General Discussion: Private vs Public Forum

[markmurase]

This is a difficult call. Many members, including myself, may not have become aware of FOH if it was a private forum.

I understand, however, the difficulty of managing and controlling something as it grows so large and so fast as this forum. This is especially true when it's fully international.

Having grown to this size, I think that many new cigar enthusiasts will probably come to know about FOH through searching out other local cigar enthusiasts & clubs even if FOH was a private forum.

After weighing it all up, I voted for the private forum option. This was mainly because I believe the private forum would still be very strong and active, yet be much easier for El Pres and the Moderators to manage.

I strongly believe that (if possible) the Video reviews should remain in available for public access via YouTube, even if the FOH forum went private.

[helix]

Private forums usually die a slow death.

[Jnaube]

It sure is a good question. At first, I would have to say that staying public is a great thing because it enables pretty much everyone to have access to all of the great information available on this website, plus the amazing community of people.

BUT, because there always a but, bigger isin't always better security wise, going with what's already been said by Rob.

I would find it very sad if something happened to this community.

[imangelo]

I wish we lived in a time where public would still work but I think the quality and integrity of the forum could be better preserved if it were private. Definitely a very tough call.

[Clynch]

I wish we lived in a time where public would still work but I think the quality and integrity of the forum could be better preserved if it were private. Definitely a very tough call.

Says someone who has been a member for 4 days.

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[Clynch]

Says someone who has been a member for 4 days.

EDIT: You are free to have that opinion. But spend some time around here before you make judgements. I've only been around for 7 months and I still very much consider myself a newbie here and I feel this is a subject best left to the veterans to decide.

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[Smallclub]

I wish we lived in a time where public would still work but I think the quality and integrity of the forum could be better preserved if it were private.

And how did you come to that opinion after 5 days and 22 posts? I'm curious…

[...]

And how did you come to that opinion after 5 days and 22 posts? I'm curious…

The reason why I haven't voted...

I guess neither option is without negative aspects

[mikek]

I'm A new person if it was private I would'nt be here now enjoying the conversation! That being said I think I am at least friends with one member on another site! Not because either of us mention this site but because of some of the pictures he posts!

One thing I would never ever do is mention this site on Facebook!!!!! For that matter any other cigar blog! In these days of ANTI SMOKE ZELOTS you really have to keep your cards close to your chest! Like the old saing:"LOOSE LIPS SINK SHIPS"

I guess it comes down to Rob & Diana how much heat do you feal now!? I hate to say it but eventaly I think it will have to go private,for me finding this site was A great experience,I'm 65 I'm not looking for quantity,but quality!

Rob and Diane only you know the texture of the atmosphere out there! It just go's to show your never to old to learn and there is A ton of knowledge on this site!

Thanx MikeK

[mikek]

The reason why I haven't voted...

I guess neither option is without negative aspects

I agree Jeanff, I dont think A vote should even be taken,it's Rob who will take the lions share of the heat! It has to be his decision!

[ZinZan]

For me it's been 5 years a member, I bumped into this site. Introduced myself, read up a lot. Before you know it I was buying every month. Participating in blind taste, wanted to play poker but timing was wrong. Chip in when I can.

Made acquaintances although virtually but I actually met 1 guy from foh that besides the point. I feel I know fuzz, dicko, druken monkey sengjc, niño and etc although I never met any of them. Nevertheless I feel they are my cigar buddies, I don't have many friends appreciate cigars as you guys do, if ever you in town you'll welcome to my stash.

If it was private forum I wouldn't be able to join in, had no referrals knew nothing about cigars got a couple box of cigars from Cuba didn't know what to do with it.

I do see the benefits of private being more closer knit, structured discussion but that would probably be against the ethos of the website, friends of habanos, camaraderie and something something and no tosser and wanker. It's served us well, sometimes there's transgression and it's dealt swiftly. And for me it's online camaraderie. It has been 5 years although I don't buy as much as I used to. Don't stayed glue to lftw ready to pounce mineeee!!!

But I checked once in a while just see how my buddies doing. Did padrino Cubano and mr japan got some out of this world cigar. What single malt did the boys bought, who's cooking and who's grilling. What gun is Greg shooting, and how's Keith doing with his noble job, Piggy giving a humidor science mumbo jumbo thing, I'll prob understand his first paragraph then lose him completely. Well in some distant future i hope I get to meet you guys maybe in Australia or maybe Cuba or who knows.

