Gentlemen and ladies,
After reading brother Wurm's post, I felt compelled to present another perspective on the subject at hand which is, ostensibly, the insensitive treatment of new members of the forum.
First, this is a cigar forum on the surface but what it really is at its heart is a thriving and diverse community. If one accepts this, then it follows that first and foremost we are not all about the "stuff." The stuff being cigars, the paraphernalia of cigar enjoyment, or sources and vendors. I propose that what we are about is sharing our experiences and our knowledge all while having fun in various ways which may incidentally include the "stuff." I can honestly say that the friendships I've forged here far outweigh any material, tangible aspect of the hobby that brings us together.
Second, this place is in reality a social setting and not simply a series of file folders in which to deposit or extract information or goods. While there is much information to be found in the archived posts of hundreds of enthusiasts over the years, the state of knowledge is advancing rapidly and much of the most current understanding exists in the minds of members. So, information resides in the documentary history of prior posts but living wisdom is crafted in the moment, in live interaction with each other. In order to efficiently and appropriately access the expertise that is contained on here on CigarPass, one needs to first become conversant in the basics, the fundamentals if you will.
This responsibility is incumbent upon the new members to demonstrate that they have made a genuine effort to search out these basics prior to posting a thread. But when one doesn't first do so, why is it that many members become incensed? There are several potential reasons:
A. Those who have spent time here and contributed to the knowledge base contained in the record of posts have put in the work to put it out there for all to see and learn from. It is fulfilling to see that our efforts have lasting benefit and value. For new members to ignore the wealth of information in these posts that is the fruit of our experience is a disappointment.
B. Those who have come before you have put time and effort into this community in many various ways. For example, to amuse, to inform, to question, to express support, to share the joys and pains in our lives, and many more. This place is of us because we have invested ourselves in it. If you want to be a part of this, it is required that you see this, accept this, understand it, and act accordingly. Realize that a place here is not entitled to anyone. It is earned on a daily basis through our words, actions, and consideration of fellow members. When a newcomer expends not but the slightest effort, it can be perceived as an attempt to "cut the line" to gain access to that which they have not yet rightfully earned.
C. Forum resources are finite and as the forum grows ever larger and the number of members and posts accelerates, signal-to-noise becomes a legitimate concern when mining for information. That is to say that when searching for information, it is faster and easier the fewer duplicate threads that exist. When people complain about the search functions, two things contribute to the sense of frustration. First, the limitations of the search engine itself. Second, the necessity of wading through multiple nearly identical threads each with a dozen or more posts.
That's my analysis and I hope that there are some insights there for all members to consider, whether short or long timers. But now let's get onto the practical aspects of the above.
1. When directed to do a search. Say thank you, do the search, tell us what you found. It will almost certainly help not just yourself but the dozen or more non-posters who are looking on and reading. And, it will show that you are at least aware of points A-C, above.
2. When directed to post an intro in the Intro Forum. Say thank you, post an intro and then begin participating. You'll get one pass for not reading the forum headers. One. Because after all, why should you expect anyone to help you, if you don't show that you care enough to learn the basic layout of the place.
3. If you are new here, then by definition you don't know anyone. You don't know about them, who they are, what they're about and so it makes no sense whatsoever that you should take personal offense at anything they say. Why would you? Who are they to you that their opinion of you or anything you say or do should be something to get upset about? Listen to the good that people have to share. Pay attention to advice given especially if it comes from several members. Ignore what you might otherwise take offense to. Getting worked up early on for no rational reason is ludicrous and only leads to unpleasant ends.
Now, I have lately seen some newer members step in to help out even newer members and that is a great thing. As the community grows, this home-grown, ever expanding base of those who "get it" is going to be absolutely essential to maintaining the atmosphere and upholding the ideals and values of the community.
The benefits of membership in good standing at CigarPass are substantial and multidimensional. As such, it only makes sense that it is worth the effort it takes to understand the people and ways here.
