180 degrees at Club Stogie

[opus]

A PM I received recently got me to thinking (scary thought) about my reasons for participation at CS, and how they have turned around 180.
I came to CS when some posts turned up in a search I was doing for information on detecting fake Cuban cigars. "WOW! lots of good info on this site, I can learn a lot". 1st priority was gaining info on everything cigars. This lasted for a good while, then I slipped into enjoying the trades, passes, group buys, bombs, etc. as being most important to me. As I progressed the reason I now enjoy CS the most came to the forefront, the friendships. I have a lot of friendships I highly value through my association with Club Stogie. I know it has been said before, it just struck me as interesting that my values had done a complete 180 through my experiences at CS.

At first the priority order was: #1 information #2 deals/trades #3 friendships Now the order is reversed #1 friendships #2 deals/trades #3 information. I suppose this is a normal, healthy evolution. The friendships have transcended the boundaries of CS and enriched my life in many ways. Thank all of you, and thanks Club Stogie for facilitating my personal growth.

[Mr.Maduro]

Great post Skip!! I'm glad I've experienced all 3 because of you! Info, trades, friendship!

[68TriShield]

I concur 100%

[elderboy02]

Originally Posted by 68TriShield

I concur 100%

[FriendlyFire]

Amen

[rottenzombie]

I agree 100%

[muziq]

Nicely put. Possibly sticky-worthy, as I think many new members could benefit from adopting a similar perspective.

[dustinhayden]

Great post and perspective!

[Bear]

Well put!

[smitdavi]

My perception changed when I started meeting BOTL's in person for herfing...then the board became more than just a board

[Dux]

Sounds Right to me

[icehog3]

Couldn't agree more Skip, and I am glad to call you "friend".

[Addiction]

I'm about the same, that the friendships are the most important and information second. I actually hate doing trades specifically because I hate packing up my end and going to the PO so except for a very occaional trip to the PIF thread I won't be doing anymore of these at all.

[Rolando]

I am still on number 1. Gaining new info and imparting the info I have learned over the years.

I am not sure when I will be comfortable moving on to 2. Trading is probably my lowest priority.

I would not be opposed to making new friends. But I guess until I share my address and whatnot it might be hard.

[floydpink]

Very well put.

I found CS by mistake when I was googling around looking for tips on humidors and found a link and joined. I'm really glad I did.

I have a lot of people I would consider friends here although I never actually met them.