So for me it's friend of habanos keep it as that.

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[aes8]

And how did you come to that opinion after 5 days and 22 posts? I'm curious…

+1

And this us why the board should go private

[Ginseng]

You guys wrote...

And how did you come to that opinion after 5 days and 22 posts? I'm curious…

+1 And this us why the board should go private

And my response is that this...

I would like to open the discussion among members of FOH as to...

...I want to gauge the opinion of members. Please feel free to ponder the issue, vote in the poll and express your thoughts on this thread should you wish.

I appreciate your input

Solicits and authorizes this...

I wish we lived in a time where public would still work but I think the quality and integrity of the forum could be better preserved if it were private. Definitely a very tough call.

So to clarify who Rob has invited to reply:

• members of FOH

Not just:

• members of FOH who have been here longer than X days, months, or years
• members who have a established a lengthy public posting history
• members who are known to or by some or most of the membership
• members who are liked, respected, or worshipped by other members

For those who are statistically inclined, Rob wants a maximally representative sample of the entire membership and not a biased sub-sample of any particular group.

Furthermore, this, and imangelo's posting history so far means he is making his way and thus he ought to be welcome as a new and continuing member. Let's help him feel that way. If that's not something you feel you can do, then feel free to refrain from engaging.

Hey everyone,

Been a long time fan of the FriendsOfHabanos YouTube channel and recently discovered the forum after hearing Rob mentioned it in several videos. Beyond excited to have an awesome cigar community like this.

Thanks for letting me into the family!!

To ZinZan, mikek, Jeanff, no worries about voicing your tally. This isn't a vote. It's not binding. It is a poll so please feel free to click away.

Wilkey

[imangelo]

Says someone who has been a member for 4 days.

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Yup but I can already spot several vulnerabilities because of how this forum is merged with a "greater" purpose. It's definitely a selfish answer because I don't want to see anything change.

And I've been a long time fan of the YouTube channel and spectator, not to mention several boxes deep from the host already so I think my opinion deserves a bit more credibility than you imply from my short-term posting history.

[rodrigodeanda]

Just to give my "new in the forum" opinion but also in the world of cigar smoking, I think it's great that's an open forum. I really don't know anyone here (not that I know of at least) and if it would be by referral I would not be able to be here. Yeah I know it wouldn't make any difference me being here or not in the forum but personally I would not be able to learn as much as I have in the past days or weeks just from reading all the great information shared here. So yeah, for al the newcomers like me it's just amazing to have all this bunch of information and great people to share this hobby we all have.

So there my two cents, thanks!

[TheCoach]

I would have never found you guys if it hadn't been for the public forum format... Also *****int is open to anyone as well, So in theory you don't need to be apart if the forum to patronize *****int. I think that there is a ton of information and perspectives on here that make the forum beautiful. I'm pretty sure I'll be fine with whatever Rob chooses to do, but if I had to make a clear definitive choice I would go with public.

[PigFish]

… you mean just anyone can get in here?

The horror… I am outa' here…!

Until tomorrow anyway!

A ways back I read Wilkeys post. We know each other from another forum, a private one. There are merits and liabilities to each. His analysis is pretty much right on.

There are old 'hens' in this group of chickens. Hook or by crook I appear to be one of them. Sometimes I like to gather with other old hens. Sometimes I like to mix it up with the young ones (rhetorically speaking). I like a mix of both types of forums for different reasons.

I swore a long time ago that I would not participate again in a public cigar forum. But my friends Rob and Lisa, Ken and Smithy started this one. Frankly, I thought it was a mistake to make it public in the first place. It ebbs and flows. A-holes come and go, and you risk them public or private.

I have observed one thing in the process of administering a private forum. You runs an a-hole out of a private forum and they run you down right back. Typically on public forums, ones well administrated, the membership tends to run them out for you! People take note if you are an a-hole and put you on the never mind list. You get to be known for who you are!

From my perspective, the jerks simply seem to leave here for a place where they feel more at home.

Furthermore I have made friends of people here that I have disliked on other public forums. There are cliques here surely. Some of us know each other better than others, but no one really tends to exclude the new guy here. Frankly, I like the new people… Not all of them, but in general. I enjoy talking cigars… Sure I repeat myself over and over, but look upon it not as a chore but as a means to mentor.

I wish I had a mentor when I first began to dabble with CC's. BB were a new thing and they were often controlled by a group of brown shirts and thugs with keyboards. That is what drove me to only want to post privately.