Wilkey
After reading brother Wurm's post, I felt compelled to present another perspective on the subject at hand which is, ostensibly, the insensitive treatment of new members of the forum.
First, this is a cigar forum on the surface but what it really is at its heart is a thriving and diverse community. If one accepts this, then it follows that first and foremost we are not all about the "stuff." The stuff being cigars, the paraphernalia of cigar enjoyment, or sources and vendors. I propose that what we are about is sharing our experiences and our knowledge all while having fun in various ways which may incidentally include the "stuff." I can honestly say that the friendships I've forged here far outweigh any material, tangible aspect of the hobby that brings us together.
Second, this place is in reality a social setting and not simply a series of file folders in which to deposit or extract information or goods. While there is much information to be found in the archived posts of hundreds of enthusiasts over the years, the state of knowledge is advancing rapidly and much of the most current understanding exists in the minds of members. So, information resides in the documentary history of prior posts but living wisdom is crafted in the moment, in live interaction with each other. In order to efficiently and appropriately access the expertise that is contained on here on CigarPass, one needs to first become conversant in the basics, the fundamentals if you will.
This responsibility is incumbent upon the new members to demonstrate that they have made a genuine effort to search out these basics prior to posting a thread. But when one doesn't first do so, why is it that many members become incensed? There are several potential reasons:
A. Those who have spent time here and contributed to the knowledge base contained in the record of posts have put in the work to put it out there for all to see and learn from. It is fulfilling to see that our efforts have lasting benefit and value. For new members to ignore the wealth of information in these posts that is the fruit of our experience is a disappointment.
B. Those who have come before you have put time and effort into this community in many various ways. For example, to amuse, to inform, to question, to express support, to share the joys and pains in our lives, and many more. This place is of us because we have invested ourselves in it. If you want to be a part of this, it is required that you see this, accept this, understand it, and act accordingly. Realize that a place here is not entitled to anyone. It is earned on a daily basis through our words, actions, and consideration of fellow members. When a newcomer expends not but the slightest effort, it can be perceived as an attempt to "cut the line" to gain access to that which they have not yet rightfully earned.
C. Forum resources are finite and as the forum grows ever larger and the number of members and posts accelerates, signal-to-noise becomes a legitimate concern when mining for information. That is to say that when searching for information, it is faster and easier the fewer duplicate threads that exist. When people complain about the search functions, two things contribute to the sense of frustration. First, the limitations of the search engine itself. Second, the necessity of wading through multiple nearly identical threads each with a dozen or more posts.
That's my analysis and I hope that there are some insights there for all members to consider, whether short or long timers. But now let's get onto the practical aspects of the above.
1. When directed to do a search. Say thank you, do the search, tell us what you found. It will almost certainly help not just yourself but the dozen or more non-posters who are looking on and reading. And, it will show that you are at least aware of points A-C, above.
2. When directed to post an intro in the Intro Forum. Say thank you, post an intro and then begin participating. You'll get one pass for not reading the forum headers. One. Because after all, why should you expect anyone to help you, if you don't show that you care enough to learn the basic layout of the place.
3. If you are new here, then by definition you don't know anyone. You don't know about them, who they are, what they're about and so it makes no sense whatsoever that you should take personal offense at anything they say. Why would you? Who are they to you that their opinion of you or anything you say or do should be something to get upset about? Listen to the good that people have to share. Pay attention to advice given especially if it comes from several members. Ignore what you might otherwise take offense to. Getting worked up early on for no rational reason is ludicrous and only leads to unpleasant ends.
Now, I have lately seen some newer members step in to help out even newer members and that is a great thing. As the community grows, this home-grown, ever expanding base of those who "get it" is going to be absolutely essential to maintaining the atmosphere and upholding the ideals and values of the community.
The benefits of membership in good standing at CigarPass are substantial and multidimensional. As such, it only makes sense that it is worth the effort it takes to understand the people and ways here.
Wilkey
