Deletions Fightback

[El Presidente]

Deletions list has been confirmed.

We are going to need to work together in reversing this one, not just FOH members but other forums as well.

We are going to have to launch a substantial mail campaign no later than Friday 18th (next week). It will involve e-mail and preferrably a hard copy signed and sent to HSA.

I am going to break this post into two sections and I need your feedback.

First

I have the HSA address and names of the people to address the e-mail and hard copy to. I will post this next week. It is no good for me to send all the e-mails, hard copies. To have any chance in reversing at least parts of this list requires scale...a barrage.

ABUSE has no part in this. It will get us nowhere and may do more harm than good. What we seek is a re-evaluation not a "lock Down" mode with HSA going on the defensive. Good people do work there, give them something to work with.

Second

To assist people, I need a series of letters to be finalised this week (say 5) covering different coherent ideas. The drafts can be posted on this thread. Each letter should be no more than three paragraphs long. In your e-mail/letter you can mane up your own or use all or parts of these draft letters made up by members. These will be personal correspondence sent by you as a Habanos lover, not on behalf of FOH or other forums. Again, scale and individuality is the key. I will do a summary thread Friday to clean it up and assist and provide the people to address it to + e-mail they are to go to. I will also provide the HSA address for Hard Copies.

So please. Start penning some thoughts. Keep it brief and to the point. Passion is ok, abuse is not.

[Ken Gargett]

is the list available? presumably something posted when i was away.

[El Presidente]

is the list available? presumably something posted when i was away.

Brand Commercial Size Packaging

BOLIVAR CORONAS GIGANTES SLB-UW-GPSR-M-n-50

CUABA DIVINOS D-C-C/P-5-C/B-25

CUABA EXCLUSIVOS D-C-C/P-5-C/B-25

CUABA GENEROSOS D-C-C/P-5-C/B-25

DIPLOMATICOS DIPLOMATICOS No.4 CB-UW-C/L-12.13-n-25

DIPLOMATICOS DIPLOMATICOS No.5 CB-UW-C/L-12.13-n-25

HOYO DE MONTERREY CORONATIONS CB-UW-C/S-10-A/T-10

HOYO DE MONTERREY EPICURE No.1 SLB-UW-GPSR-M-n-50

LA GLORIA CUBANA MEDAILLE D'OR No.1 898-VW-SR-8.9.8-n-25

LA GLORIA CUBANA MEDAILLE D'OR No.3 898-VW-SR-8.9.8-n-25

MONTECRISTO MONTECRISTO A CAB-VW-C/L-12.13-n-25

PARTAGAS SERIE CONNOISSEUR No.1 SLB-UW-GPSR-M-n-25

PARTAGAS SERIE CONNOISSEUR No.2 SLB-UW-GPSR-M-n-25

PARTAGAS SERIE CONNOISSEUR No.3 SLB-UW-GPSR-M-n-25

PUNCH CHURCHILLS CB-UW-C/L-12.13-n-25

PUNCH ROYAL SELECTION No.11 SLB-UW-GPSR-M-n-25

PUNCH ROYAL SELECTION No.12 SLB-UW-GPSR-M-n-25

QUAI D'ORSAY PANETELAS SBN-UW-C/L-12.13-n-25

RAFAEL GONZALEZ CIGARRITOS SBN-VW-C/L-11.13.13.13-n-25

RAFAEL GONZALEZ CORONAS EXTRA CB-UW-C/L-12.13-n-25

REY DEL MUNDO CHOIX SUPREME SLB-UW-GPSR-M-n-50

REY DEL MUNDO GRANDES DE ESPAÑA CB-UW-C/L-12.13-n-25

ROMEO Y JULIETA EXHIBICION No.4 SLB-UW-GPSR-M-n-50

SAINT LUIS REY CHURCHILLS CB-UW-C/L-12.13-n-25

SAINT LUIS REY CHURCHILLS SLB-UW-GPSR-M-n-50

SAINT LUIS REY CORONAS CB-UW-C/L-12.13-n-25

SAINT LUIS REY PETIT CORONAS CB-UW-C/L-12.13-n-25

[El Presidente]

An example.

Some letters should be broad of scope, others more directly targeted (as this one). In the end pick and choose what suits you.

________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________

Dear___________

I am a passionate Habanos lover who is in shock at the proposed deletion of the Partagas Serie De Connoisseur Line, No 1, 2 & 3.

These full bodied cigars are unique and of a character which cannot be found in any other Habanos cigar. They are a rich part of Habanos legacy and an essential link to its history. I am disappointed with many of the proposed and past deletions but this is the first time that I will be forced to purchase Non Cuban cigars to meet my requirements for full bodied thin gauge cigars. There is simply nothing left in the Habanos range of cigars to meet these flavour and body requirements.

I implore you to reconsider the deletion of these thin gauge cigars. As a consumer I will not be switching to larger gauge full bodied Cuban cigars, I will be switching my purchases to full bodied non Cuban thin gauge cigars which means I will be spending less on Habanos.

