Why I joined BOTL!

[Angry Bill]

dURING THE PAST 6-8 Months, there have been people coming from other boards in droves. I joned this board in 2007 mainly because of the knowledge about cigars and the brotherly attitude. SInce my tenure began, I believe in sharing the share, whether its my experience about certain cigars, my reviews and yes, even bombings folks. However, in these past 6-8 months, that brotherhood has diminshed by some that came from other boards that allow drama, trash talking, making stabs, thread jumping and rude behavior. That's not brotherhood.

With 1400 cigar brands around the world, no one has to agree about which cigar is the best, only that we all share a common passion. Cigars. Brothers of the Leaf, remember! It's time to stop bickering about this and that and return to why Eric and David set this board up to begin with. To give a place for people to talk civil about cigars, share knowledge and build lasting friendships. I am appauled by incidents in the past 4 days: noob bashing, trash talking, taking constant jabs at other brothers. That's not our way.

What is going to happen if this keeps up is good, knowledgable people will leave this board because the acts of a few childish members. It would be a same to have that happen as this is my home! Eric, Chuck and David, shouldn't have to lock threads. People know what is acceptable and what isn't.

Yeah, I know I am not the BOTL POLICE, nor do I want to be. I was elected BOM and BOy. Gresat honors from my peers, but nothing compared to lasting friendships I have created and will continue to create as a member of this board. I think I am a respected member and thus am entitled to my opinion, whether it is right or wrong. To me, respect is paramoount! If I have a problem with someone, I take it to PM. Not aire it in public.

Time to get back to why we joined in the first place. I joined for cigars, not drama! Howe about you!

 

[jwintosh]

lots and lots of life-long friends!!

 

[BrandonJ]

Well said as always Bill. Maybe its just the time of year as well, folks are under a increased amount of stress, venting on a forum may seem like a safe outlet to some. I know in the past few days I have had things typed out and even submitted I have gone right back and deleted or edited. It's hard not to get caught up in it at times.
Thank you for your contributions and making this the place to be Bill.

Best,
Brandon

 

[RonC]

what did i miss?

 

[Asher]

Well said, Bill, thanks. One of the main reasons I've stuck around here is the friendly, drama-free atmosphere, which is so unlike most of the internet.

 

[Hendy]

I have to agree with you Billy, whole heartedly.

I came here not knowing what the ride would be like. I have been on other boards only to find exactly what you have stated. Plenty of them out there that have no discretion on how they act and treat one another. Some beat the hell out of you just for being a newb or asking a question. Shame.

I have been here a few years and would not want to be anywhere else. I have welcomed you all into my home, shared my personal life, along with many smokes and jokes and pokes in the eye. I would really hate to lose something that has become such a large part of my life.

I have been honored twice by my peers to be BoM. An honor that I do not take lightly. I am flattered that my Brother and Sisters think highly enough of me to put me in that light and I would never let you down and would protect this site with all I have.

But, like you said. There has been an influx of new folks here that have pushed the envelope. A lot of bashing and back stabbing that, as we all know, should be taken up at a different venue (PM or phone call).

If someone has an issue with me, I would hope they would address ME. Not my brothers who I respect quite dearly.

That being said.

I love it here and plan never to leave. The BOTL is the one place we can all call home. Unless the few "bad apples" decide to plant a tree.

Thanks for your time


MY .02

 

[smokingIsh]

NO NO Drama!!! We dont want no drama!!!


Well said Billy boy!

 

[sgresso]

Well said brothers! I know if I have a different opinion about a cigar I can post my review and get good solid feedback on that. It could have been the way I had it stored or the RH that cause a less than desirable smoke. I know that I am not going to get slammed because I dislike the smoke. I smoke cigars that some pole may not like and thats ok. I also know that the great memberes have shown me smoke I may have never had the chance to try also. This board is the best on the net and I know the group will keep it that way. I hope to see the minor issues that people have can be taken to pm and not clogged on the boards. Please remember no person is worth being thrown under the bus because of ANY cigar I don't care how hard to find or Rare it is. This is my $.02 also and many have the same thoughts.

 

[bballbaby]

well said bill.

glad i missed whatever it was that has gone on in the past 4 days.

 

[Jhard1121]

I agree Bill, I joined this board to learn about cigars, but more importantly, to share my passion of cigars with people of similar minds. I did not come to get "free" cigars, or to engage in any sort of measuring contests with other guys on here. I have only been a member for a few months, but I do not know how I got along without this forum. Lets make this a forum unlike any other, no more drama! If I ever say anything incorrect or out of place, please correct me! Thank you brothers for the great time. Here's for many more years of cigar fun!

 

[Tegu]

....nothing wrong with a little drama it keeps the place interesting.

 

[strife]

If I ever say anything incorrect or out of place, please correct me!

Oh he will, in a pm. Well said Bill.

 

[dpmrpa]

Wow I must have missed something. I liked what Bill and Hendy had to say. Hope things straighten out.

 

[Hardcore]

Well said Bill. I joined because I was just getting my feet wet with cigars. This board opened up a whole new world. I had quite a few great bros help me out/ take me under their wing. Moro, Hendy, Angry Bill, & Soundwave13. I learned what brotherhood stood for & how to PIF. I love that this place was a drama free zone. I've made some great friends too as a result of this board. I too was elected a BoM & when I see all the chaos going on I don't even want to log on. I still to this day am honored to be thought of on that level by brothers on this board. I will do whatever I can do to keep this place the way it was when I joined. The way it was intended to be. We can agree to disagree, have a smoke, & relax. Please gentlemen lets take an example from the people that started this place. Sure we play around & get picked on a bit. Wade messed with me a lot when I was a newb. But I came to find out that it was because he liked me & he was a stand up guy. I've learned so much from this place that I call home. Lets work together not to screw it up.

 

[funkejj]

When I joined then my wife followed after we came because there is a ton of information here. I have had a bad dealing or two but don;t make it board knowledge. And lord knows we are all about paying it forward. I don't like drama (unless it is bombing jolietilfire) I deal enough of it every day in my job as do most of us. I avoid all of the new tat threads because I know it is going to be full of drama and they is not right. So lets all do what this place is known for and enjoy the brother hood of smoking cigars.

 

[sgresso]

the best drama is giving Jason crap about address.

 

[David]

Along with growth will come some degree of drama. The best advice we can give it to report the post since we are unable to read every thread. Offenders will be dealt with and BOTL will remain a friendly and drama free board.

 

[David]

Also, keep in mind that there is an infraction system set up so don't always assume that nothing has been done. The only ones that can see the infraction are the Admins and obviously the person who received it. I just gave an infraction last week.

 

[birdperk]

Still being new here that is why I joined here...lack of drama...My wife gives me enough drama. Well said guys!!

 

[CaTeacher]

glad i missed whatever it was that has gone on in the past 4 days.

+1

Well said guys!