- Joined
- Jan 4, 2001
- Messages
- 10,539
This is a very special year for CigarPass. 20 years ago this month I had an idea of starting a cigar community focused around trading. Primary goal was to create a safe and friendly platform for people to trade cigars. Having been part of many other forums (most now defunct), I was disappointed to see the constant trolling, flaming, users not being fair in trades, users being banned for no reason, admins becoming power hungry, "mods" acting like asses, etc, and decided to start something new and unique - WITHOUT MODERATION. Sounded impossible, yet the self moderation style that was developed has been truly amazing and extremely effective. This is YOUR community, not mine nor a single person. This is how CP will ALWAYS remain different from everyone else. There was never a goal to sell ads and make money. Having had many offers to sell over the years, including two recent offers, I have declined. I have no intention of selling out; we will remain independent!
I am amazed that after 20 years CP still shines strong in so many ways.
Something very interesting to me is that I started CP when I was 20 years old, not even old enough to drink (legally
). CP is now 20, and I'm 40. Just very strange to think of it this way.
There have been many forums who tried to directly compete with us, including coming here attempting to steal membership, trying to hack us, etc. We overcame it all, and truly shine as THE BEST CIGAR COMMUNITY!
I'm very grateful for the members who make this the best community around.
Happy Birthday CigarPass, and thank you all for making this community what it is today.
With respect and gratitude,
Rod
I am amazed that after 20 years CP still shines strong in so many ways.
Something very interesting to me is that I started CP when I was 20 years old, not even old enough to drink (legally

There have been many forums who tried to directly compete with us, including coming here attempting to steal membership, trying to hack us, etc. We overcame it all, and truly shine as THE BEST CIGAR COMMUNITY!
I'm very grateful for the members who make this the best community around.
Happy Birthday CigarPass, and thank you all for making this community what it is today.
With respect and gratitude,
Rod
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