced enough with Cuban cigars and venodrs who do not sell fakes, there's really no problem here.

Many great Cuban cigars are far less expensive than "great" boxes of Dominicans and Nicaraguan cigars.

[ggiese]

This is a great example of why one shouldn't waste their time buying Cuban's at this point in time.

In all sincerity I don't mean to sound like I'm saying "I told you so".

I could never understand all the supposed trouble that the Cuban manufacturers go through to make their cigar packaging difficult to duplicate. Seals, codes, holograms, etc. Because it is ALL readily available printing technology that is accessible to anyone, anywhere on the market. Even the mylar hologram seals are nothing special and I'm sure are easily duplicated. I mean we're talking about a cigar box and bands here. Not counterfeit money!

My advice, and I've said it many times. Spend your money on a great box of Dominican or Nicaraguan cigars instead. When the embargo is over, then we can all buy Cuban's with a lot less worrying.

Oblik, I admire you for your honesty.

On the other side of that coin is the fact that we have BOTL's on these boards to "watch our backs", so to speak. There are "trusted" vendors - ones that have been used by other BOTL's that do ship quality product, at a decent price. The FOG's on the boards know who these sources are, and will help in making sure YOU don't get ripped off. Hence, the start of this whole mess with Carlos. These guys can be especially helpful if you're not sure of your source. And I would strongly suggest you check with them, even though you think you've found a great new source. Most of these guys have traded with, or know of, the vendor and can quickly tell you if it is legit.

You do what you want as far as cigar purchases. The beauty of our society is we have a whole lot of choices. This includes the Cuban cigars (even though trading, buying or selling is illegal). Some swear by them, others can take 'em or leave 'em. Personally, I think they are a nice cigar - some of the BEST, most consistent construction I've ever seen in a cigar (something they are known for), but there are some non-Cubans that blow the socks off of most Cubans - for about the same price

But in those choices you have, there are the glass-top Cohiba's a number of people swear are legit - even though it is widely publicized they are not. And the reason we join the cigar boards, admittedly, is to learn more about our "hobby" (more like "passion" for me). Every cigar person should be able to pick out a fake from a real one (Cuban and Non-Cuban - and, yes, there ARE fake Non-Cubans). And you should be able to tell how to pick out the fakes. This is an acquired (learned) skill - certainly the easiest way is to have a legit and counterfeit side by side...

As far as seals, bands, etc. - check out eBay. From time to time there are those that post "legit" Cuban cigar bands, seals (including the hologram) and boxes. It's not hard for any of us to set up a fake Cuban operation. And there is serious money to be made in this trade - which can go virtually unpunished!!! (Even though they are ripping you off!). These boards are what protect us from being ripped off - as ugly as it gets from time to time.

Carlos - thank you for your apology - it took a LOT of guts to post that. And I saw you did it elsewhere as well... I hope ALL of us have learned a valuable lesson from this episode. Any one of us can make mistakes - it's really not that hard to do - especially if you're new at this game. But, if you want to be recongnized as a stand up person - accept reponsibility, make it right - and MOVE ONE!!!

And also suggest any one on this board take from Oblik's situation

- Develop a thick skin There are bound to be those out there that will piss you off!!

- Don't be arrogant or rude when things are pointed out to you, in other words, openly accept and evaluate criticism without getting your shorts in a bundle.

- Remember, this is just a cigar discussion board - nothing more!!!

[labmonkey]

- Don't be arrogant or rude when things are pointed out to you, in other words, openly accept and evaluate criticism without getting your shorts in a bundle.

- Remember, this is just a cigar discussion board - nothing more!!!

Amen to that!

[ggiese]

- Don't be arrogant or rude when things are pointed out to you, in other words, openly accept and evaluate criticism without getting your shorts in a bundle.

- Remember, this is just a cigar discussion board - nothing more!!!

Amen to that!

You forgot this one...

- Develop a thick skin There are bound to be those out there that will piss you off!!

[labmonkey]

I agree with that one also, but the two I quoted were the ones I felt that EVERYONE involved in the earlier B.S. ignored or "forgot" somewhere along the way.

[CoventryCat86]

I agree with that one also, but the two I quoted were the ones I felt that EVERYONE involved in the earlier B.S. ignored or "forgot" somewhere along the way.

The earlier posts in this thread were well thought out ideas,contributions and points ov view by members of this community and classifing them as "B.S." is rude. So it might be nice if you'd follow the rules that you want everyoneelse to abide by.

[labmonkey]

The earlier posts in this thread were well thought out ideas,contributions and points ov view by members of this community and classifing them as "B.S." is rude. So it might be nice if you'd follow the rules that you want everyoneelse to abide by.

The B.S. I referred to was the arguments that ensued afterwards, not the ideas or contributions of any members....and I was not talking about THIS particular thread.

CC, quit trying to pick fights

as ggeise put it "openly accept and evaluate criticism without getting your shorts in a bundle."

I am NOT trying to be rude, and if you are that sensitive maybe you should take ggeise's other bit of wisdom...

"- Develop a thick skin There are bound to be those out there that will piss you off!! "

Once again, I am not trying to start anything, just stating a point of view...my apologies if any comments were misconstrued, but I feel any misunderstandings were fabricated for the sake of argument in this case....once again, my point of view based on prior experience.

My main point in all of this was that I agree whole heartedly with ggeises points listed at the end of his post.

now c'mon Coventry....gimme a big 'ol hug!!!!!