Re: Tatuaje Saints & Sinners club
 

Not even Pete Johnson belly button lint?

Re: Tatuaje Saints & Sinners club
 

Sounds a lot like joining a band fan site to have the first option of buying concert tickets. Pay your money, find out that the 'exclusive deals' are just a week early and you can buy them for a cheaper price if you waited. It looks like marketing hype to me, $150 to buy stuff that is 'exclusive' to the club and get a nice free sampler. Sign me up so I can buy an exclusive Tatuaje hat that you can also get by: ordering online, going to an event, buying a sampler or a full box. But if you are in the club, you get first crack at buying the hat. :rolleyes: Paying money to be the first to pay more money. :2

Re: Tatuaje Saints & Sinners club
 

I heard for initiation, you have to smoke an entire box of Viaje regular production sticks. If you don't upchuck your lower intestine, you get to move onto the next phase which includes the secret decoder ring, that you'll need to decipher the clues to determine how many Tat LE's will be released between May 1st and Dec 31st. It's all very Secret Squirrel...

Re: Tatuaje Saints & Sinners club
 

:r

This is hilarious, his latest attempt to be an even bigger filthy money grubbing whore. Gene Simmons watch out, Pete's trying to take your title! Get the new Tatuaje MONSTER UNDERWEAR!


1. Exclusive, one-off products available only to members (select products may not be available for purchase through the S&S webstore). MORE LIMITEDS?!??! So now what is it 10-12 limiteds a week?
2. Everyday Tatuaje branded merchandise at the Saints & Sinners club rate. A little vague isn't it? We talking swag or smokes? What is the rate?
3. Access to members-only forums, where you can discuss the finer points of cigars, smoking accessories, spirits, and anything else associated with the Saints & Sinners lifestyle YAY I want to be in the cool kids club "members only access" (where's the jerkit smiley?). Tatuaje fans have different lifestyles? (again jerkit smiley please
4. Access to the Pete Johnson video blog. Here, Pete will update members on everything PJHC. Watch Pete as he travels around the world, visiting his production facility in Nicaragua, engages fans on cigar tours, and dishes on anything else he feels his Saints & Sinners family should know about. Sounds like twitter.
5. First looks at new cigar blends, swag, as well as insider info on Tatuaje and other Pete Johnson brands. Big deal, news travels fast on the net...I'm sure by the time you check your email everyone will know already.
6. The knowledge that a portion of your annual membership fee will go to an eclectic mix of charities that Pete choses for their commitment to their particular cause. How much 2%? What charities? More vagueness.

Maybe I'm just in a particularly bad mood but this all sounds like a huge load of $hit.

Re: Tatuaje Saints & Sinners club
 

Eh Eh, bet you would buy it now!

Re: Tatuaje Saints & Sinners club
 

Yawn! Typical PT.

Re: Tatuaje Saints & Sinners club
 

SO glad I'm not a Tat whore.

Re: Tatuaje Saints & Sinners club
 

this guy is a marking genius

Re: Tatuaje Saints & Sinners club
 

While it's probably not for me, as it relates to people chasing his limited releases and such, I can see a similarity to the music industry and fan clubs. Used to be if you wanted a good seat to a show, you simply got to the front of the line. Now, some bands presell tickets, and block off the good seats, to their fan clubs before they are released to the general public. So, if it's your thing, there could be some value to it, if indeed that is the way it works.

Or I could just be a moran.

Re: Tatuaje Saints & Sinners club
 

Agreed. I love Tatuaje cigars but between the marketing and massive releases of limited cigars it is running its course with me. What happened it to being just about the cigar?

Re: Tatuaje Saints & Sinners club
 

This

Re: Tatuaje Saints & Sinners club
 

I roll the ball with a Teryllium Newport II....:tu

Re: Tatuaje Saints & Sinners club
 

Thanks for a different POV, Adam. This is the approximate point I was thinking of making. I, and many of you, have met Pete in person. I don't think everything he does is great, or that he's some rock star, but he's a pretty cool guy and not a douche as some make him out to be. I've watched a few videos of him, spoke to him once in person, and I can honestly say that I believe he does this kind of stuff mostly out of enjoyment. I'm sure there will be a nice little package given out for signing up. I, for one, will likely be doing so.

It's kind of unnerving to see some of the animosity around here that goes on around here towards Pete Johnson and some others in the cigar industry. If somebody doesn't like a product or idea, it makes sense to discuss it. Do we really need to attack the character of the person?:sh

Re: Tatuaje Saints & Sinners club
 

Originally signed up, but never got the e-mail.

I may pass on this though. Sounds like a way for Patel Johnson to pad his bottom line and push whatever tobacco he wants to get rid of or whatever trademark name he needs released.

Re: Tatuaje Saints & Sinners club
 

Fixed for accuracy :)

Not a Pete Johnson hater but there are plenty of botl's that can't afford his cigars as it is.
I'd think he should make his fan club inclusive rather than exclusive.
But that's just my worthless opinion.

Re: Tatuaje Saints & Sinners club
 

I'm with you Mario...while I am actually kind of burned out on chasing the LE's that he releases, having met him and chatted for awhile, in no way do I think he needs insulted for the what he's doing with his product.

So I get it if you're burned out on chasing LE's, and if it's not your thing, why waste energy posting insults? :sh It seems that every Tat thread goes from a couple of interested Tat-Whores posting a few messages then it deteriorates into a PJ insult thread.

