I want to start off by apologizing as I did not see all the controversy coming. I didn't know about the candy bar and tootsie roll packaging until I saw this thread. I sent David a PM on facebook and here's exactly what is said:
"You might want to check some of the cigar boards. You're candy bar approach to packaging some cigars is not a big hit with the online cigar community. Might want to address it."
I don't know if this is an issue on any other boards as I don't have time to be on multiple boards and choose to spend what time I do have (when I'm not trying to find work and build my photography portfolio), on here. I did want to give him a chance to explain his side of the story and to address the concerns ON HERE. I listened to the podcast and read his response and, while he did the podcast first, then had a chance to recant some of the things he said on here, I'm sorry to my fellow BOTLs who got caught up in the name-calling and take full responsibility for what happened.
As far as Rich goes, you sir, need to remove your head from your ass as you've done nothing but stoke the fire and stir what was calming down. You have no history here and don't know anyone here. For you comment on their intelligence and business sense shows how mis-informed and judgmental you are. At least David admitted he was wrong in reacting as strongly as he did toward some of the comments and people here. I have been a member on here for the last 4 years and have interacted with many of the people here. These are some of the finest BOTL's I've encountered on any of the forums I've been a member of. These people have pulled together when another BOTL have gone through financial problems, family problems, natural disasters, cigar packages to the troops, etc and helped that person out. Hell, I've been on the receiving end on some of support and can tell you that the people on here that you call cowards, 5th graders, lacking education, etc are the salt of the earth. I would GLADLY associate myself with this "bunch of 5th graders" than I would with judgmental assholes who have no idea who are what they are talking about....in other words, folks like yourself.
To my fellow BOTLs on here, please accept my apologies for what happened. It was never my intent to hurt anyone on here. I wanted a B&M owner to have the chance to address the concerns that were voiced and explain his side of things. I never intended for anyone on here to get insulted and attacked personally and had no idea that his reaction would be as strong as it was. I take full responsibility for that and I sincerely apologize to anyone who was attacked and to Eric for bringing this to the board. I'm sorry.