CigarLive CrossRoads Part 1 - Final Comments

[Stogie]

Hello members I wanted to discuss somethings to get people thinking about what CigarLive is and what we want it to be in the future. This is serious discussion that I would like to get feedback from.

At the time of the creation of CigarLive.com the forum goal was to have a nice community that promoted the gathering of members at events. Over the course of the last year more and more members have started meeting up on a regular occasion. I believe this is exactly what we wanted to achieve. I would however suggest that we as members of CigarLive start thinking beyond the groups that have formed and seek out new members.

The topic I want to discuss is what direction do you want CigarLive.com to be. I believe we are at a crossraods here and it is something we need to discuss before we make another step. It has been my experience that online communities either grow or die off. I believe it is time to discuss this and the changes that could possibly result from growing larger.

The small group feel is lost when more members come on the forum. I believe this is usually the case but we have managed to stay away from this mentality thus far. How do you feel about growth? How do you feel about our management of this growth thus far?

Sponsorships, I have looked at the support that our sponsors have given us. Beyond the necessary funds to keep the board moving forward they have offered advice that has been very helpfull in gaining a solid foot and being recognized as a good community in this small cigar industry.

Over the last few days at this years IPCPR show I have really been thinking about where we should go from here. If we take on more sponsors it does equal more work for me personally as well. Constant open communication with the sponsors keeps things fresh on this forum. This communication takes hours out of my life. I love it , I really like being busy. Keeping the manufacturers involved is not an easy task but I love talking with them and finding out the latest news.

With the sponsors we have had an opportunity to video and write about things that were the latest things happening in the industry. The downside is that I feel sometimes by showing a story or video it might seeem that I am promoting the single sponsor. The usual case is that by the time I finish editing videos and/or writing a story it looks like I am only spending time on that one manufacturer. I think it would look much different if we had 9 or ten people active in doing videos/writing for CL but that is not the case. The simple fact is that these project take time. How do you look at the sponsors of CL? Do you buy more of the products they have because you are informed? Are the videos and trips worth it in your eyes? I guess I would really like to know if I am spinning my wheels in these cases. I really want to decide if these trips I make are worth the effort or not.

Moving on new ideas and not being scared, this is something we have done from the start. This forum was built on the ideas of members and we moved forward on this that most would not. We now have our own PodCast, Group Tasting Panels, Expert Panel, CigarLive Statesman, LIVE Cigar, a Video Website website with our own video software package,Media Friends, a national magazine ad in Smoke, trips for members, etc.... And that is all just in the last year.

I believe this will be enough to start our discussions that will last a few weeks before we move on to the next topic for discussion as a community. I will personally look at the threads to decide my plans for future trips or spending the necessary funds to upgrade our video equipment to the next level as well.

Where do you want us to go as a community?

[poriggity-cl]

These are all good questions Daniel. I like the way things are going, and I don't think you are really giving more time to one sponsor than another.... I like the way things are. If there is anything I can do to help you move this site forward, feel free to let me know. I will have to do some thinking to see what i can think of.
Scott

[Oxman]

I'm still really new here, but I appreciate your questions. I certainly don't feel you've been paying more attention to one sponsor over another. The real test is whether or not any of your SPONSORS think they are getting shorted on time/attention. Getting larger (and eventually a little more "commercial") are the unavoidable consequences of success.

Nevertheless, if you stay true to the vision, I believe success will continue.

[ronhoffman2-cl]

I really love the site the way it is so far as you can tell by my post in another tread that says:

"Here's how much I love this site:

Cigar weekly forum member since March 2005- 83 posts to date

Cigar Live forum member since 6/7/2008 - 114 posts to date.

But as the saying goes, "The only thing constant is change"

[eggwhites]

I think the publicity Nub has received on here and the fact that Sam was actively participating on the boards made a big impact on sales and success...

I think if the manufacturers are involved I am more likely to buy their cigars.

[6clicks]

I think you're doing a great job Daniel, and its much appreciated. This is a great forum for all the reasons you mention. Personally, I like the sponsors as it's nice to hear their input from time to time and learn what they're up to. That's how I'm learning. This forum is my major source of valuable information and has been a terrific education for me. I don't feel out of place any more when I visit my B&M. When the owner asks me what I enjoy and why, I can actually enter into an interesting conversation comfortably. I don't pretend to know everything and I'm always open to suggestions that might enhance my smoking enjoyment. The videos and reviews are really great too.

[Toasted Coastie]

I like the place. However, I would like to see a couple of the areas that we have here to be off limits unless you are a signed in member, such as the buy/sell/trade area. I don't think there is any reason others should be able to see that....