Lastly I would like to say that the membership number is not an accounting of real participation. Real participation comes from people wanting to know and be known. People come and go. Some of my friends have simply died! It took a power greater than we have here to pull them away…!

I voted to leave it public. This is the only, and likely the last public cigar forum that I will ever participate in. It is that way because it is administered by a reasonable group of people who are not tin gods. They are not perfect but they have been good at their jobs here.

I could go on and on about the differences in forum life. Most people today know what it is about and it is not confined to cigar forums, flower forums, gun forums, wine forums, motorcycle forums and horse forums…

Some things don't need fixing! The coronas for example, just perfect!

Cheers!

Oh, by the way… I have a lot of posts… I think I was number 72 to sign up… And frankly my opinion is no better or worse than the next guys! This forum does not exist for me or because of me. I am just one part of it… I would probably post less if there were not new people to impress with my wit, wisdom and boorish charm!

Cheers again! -the Pig

[mk05]

Foh is a public forum

[PigFish]

Foh is a public forum

Punctuation would clarify this post… Ken…! -LOL

Cheers mate!

[Skyfall]

Punctuation would clarify this post… Ken…! -LOL

Cheers mate!

[El Presidente]

… you mean just anyone can get in here?

The horror… I am outa' here…!

Until tomorrow anyway!

A ways back I read Wilkeys post. We know each other from another forum, a private one. There are merits and liabilities to each. His analysis is pretty much right on.

There are old 'hens' in this group of chickens. Hook or by crook I appear to be one of them. Sometimes I like to gather with other old hens. Sometimes I like to mix it up with the young ones (rhetorically speaking). I like a mix of both types of forums for different reasons.

I swore a long time ago that I would not participate again in a public cigar forum. But my friends Rob and Lisa, Ken and Smithy started this one. Frankly, I thought it was a mistake to make it public in the first place. It ebbs and flows. A-holes come and go, and you risk them public or private.

I have observed one thing in the process of administering a private forum. You runs an a-hole out of a private forum and they run you down right back. Typically on public forums, ones well administrated, the membership tends to run them out for you! People take note if you are an a-hole and put you on the never mind list. You get to be known for who you are!

From my perspective, the jerks simply seem to leave here for a place where they feel more at home.

Furthermore I have made friends of people here that I have disliked on other public forums. There are cliques here surely. Some of us know each other better than others, but no one really tends to exclude the new guy here. Frankly, I like the new people… Not all of them, but in general. I enjoy talking cigars… Sure I repeat myself over and over, but look upon it not as a chore but as a means to mentor.

I wish I had a mentor when I first began to dabble with CC's. BB were a new thing and they were often controlled by a group of brown shirts and thugs with keyboards. That is what drove me to only want to post privately.

Lastly I would like to say that the membership number is not an accounting of real participation. Real participation comes from people wanting to know and be known. People come and go. Some of my friends have simply died! It took a power greater than we have here to pull them away…!

I voted to leave it public. This is the only, and likely the last public cigar forum that I will ever participate in. It is that way because it is administered by a reasonable group of people who are not tin gods. They are not perfect but they have been good at their jobs here.

I could go on and on about the differences in forum life. Most people today know what it is about and it is not confined to cigar forums, flower forums, gun forums, wine forums, motorcycle forums and horse forums…

Some things don't need fixing! The coronas for example, just perfect!

Cheers!

Oh, by the way… I have a lot of posts… I think I was number 72 to sign up… And frankly my opinion is no better or worse than the next guys! This forum does not exist for me or because of me. I am just one part of it… I would probably post less if there were not new people to impress with my wit, wisdom and boorish charm!

Cheers again! -the Pig

Great post Pigster.

What a boring place it would be if we had everyone agreeing with each other. A forum where disagreement goes hand in hand with courtesy/respect is ideal.

All forums are a work in progress unless the culture of that forum derails progress. Empower those that respect, inform, illuminate, purge or ignore the remainder.

The day that one believes their own thoughts/beliefs to be superior to all others is the day they should move on. It is the old hole in the bucket of water paradigm. To judge ones perceived importance put your fist in a bucket of water....remove it and what is left is your contribution.

Contribution is measured by the help, laughter, insight that you give another with no reward sought. The rest is but an illusion.

[PigFish]

Great post Pigster.

What a boring place it would be if we had everyone agreeing with each other. A forum where disagreement goes hand in hand with courtesy/respect is ideal.

