An open apology...

[megladon8]

Hey everyone!

I'm still so new here that I'm not sure this is even necessary (since it's not like I'm a 300-posts a day poster) but it's something that's been at the back of my mind and I wanted to share.

I just wanted to give a general apology for not being as active in the trading community as I had been when I first came here.

As you guys may (or may not) know, I was in NYC for nearly 4 months spending time with my wonderful fiancé. During that time I was able to quickly, easily and cheaply take part in trades, group buys, box splits, whatever was going on.

Now that I am back in Canada I am not only busier (looking for work, spending time with an ill family member, etc.) but have been very reluctant to take part in trades simply because I worry about trades/bombs arriving (on either end).

Canada has insane duty fees on tobacco products, which means that any trades or bombs sent my way DO have a chance of either:

a) having a 280% duty fee attached to them, which I must pay when they come to my door

or...

b) being confiscated outright

Now, I know we do have a few Canadian members here who have engaged in trades and bombs without issue, and I assure you, I will be sending out a "test run" or two within the next week.

But, as I said, the overall message I wanted to convey here is that I am sorry that my participation in this great community has dropped off over the past few weeks.

I assure you, it is not at all a loss of interest nor a dislike of the place. I absolutely love this forum, and I have it permanently stuck to my internet browser's speed-dial function.

You guys are great, and thanks for providing such a wonderful environment in which we can all share this great hobby of cigars!

-Braden (megladon8)

 

[gibbleguts]

Trades are not the most important part. Hang out and participate who cares if you trade?

 

[megladon8]

Trades are not the most important part. Hang out and participate who cares if you trade?

True, but I was having a blast trading and bombing up a storm. I was frequently sending out 4 or more packages every week.

Then...suddenly stopped.

 

[hdroadglide]

What Aaron said!

 

[gibbleguts]

Do it because you enjoy it not because you feel you need to to be apart of the brotherhood

 

[Clint]

No worries at all!

From what I have read and noticed you contribute to this site in a friendly, constructive way, and that counts more than trades/bombs IMHO.

 

[SergeantStogie]

280%?????? Gotta pay for that healthcare somehow I guess. Yeah, this place isn't just for trading. We want you here no matter what.

 

[Headbanger]

your fine man, no worries.

 

[mwlabel]

No bombs?! You're not welcome here anymore! :bouncetau

You contribute in a positive way to this site, the amount of trading/bombing you do isn't relevant. We want you here either way.

 

[danthebugman]

I for one am glad you're not terrorizing my mail box :boxing:. Just hang out dude, you're still contributing :thumbsup:.

Dan

 

[itallushrt]

 

[megladon8]

Glad to hear it's all good!

I have to admit I did kind of think that that trades and bombs were "part of being a member".

It's good to know I can kick back and enjoy posting and reading until I get a "bombing system" properly under way again.

 

[PLUSH]

Just be a brother, sometimes we hug, sometimes we fight. In the end it should all be good.

 

[Treinenwj]

Like the others said, no apology necessary. Trades are NOT a requirement. When you can afford it and feel the desire, go for it. If you can't, don't. Don't ever, ever feel like you HAVE TO bomb someone.

 

[SkinsFanLarry]

Friendship and camaraderie mean more to me my friend!

 

[GoingPostal]

No need to appologize its not trading that makes this place great its friendship and exchange of love of knowledge. For instance i love your signature how you rate your last 5 cigars. so just don't become a stranger.

 

[megladon8]

No need to appologize its not trading that makes this place great its friendship and exchange of love of knowledge. For instance i love your signature how you rate your last 5 cigars. so just don't become a stranger.

Thanks dude!

It's actually something I carry over from movie forums I post at, where I keep track of the last five movies I've watched.

 

[r3db4r0n]

Yeah trading is far from a necessity here on BOTL but its good to know that your heart was in the right place. As for duties and what not, I used to feel just as concerned but as the time passes and you make more trades/bombs you quickly learn that rarely anything is confiscated by customs if ever. As long as you don't label anything you send out as "cigars" you'll be fine, alternatively as long as people are mindful and do the same while bombing/trading with you, you'll be fine (I've yet to have a problem concerning this myself)

 

[iCraig]

Braden not a need in the world to apologize. Just hope you stay active and enjoy the community here. It's all about the brotherhood here.

 

[Thegreekone]

Braden, I think everybody has said basically the same thing; they value what you bring in spirit by your presence. Trading and everything else happens in cycles anyway. Life changes, people move, finances flex and contract. Shit happens. Find comfort that the board and the camaraderie are a constant.

Miss ya, my man!

Btw, like Dan, I am grateful for the break. You were ringing bells like a kid at a carnival. Get settled and enjoy