I like the fact that the sponsers openly discuss product. I realize there is a means to an end for them, after all, they do want to sell their product, but all the same, it is nice.

There are a lot of nice features on this board, however, I would caution to not get too big. High membership numbers can be great, but at the same time, I think it can become cumbersome as well.

[mhlatke]

All good questions and observations Daniel - and that is what is great about CL, all members have a voice and you value their input. That is not the case on most internet communities.

As far as growth is concerned, I say the more the merrier - but the issue becomes how much time can you devote to this forum and can you get the assistance of others to help manage such growth?

Regarding the sponsors, I like the present format. I think you are fair in your coverage and exposure and all sponsors get a fair share. No one sponsor is hogging the limelight. At times the focus may be on one brand (as w/the Nubs launch or the Arganese trips, etc...) but it does cycle around. Also, having various sponsors involved in the site is very educational and has opened my eyes to multiple brands that I may not have discovered on my own.

The bottom line is that CL is a great community and the incredible growth only validates that fact. You have done well with your changes and improvements to date and I believe you will continue to do so - as long as you keep the lines of communication open and remember where you started from, growth can only be beneficial (and inevitable).

[Cypress]

Daniel, I think you are doing an excellent job trying to better this community. I can only imagine how cumbersome it may be to juggle family, work, cl, and the trips. What I would like to see and am interested in helping out is getting more involved. You and I have spoken in the past about how we are going to stream live video to the board. I would like to see more involvement with members who do have an area of expertise being able to help out when we can.

As far as membership is concerned, I did have in mind to have a month long contest of who can recruit the most members. But with this saying, I would only want to recruit only solid members and not just any joe blow who comes here looking for a free ride or scams.

In the sponsorship aspect, I would like to see more involvement. I believe that the manufacturers should spend more attention to see what is being said about there product. Sponsorship is part of doing business IMHO. I do like the fact that the manufacturers are able to offer support when their product fails to meet everyone's expectation. I know this board costs money and so does your time. Keep doing what your are doing but dont fall into the hole of where the sponsors dictate what is said on this board.

[baboruger]

Really interesting post. I'll think about it tonight...I'm sure I'll have a lot to say

[Phantom57-cl]

I think this is a very nice and well run BB. I enjoy the videos and interviews with manufacturers and find them interesting. That said, no amount of pubicity is going to make me try a cigar I think I won't like. I prefer a certain taste/strength profile and tend to stick to it. I think you are doing a great job.

[iloveclmore]

I really think that this site is headed in the right direction. We seem to be gaining new members at a pretty decent rate, and not just casual posters either. Many of them want to get involved even within just a few days of joining. I have rarely seen members just here to make a buck or sell things off, and when they try, the mods are all over it.Another thing is the quality of the people that are on the board. I have made so many new friends here it is unbelievable. Some I have met (baboruger, vicergrips.ceo, stlcards, matt3), while many others I have not, but cannot wait to meet each and every one.

However, where there is good, there is also room for improvement. I know that the site is sponsored by a few different manufacturers, but I rarely see them post or get involved (with a few notable exceptions of course, Sam Leccia, Camacho, etc.). It is amazing that they are even willing to support the site, and for that I am very grateful, but I wish I saw them around more, even in everyday posts. Because I do see them answering questions about their own company's products, which is great. Of course they are busy, so it is understandable if they don't.

I'm all for growth, but lets keep it quality growth.

[jitzy]

I really do like where this board has come in the last year I do really like the sponsers but I wish they would all have someone on here like bengalman sodra, bigfoot and bulz its nice the way these guys are on to answer any questions you may have and also the fact that they are a big part of the board.

[Doogie]

I'll start with the membership numbers.
we have 2764 members right now. only 500 members have more than 50 posts. what i would like to see is getting some of the 2200 lurkers to post more and get them more involved. any sugestions on this? i will help anyone getting the lurkers more involved.
Board Rules
I feel if the board rules are followed you will not lose the forum, no matter how many members you have. there are many FOGs still welcoming new members to the forum. why you wouldn't you want to be involved? (see above). as long as this is a fun place to visit people will come back. there is little to no negativity on the forum.
Sponsers
Daniel as i have said in previous posts this is your board, you shouldn't have to pay out of pocket to run the forum. with sponsers i feel there is a slippery slope with them. As long as i can say i don't like this sponsers cigar and why, i should be able to say so. i like having sponsers and reps on the board. to have questions answered by the people in the know is awesome.
Daniel you are doing a fantastic job with CL. i give you much respect for posting this thread.

[poriggity-cl]

I am with Doogie.. Posting is what its all about. I have another board where I stared posting, which will always be my home, even though its significantly smaller, but I love coming here for the interaction and quick pace.
Scott