CigarLive CrossRoads Part 1 - Final Comments

[Stogie]

Originally Posted by oldpirate

Daniel: I still consider myself an FNG, -- joining last November, getting active this spring, and still with just 62 posts, but I think this forum is doing exactly what you envisioned. I've met a bunch of great fellow-Michiganders (Chubno, Deuce, Paint, Robisjebus, Dakota49) and brought along a couple of my firiends (RMPhoto and Wideboy), hosted two herfs (one at a cigar bar and one in my backyard) and am participating in a box pass. NONE of this would be happening if it were not for Cigar Live. And that's what it's all about...

Awesome, I think that we are all getting to meet new life long friends.

[Ceedee]

Being one of the people that has been here since the beginnings of CL, I can say with 100% honesty, that this place really has come a long way. I think that 99% of the journey has been positive and the site has grown with the people that have powered it's growth - that being the members. Daniel, you definitely have pushed the envelope with your amazing ideas, involvement and dedication to do MORE for the members than most people would dream of. Of course, there are many people that think you have ulterior motives (get rich), but those that know you understand that you do this because you truly love it and because of the amazing people you have attracted to this community. It really is one-of-a-kind.

When it comes to thoughts on "Where do we go now", I think that it's hard to say. So much of what CL is now, has really come about in the last 3-6 months. There really is a LOT of stuff happening and a LOT for you to do. My gut feeling is, that the site may need to take stock if you will. Keeping content new, fresh and exciting is of course of paramount value. That being said, I am not sure that CL needs to have "more" differing venues, but perhaps, stronger representation in the core sections.

User discussion and reviews IMHO would take precedence over bombs and the like. Though I LOVE seeing joy being spread, I would say for me, people's opinions on cigars and the industry would take more of a front-page spot. Others have mentioned doubling the Gallery up top the homepage and I am for that, but perhaps making pictorial and video reviews be the #1 row on top. Just one small idea...

In many ways though, and you realize this Dan, the Members really drive CL - they put the ties down and the rails follow in track. IT's true that it's all up to us as to how CL progresses from here. I'll say that for personal reasons, I've not been around CL much in the last month or two. I hope that my participation will be more significant in terms of quality, if not quantity as it had been more of before. I really look forward to this next year and the next one after that...

I really like the fact that you have always been open about what goes on here, and have asked for the membership to guide the journey of CL. That for me speaks volumes. This place will ALWAYS be my home and I take pride in being one of the members of this place. There are so many BOTL/SOTL that I respect and appreciate that it humbles me to be able to be a part of the community and the CL Mod crew. So, thank you for this wonderful opportunity and thank you for your dedication and tireless work on the part of CL and the Membership. I know that your blood, sweat and tears will allow us all to be the beneficiaries of the finest Cigar Board on the net.

Cheers!

CD

[Habana-cl]

Open and Honest, that is what it should be. I have met and Herfed with alot of great people here. I have been missing lately because of a unheard of work load. I found this palce and found a home. I feel as it has said that a National HERF would be an awesome step. Growth always has its problems in every realm. Daniel you are doing great and no great project has never had a few hiccups. To me gatherings are where it is at. I could care less if a guy smokes nothing but ISOM's or 2.00 sticks. I am no cigar snob the friendship is the key for me. Kind of a off base ramble I guess. Flint

[goyankees]

I normally didn't come to forums because I believed that most forums were full of pompous people acting brave behind a PC. I met Sam (nub), dozer, and doogie at a nub event and all three of them told me about cigar live and what a great place it is..

It has me hooked, and it has inspired me to try many new cigars, and share thoughts and opinions with others. It has opened my eyes to the cigar world.

In terms of growth despite the cigar bans popping up everywhere, cigar smoking is growing. I know people in the early 20s are picking it up more like the cigar boom of the 90s. So with smokers growth, the board will experience growth. Especially when people don't have the neighborhood lounge to herf at. People here become their herf buddies.

I know there are many people here who I eagerly look forward to their posting so in a sense there is a community within the community for me.

Anyway I am getting off topic.. While cigar live is growing, I think it still has a cozy feel because those who have always remained active will continue to be so. those who consider it a fad, will fade away. then you will have people like me, who are new but here to stay...

As far as more sponsors, the more the better. It opens peoples eyes to new cigars to try, it is even more important when cigar companies post releases or answer questions in the forums.

As far as your trips, they are fun to see, read about but they don't effect my view of a company because it isn't me they took on the trip. Sorry to sound selfish but it's the truth.

Anyway, I love where the site is currently. I like things as they are. I wouldn't change much, but what it comes down to is, it is your site. Your smokers lounge, and ultimately your choices.

[Stogie]

Ok I have read everything and have decided to back off of the trips for now and focus on events. As most people know I like to move on things fast and I see that we need to focus on seeing each other now. The fork in the road is here and I will focus alot of my time now into helping to promote events around the country.

We will still do videos but the focus will be on events and getting members of CL or any other cigar community together.

If you have an event hit me up. First off is I have agreed to be a sponsor at the biggest cigar event to hit Texas this October. More info soon but it will have most major manufacturers involved and CL will be there. Pack your bags and make plans to come to Texas in October.

[tx_tuff]

Events events events, there can never be enough! Did I just hear "biggest cigar event to hit Texas this October"!!!! Let me see............ HELL YEAH I WILL BE THERE!!!