The continued deletion of cigars without consideration towards your core clientele diminishes loyalty to Habanos. In continuing to pull the threads which make up the rich tapestry of Habanos, I fear all you will be left with is a pale imitation of a once great global brand and the disilllusionment of tens of thousands of once Habanos zealots.

Sincerley

__________________

Timbuktu

[samb]

Thats a good template to protest with. Looking forward to getting the addresses and getting at the very least an email sent to those folks.

On another note, any chance of a formal petition to send to HSA?

[OZCUBAN]

Great post Rob

Whilst never having the pleasure of smoking the Partagas Serie De Connoisseur Line, No 1, 2 & 3. i can see without a doubt the Passion this particular deletions list has ignited, you can count on my complete support on this issue.

to me it is no use crying when these wonderful cigars are gone,even though i have never had any of these vitolas i still would like to try them in the near future but that will not happen to these and other great marques .

I must admit to liking the thicker gauge cigars but that does not necessarily mean that they are exclusive to me .

"Remember bad things happen when good people do nothing "

Cheers Oz

[demiurgic]

Sigh *

[El Presidente]

Thats a good template to protest with. Looking forward to getting the addresses and getting at the very least an email sent to those folks.

On another note, any chance of a formal petition to send to HSA?

I am happy to look at an online petition however it will have to be SENT and not simply referred to. If you or someone else can find the right online petition site, format then I am sure that I, Ken, Piggy and others can sort out the content in a couple of days.

[PigFish]

Good lead Rob. I am glad to help... I find it hard to type with a 1911 Auto in my right hand so I will put it down briefly for the project. I am going to rally up some mutual friends if I can to come over and join in.

Friends I think this is extremely important. Those of you who have not tasted these fine cigars only need to discover them to find out why! God's speed to us. - Piggy

[SnakeHips]

I will be glad to compose a personal e-mail when the information is given as to where to send. I would like to make a personal address to them that I haven't gotten to experience a lot of the cigars that have been discontinued and that are slated to be discontinued, and that I think many of these cigars are very important to Habanos in their history and their unique qualities. I want to buy and try these cigars as my preferences lie in the thinner cigars, but I won't be able or willing to pay the higher prices once they're discontinued, and I wish they would just limit the production rather than cancel them; lay off the production for a few years until on-hand stock is sold down a bit. I have a different frustration than those who are losing their favorite cigars - I never got the chance to smoke any at all!

[Tampa1257]

Just got home from a night on the town with my new lady, I need to think this one through, great Idea Rob and you can count on me.

[cigarros]

Good idea Rob! I join toward this! Looking forward to getting HSA sale departments address))

[jfury76]

I'm there; this is a crying shame that so many excellent vitolas are on the chopping block. I mean, really, what is the point of cutting SO MANY flavor profiles from the mix?? Not a winning proposition for long-term business success. The shortsightedness here by HSA executives is astounding.

[Stalebread]

The 2010 cigar deletion list on Trevor''s site includes the Vegueros Especials No. 1 and No. 2.

They are not on the list above. Does it matter?

I'd like to be able to say something like, "9 out 10" cigars scheduled for deletion in 2010 are . . . whatever.

[Stalebread]

OK, here's my shot at a letter. As a reference, I used Trevor's "2010 Cigar Deletions" list which contains 19 cigars. His packaging deletions are a separate list.

Dear HSA,

I am compelled to write this letter after seeing the 2010 Cigar Deletions list.

The list includes many cigars that, for countless cigar smokers, are the essence of smoking a fine Cuban cigar. Among others on the list, the Partagas Serie du Connoisseur Number 1, and the Rey del Mundo Grandes de Espana each represents a smoking experience that cannot be duplicated, or even approximated by switching to different cigar.

Of the 19 cigars scheduled to be taken out of production in 2010, 17 are 46 ring gauge or smaller. That is a disproportionately high number of smaller ring gauge cigars to remove from the market. It is a particularly dubious move given that your competitors in Nicaragua, the Dominican Republic and Honduras are introducing more and more corona, lonsdale and lancero sizes into the market. Many of us who appreciate the rich, focused flavor of thinner cigars grieve for the loss of so many smaller ring gauge Cuban cigars over the last few years.

Taking into account that many of the cigars on the 2010 list are iconic cigars for which there are no substitutions; that the list contains a baffling number of smaller ring gauge cigars but the number of smaller ring gauge cigars in the overall premium cigar market appears to be increasing, not decreasing, I respectfully ask you to reconsider the make-up of the 2010 list in favor of keeping in production many of the outstanding cigars that are currently on the list.

Sincerely,

[Ginseng]

I'm on board.

Wilkey

[Colt45]

re: 2010 Deletions List

Dear Sirs,

I'm writing with the hope that you reconsider the 2010 deletions list, particularly the Partagas Serie Du Connaisseur No.s 1, 2, & 3.

