Suggestions

[Deano]

Moon Dancer - I'm not going to be doing anything even slightly grey, I have way too much anxiety in real-life for more on here!

Burner - back. AND I will add some photos of mine, I bet nicwing has a few too!

(I had a huge post for Cuba, but only really put up the prices I found. Had loads of maps and bus routes etc. Meh ages ago now.)

[El Catador]

My apologies in advance because:

a). I haven’t posted here in a while (but I still visit, this was my ‘first’ cigar forum 'home' after all).. and
b). I suspect my thoughts might prove unpopular (Nothing new there then!).

O.K.. you’re asking for suggestions..?

Here goes..

*Drum roll*

Have you thought about freshening the place up a bit?

*waits*

No.. don’t look at me like that..
Think about it. A new coat of paint or colour scheme could work wonders for the place, raise the tone a bit, give it a fresh new feel.
A new ’start’ (so-to-speak).

I'd lose that ‘orrible Guantanamo orange colour for a kick-off.
Personally, I’ve always rather liked navy blue and gold. It's just a bit classier, if you know what I mean.

Secondly.

On the subject of fresh starts.
Don’t you think it’s time to bury the hatchet.. (preferably not in someone’s head).
(Although I can think of a couple of candidates should it become necessary).

Let’s be honest. The cigar smoking fraternity is an endangered species as it is without us falling out amongst ourselves. I know harsh words have been spoken by certain people in the past, and unfortunately some things can never be taken back, but surely there’s room for two (very different) cigar forums to co-exist peacefully, with mutual respect? After all, we’re two sets of people who both share a passion for the same subject at the end of the day... CUBAN cigars right?

(Yeah, I said it.. see if I care what the rest of you N.C lovers think).

Also on the subject.. Have you thought about granting some sort of ‘Amnesty’.. Overturning a few of those bans that got handed out (often rather hastily).. There were some mighty fine BOTL that get swept up and dumped out of here..often harshly.. Great characters, great posters.. and great BOTL.

If they thought this place was welcoming again.. you'd be suprized at how many might return and start posting again.. Like you said, both forums benefit by an active ‘public’ forum. Those that get invited elsewhere don’t necessarily have to stop posting here?
But there is one other problem.. (El Cat gets ready to do a runner).


For all this to happen.. realistically, I fear you need a complete overhaul of the MOD team.. (except of course, for T.J. He’s a legend*).

The blunt, and I appreciate, unpalatable truth is.. there are some who do this forum’s popularity no favours at all. I can understand the frustrations and the defensive attitudes of a few, but there’s elements of outright, antagonistic hostility from some that sends people running to the hills (or other places) never to return.

‘How am I supposed to get rid of the them’.. I (ahem) hear you ask.

It’s a tricky one I grant you.. these are people you know, have herfed and spent time with. You can’t just ask ‘em to hand in their badges and step down.. can you?
Well, there’s no easy answer to that dilemma I’m afraid. Although, maybe one or two might do the decent thing and volunteer to go.. saving you the embarrassment. Who knows?

Anyhow.. those are just my thought’s.
This used to be thriving great place, no reason why it can’t again. Let bygones be bygones, wipe the slate clean, shake hands and move forward, etc, etc.

Here’s to a fresh start!

(I wonder if anybody managed to read it this far?)

*P.S. To the people who don’t ‘get TJ.. I urge you to seek medical attention, you may be suffering from an underdeveloped sense of humour gland.. don’t worry, there’s a cream you can get for it.

[Jacobwaits]

Feel like I have just witnessed the Sermon on the Mount...hallelujah

[rokkitsci]

Not going to quote Sr. Gato's post since it's too fecking long, but "Hear, Hear!!!"

[Deano]

Appreciate you posting.

Lots there El Cat and I can say that all of it I've thought about and would like very much similar things.

1)
Fresh lick of paint would be bloody lovely, but I know no-one who does VB styles, and I'm useless at anything design wise! If anyone knows of anyone...I will try to find some pennies for someone to do do it, we can have an [open] whip round again and see what we can get? Would be very nice. Maybe we can do it at same point as upgrading forum as VB5 is just about to come out...

2)
Personally, though I'd like to talk it over, I'd happily unban *everyone* and let them all come help out - lots was done in heat of moment on both sides, and I'll take my/our share of the blame for sure. Having the two forums works well as I don't want to go down the closed route, and having a public forum for 'normal' cigar discussion benefits everyone else not on the site/or new.

3)
Oh the mods front, I don't think you're right. I know some have been heavy handed at times, and sarcastic, but in 99% of the times it has come from serious provocation, or the perception of unfairness. What we should do is monitor it going forward; bring up things with me when needed, because I don't see it all, or see your point of view.

We could have a hidden forum, open to people when mediation is needed, to sort these issues out between mods/parties before they get out of hand. A lot of stuff is just taken in the wrong way, as I was saying earlier. This is probably the best idea yet - we're all too quick to point the blame/take things the wrong way and quickly ban/argue. Maybe mediation and lighter moderation is needed.


Thoughts?

[Deano]

I'm agreeing too Jacob/Rokkit! Progress is being made.

[cigarsam]

Make me head MOD

Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2

[bfg84]

I agree with Cat.........apart from on N.Cs

[lestabantam]

I like it here, I don't post so much but I like having a read of it all.

I've missed the for sale forum, I've had a few gems from there!

I think TJ and the coros are one of the best things about the place!

I second the comments of El Cat. I'm not involved with any disagreements or politics, I didn't even realise that folks were leaving for another forum! I think sometimes in this life when disagreements have been had we need to put things in a box and move on.

[Batler]

I like TJs posts. They crack me up!

[rokkitsci]

I like Crack Up's posts. They tj me.

[Deano]

I think people who enjoy them realise it's all tongue and cheek, and those who don't, feel he's taking the piss out of them :-/

Anyway...

Does anyone actually want to come back, if we do a blanket unban? I don't mind, but I don't want to do it for no reason, would much prefer everyone back if they don't mind the non-UK source rule on here...allowing it to be a public open-to-all forum...

[rokkitsci]

Amnesty!

Wonderful idea.

Let bygones be bygones and let's all get along and enjoy this great pastime we share.

[TJCoro]

Hands Across the Water!

Amnesty!

Wonderful idea.

Let bygones be bygones and let's all get along and enjoy this great pastime we share.

I agree. This sounds like a reasonable solution, especially if an open hand of peace is also extended from the other site.

There are many muchachos over there that I would like to see come back and post over here from time to time.


So here's my suggestions, the UKCF could lift the ban on prior members who belong to the other forum IF the other forum would do the same by inviting all UKCF members to join their private forum.


This seems like an equitable solution to me and, since both forums offer unique features, we all could populate both sites and pick and choose where and when we post, depending on our many moods.

What do you think, amigos?



Perro, el Perro


Haha! Hard to argue with that logic, el P!


Hey el P! Plus 1



I just wann'a get some bar-b-que!

[cj121]

I have been reading this thread with interest but usually refrain from getting involved in the heavier stuff as it can often end up in the mud. However, the last few pages especially seem to suggest positive, and lets be honest, sensible progress with similar suggestions to make that happen. Lets see if both sites' management can reciprocate olive branches and move this thang on