PMs

[Punch66]

And without going into the history of the process, let's just say that currently, achieving PM status requires, among other things, regular and substantive participation, but the ultimate decision is left up the the UKCF owner.

Who is the "owner"??

I have taken a few days to digest your answer and I appreciate what you have told me.

What I take from this is - I joined the forum about 1 year ago and have posted about a dozen times.

Because I don't post frequently means that I am not participating. Even though I visit and read the forum regularly.Also, the "decisions" are decided upon by the owner. So just the owner decides who gets what status and when he deems it?

If I post a regular stream of crap, am I participating? Yes- but negatively.

I have to say, that I felt like I belonged here - because I read posts every day and enjoyed them. But after asking for a piddling pm status and being told to wait for the owner to deem it OK - not any more.

It seems so elitist - sorry, but that is how it seems.

[PeeJay]

Not having a dig but if you read regularly you'd know the owner is Deano and that he is currently on holiday in France.

[butternutsquashpie]

I have to say, that I felt like I belonged here - because I read posts every day and enjoyed them. But after asking for a piddling pm status and being told to wait for the owner to deem it OK - not any more.

It seems so elitist - sorry, but that is how it seems.

that's good that you belong here- something nice we try to establish with both cigar knowledge AND random banter.

But the issue of elitism should be unfounded. Mind you, security and elitism may be confused over plain text and internet information. We do need to create a sort of 'private members club' to maintain integrity. Too often have people signed up with intentions of selling cigars and this PM prevents any person to contact them for our safety. Other forums with PMs enabled right off the bat has had senior members harassed by newbies who want to 'trade' or sell 'genuine Choiba' cigars. That is what we aim to prevent.

Past 75 posts, we hope that you have been a member of the community long enough and that you won't do shadey stuff like that. It's not a perfect system, but it's worked quite well up until now.

Supporting Information: when I use the word 'you', I do not mean Punch66. I am simply referring to the theoretical average member. I typed that with the most neutrality I could muster up.

[cj121]

Well said, I think

[butternutsquashpie]

Well said, I think

well i don't know......

i got a thumbs up from TJ. is that good or bad!?

[PeeJay]

Depends where his thumb went up of course

[cj121]

Depends where his thumb went up of course

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[PeeJay]

Ooh matron!!!

[Joncon]

PMs

Hi punch66. I have joined a few different forums in my time and I understand it can feel as if you are on the outside sometimes. More seasoned members have private jokes, know each other by first names and are protective of a forum that can feel like it's being attacked by bots and hackers.

The reality is new members are necessary for a forums to have any kind of longevity. Also fresh views bring with it greater discussion and diversity of views which is what forums are mostly about.

Having a certain number of post under your belt to unlock certain parts of a forum is fairly standard especially if that part is for buying and selling. The members want to know people are invested so they don't flood it with cheap crap, fakes, illegal goods or just rip people off.

You may feel you are invested and who are we to say you aren't. Not every one has as much to say as some members. The problem is this is the internet you or I could be anyone anywhere or not even be a person at all. So the only hard data is post count or possibly a nicely worded email to the forum owner.

I would urge you not to feel like an outsider, as forums go this in my opinion is one of the most inclusive. If you feel 75 posts is not going to happen for you drop Deano a line and explain your position. I didn't think I would reach 75 as fast as I did but if you welcome new members and get in some discussions you will make it there no problem.

I would warn you having access to the buy/sell section is not a key to an endless supply of cheap aged cigars so if you are only looking to use the forum for that you may be wasting your time.

If you take one thing from my ramblings make it "welcome come in" and the day you get pm's send me your address and I will send you a small selection.

I am off now to face the cold and dark to burn up something nice.

[PeeJay]

Well said Jon

[cj121]

+1 (lazy option)

[lestabantam]

Another +1 on joncons comments. I read much more than I post but even I feel I have something to say or share from time to time. Telling other members about visits to cigar shops or purchases or particularly enjoyable smokes all adds to the info available on the forum . 75 posts will come in good time if you do this.

[PeeJay]

Can I nominate Undercover for PMs please, has definitely proven to be a good egg and has even herfed with Deano!

[SilentBOb]

Can I nominate Undercover for PMs please, has definitely proven to be a good egg and has even herfed with Deano!

+ 1 on that.

[groundhog]

Can I nominate Undercover for PMs please, has definitely proven to be a good egg and has even herfed with Deano!

+2 on that