These cigars have a flavor and complexity, along with a unique aesthetic appeal, which cannot be replaced by any other cigars

in the Habanos portfolio.

Deletion of these cigars can only further disillusion and alienate those to whom the smoking of a great Havana cigar is more than a

fad or trend, but is part of their way of life. I for one will not use the money earmarked for these cigars to purchase others which I

might find less desirable.

I truly hope you will reevaluate this decision, and I thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Al Koholic

Country North of Havana

[Ginseng]

Might I make two suggestions.

First, that we generate a list of key points that should be included in every draft proposal for the letter. This will insure that we don't miss a thing and consistently address our key concerns.

Second, that we seek out specific insight from Rob, Jose, and whoever else may have a deep understanding of the cultural (both HSA and Cuban) context so that the letters can be crafted in a form that will be the most readily intelligible, hit the hardest, and resonate the most deeply. This means structure as well as phraseology. I can imagine that receiving letters written solely from the Euro-Americo-Asia Pacifico perspective may not be the most effective.

This is our first chance. Our first volley in this battle. It is, in a way, our time for revolución.

Rob's example is a good one I think. A good start.

Wilkey

[tugboat]

Might I make two suggestions.

First, that we generate a list of key points that should be included in every draft proposal for the letter. This will insure that we don't miss a thing and consistently address our key concerns.

Second, that we seek out specific insight from Rob, Jose, and whoever else may have a deep understanding of the cultural (both HSA and Cuban) context so that the letters can be crafted in a form that will be the most readily intelligible, hit the hardest, and resonate the most deeply. This means structure as well as phraseology. I can imagine that receiving letters written solely from the Euro-Americo-Asia Pacifico perspective may not be the most effective.

This is our first chance. Our first volley in this battle. It is, in a way, our time for revolución.

Rob's example is a good one I think. A good start.

Wilkey

I strongly agree as well as concentrate on a few cigars on the list. Won't get them all back I'm afraid.

I've started a letter based on Rob's but will wait on further suggestions as to the "Tone" of my plea.

[Stalebread]

Already it seems to me that we might be cutting this too fine.

My guess is that won't be exactly how we phrase our letters or if each letter covers every point that will have impact. Rather, the impact will come from HSA receiving letters and e-mails at all. Lot's of 'em. From different countries, different people, different words. All focusing on the same issue. I do think it's important that some portion of our letters go via "real" mail instead of everything going by e-mail.

Let's just get the letters written and sent.

[samb]

I am happy to look at an online petition however it will have to be SENT and not simply referred to. If you or someone else can find the right online petition site, format then I am sure that I, Ken, Piggy and others can sort out the content in a couple of days.

Snopes on the online petition

If anything, maybe just a Word Template posted in its own thread or something like that... Maybe as an email or PM?? I think real success lies in just sending letters, primarily snail mail, and a lot of 'em.

[Nocoins]

I agree with making the point regarding Nicaraguan manufacturers adding thinner ring gauge vitolas to their recent production. I assume that the smokers still hanging around after the cigar boom have demonstrated the market for thinner cigars. In my opinion, most of the best non-Cuban cigars are being made in Nicaraugua, and we are consistently seeing coronas, lonsdales, and even fundadores now from some of these brands.

[Van55]

Dear ______:

As an avid smoker of Habanos, I have looked on with dismay as Habanos s.a. has announced that production of some of my favorite marcas and vitolas would be or had been discontinued. The recently-published list of items to be discontinued from the catalog prompts me, for the first time, to request that you reconsider.

The Serie du Connoisseur line's proposed demise is perhaps the most painful to me. These cigars have been staples in my collection for many years. That said, there's not a single model to be discontinued in 2010 that I have not smoked and enjoyed immensely.

I realize, of course, that business is business, and items that do not sell should not be made. But I find it hard to believe that there is insufficient interest among true Cuban cigar aficionados to continue production of the great cigars on the 2010 list too justify continuing to market them in small quantities.

Regards,

[Tampa1257]

The members here at FOH typically have a strong Cigar Community background on other cigar forums as well. I have already posted on the HCF forum and have contacted a good friend that has posted this on Cigar Weekly. I am sure that Wilkey has or will post this on ICC. If any member has a strong standing on another cigar forum such as Cigar Family, Cigar Aficionado, Herfers Paradise, etc., as we need to band together as members of the World Wide cigar community on this. We have members that are also part of the European Cigar Culture which includes many passionate Habanos smokers that speak other languages than English. These members of the cigar community need to be included as well.

What I am saying is that we need to use each of our contacts in the cigar community to take action on this appeal to HSA to reconsider their actions on this discontinuation list. So no matter if you speak Italian, German, French, Russian, Greek, whatever; it is time to get the word out.

Passion is good, Cuban Cigar smokers are passionate people. Lets give HSA a demonstration of what passionate people can do and say when the heritage of Cuban Cigars is in danger.

[riderpride]

Great idea Pres, I'm on board!