All forums are a work in progress unless the culture of that forum derails progress. Empower those that respect, inform, illuminate, purge or ignore the remainder.

The day that one believes their own thoughts/beliefs to be superior to all others is the day they should move on. It is the old hole in the bucket of water paradigm. To judge ones perceived importance put your fist in a bucket of water....remove it and what is left is your contribution.

Contribution is measured by the help, laughter, insight that you give another with no reward sought. The rest is but an illusion.

Love ya' mate… You brought me here. We have talked cigars, politics, guns, Tabacuba et al, etc., etc… You know me and I know you! Not that I don't like to talk to you, we need to talk more actually, but we know were each other stands. I comment often on your topics especially, and you know I am at times the anti-Rob (if you get my drift). I often challenge your positions as you do mine.

Sometimes between friends, love them or not, there is some stagnation. We pretty much know where each other stands and there are times when we want to bump heads (so to speak) or just stand mute because we already have discussed it.

The forum, on the other hand in some ways is like having children. The young ones keep you young. (I mean no offense to anyone certainly, it is just a simple analogy).

Cigar mentoring means a lot to me. Ross tells me, people don't like to taught things, perhaps better put, taught lessons, or told what to do. If that is true, I don't belong because that is what I do all the time here in a way that I like to keep humorous, sometimes serious, but always with good intent. For every guy that bags on me for preaching, I get 5 emails thanking me for what I wrote… The place is funny that way. Sometimes one is the hidden voice of many. I am not afraid to speak my mind as you know. The people who disagree hate it, and the ones that agree love it!

I like to mentor. I don't think that you need mentoring!!! -LOL That aspect of the forum, especially humidor technology and teaching people to care for their cigars is important to me. It is fun… Sometimes we get some new eggheads around the place and I love when that happens!

The 'old hens' that stay here often want to mentor. If they did not find a pleasure in it, they would read only and move on. Many of us have heard it all, and said most of it! Newer members, their learning and becoming known keeps the place alive. That is my opinion anyway!

Cheers my friend. And thanks for having me and keeping this place open to me!

-Ray

[Skyfall]

Love ya' mate You brought me here. We have talked cigars, politics, guns, Tabacuba et al, etc., etc You know me and I know you! Not that I don't like to talk to you, we need to talk more actually, but we know were each other stands. I comment often on your topics especially, and you know I am at times the anti-Rob (if you get my drift). I often challenge your positions as you do mine.

Sometimes between friends, love them or not, there is some stagnation. We pretty much know where each other stands and there are times when we want to bump heads (so to speak) or just stand mute because we already have discussed it.

The forum, on the other hand in some ways is like having children. The young ones keep you young. (I mean no offense to anyone certainly, it is just a simple analogy).

Cigar mentoring means a lot to me. Ross tells me, people don't like to taught things, perhaps better put, taught lessons, or told what to do. If that is true, I don't belong because that is what I do all the time here in a way that I like to keep humorous, sometimes serious, but always with good intent. For every guy that bags on me for preaching, I get 5 emails thanking me for what I wrote The place is funny that way. Sometimes one is the hidden voice of many. I am not afraid to speak my mind as you know. The people who disagree hate it, and the ones that agree love it!

I like to mentor. I don't think that you need mentoring!!! -LOL That aspect of the forum, especially humidor technology and teaching people to care for their cigars is important to me. It is fun Sometimes we get some new eggheads around the place and I love when that happens!

The 'old hens' that stay here often want to mentor. If they did not find a pleasure in it, they would read only and move on. Many of us have heard it all, and said most of it! Newer members, their learning and becoming known keeps the place alive. That is my opinion anyway!

Cheers my friend. And thanks for having me and keeping this place open to me!

-Ray

Get a room you two!

( good post(s) though Ray!)

[PigFish]

Get a room you two!

( good post(s) though Ray!)

Love you too mate. Three (or more) and a good box of cigars is definitely not a crowd! -R

[Lasabar]

Public. I understand all the messages and feelings from all previous posts. But I had the site bookmarked when each cigar was pictured over a glass of wine and never pulled the trigger. The fact the *****int site and the forum have improved has made me a lurker to a purchaser. If this site was private I would have been "Lurking" around it for years but never made a purchase. OR I finally made a decision and you guys have about $800 usd of my money right now!

Keep it public but just keep an eye on it so no riff-raff comes in.