Re: Tatuaje Saints & Sinners club
 

See Dave...that's actually a good post that has a constructive opinion :tu While I might not agree, I can still respect it! -(P

Re: Tatuaje Saints & Sinners club
 

More secrecy from my brother in law Pete.
Man I am pissed to be the last to know.

(Some of you will get it.)
(Some of you won't.)
(One of you for sure won't even be able to read this.)

Re: Tatuaje Saints & Sinners club
 

Pete is your BIL? You lucky son of a beech!

Re: Tatuaje Saints & Sinners club
 

And can you believe Carlos still chooses to either smoke Padrons or tent pegs?
Is there no sanity in this world??!

Re: Tatuaje Saints & Sinners club
 

Pass. Do you know much Kool-aid I can buy with $150.00? :r

Probably not as much as Pete serves.

Re: Tatuaje Saints & Sinners club
 

I'm not sure he's that much of a genius. In fact it sounds a lot like the marketing done by some high end craft breweries like The Bruery's Reserve Society or the quandom Lost Abby Saints & Sinners Club (sound familiar?)

Re: Tatuaje Saints & Sinners club
 

Wow.... Lots of hostility. Pete isn't making anyone join.

thanks for post

Re: Tatuaje Saints & Sinners club
 

I'm in!!!


:noon


Chris.....

Re: Tatuaje Saints & Sinners club
 

It's funny how when Tats are brought up you have some folks that jump at any chance to get any swag or LE's that comes out. On the other side of the coin are people who are tired of the endless gimmicks. Those that jump always say those that are tired of the endless gimmicks are hostile or hateful. I have enjoyed a few Tats that I've smoked and a few have disappointed. What it really comes down to is Pete doesn't make any cigars, Don Pepin Garcia makes them. When the cigar is great (Pork Tenderloin, Barclay Rex etc.) Pete is the hot cheerleader the fans of the game are glad to see. When the cigars are pretty bad (Drac, The Face etc.) Pete is the beer swillin' fat guy who cheers for his team no matter how bad they are doing.

Re: Tatuaje Saints & Sinners club
 

Well, no one said he made these things up. The La Verite futures project was taken from the wine industry, that is said right up front.

He is just good at taking these things and applying them in this market with success.

I haven't smoked all of his LE's, and some of those I did smoke were dissappointing.

But others are so good I almost don't want to smoke the few I have as I know I can't get any more.

Luckily my favorite is still the original Brown label.

And yes, Pepin is the real maker behind Pete. But short of maybe the My Father Le B, there isn't a Pepin stick available that I enjoy as much as the Tats I smoke.

Re: Tatuaje Saints & Sinners club
 

Wow, what a spectrum of thoughts, attitudes, and moods in this thread. It made me laugh just to read the diversity and the dramatic shifts of them.

I have liked a few Tats. I haven't been able to try a few I'd like to try because I don't have the coin when the are available, and when I do have some extra capital, they aren't accessible anymore. Some were great, some OK, a couple were seriously disappointing. Oh well. I do know that I certainly don't have $150 to toss at this membership.

I also know the boat I'd like to have for fishing, sweet rig, but $18K I don't have. So, I putter around in my $600 boat, glad to have that, and enjoy time with my boys (and some friends) fishing.

Could some of the vitriol sent Pete's way be anger about the fact that someone cannot get or afford another cigar he's made? Or that they feel they "have to have" something new that he's produced? Could be!

In the end, all I have to say is... More power to Pete to be able to do this - I hope it flies.

Will I be joining? Not until my tomato plants starts producing $50 bills on a regular basis. Untill then, I'm going to use the money I could spend on this for gas money to take my sons out in the boat - that $150 will get us fishing almost through the season. Oh, and I have a few cigars to take with me. I don't know how many will be Pete's, but I'll enjoy every single one of them in the company of whoever is in the boat with me. And if we're lucky, the fish will bite - making that day complete.

Peace of the Lord be with you.

Re: Tatuaje Saints & Sinners club
 

I have to say as a totally external player here, that this thread is most useful as a in or out thread.
I take pride in this forum for what it is, and that is better than every other single forum I have ever
looked at much less joined. I understand that there are opinons on all sides of the spectrum,
but I can't see bashing a person for being a good businessman who also makes good products.
If this industry was filled with Rocky Patels, there'd be something to holler about. Rocky started
out so pure and then became the CLASSIC case of Cigar Ahole. 50 different useless cigar blends, all of them
suffering from too much $hi+ to control syndrome. The industry needs Pete and Orlando and Pepin and Drew.
They TRY. Again, I will try after this to stay out of it, because I was sitting down with Croatan and Beagleone
in Dallas and they started talking about Pete Johnson and I said "Who?" and they both laughed and told me
he was the Tatuaje guy, and I said "Tatoowhat?" Actually the second part I knew. I made that up just now.
But I think we are better than this as a group. I understand all of the opinions, but on the whole again, I think
he is much better for the industry than most, and for as many idiot's hands as he has to shake a year, he still
manages to get out there and rub elbows with the roundheads and keep a smile on his face. I don't hate Bill
Gates for being a billionaire. I respect him for inventing $hit+ that allows me to make a living in my pajamas if
I want to.

Re: Tatuaje Saints & Sinners club
 

Funny, breweries have been doing this for some time.

Lost Abbey Brewery's exclusive club(s) are even called "Sinners and Saints" (since 2006) :r

Just addressing the "genius" comments, he's doing a good job obviously, but copying what others are doing years later is not genius to me. Just very smart.

All that to say, I have no problem with this. :tu

If you like his products and want access to exclusive stuff it's the only way. Same with the breweries, they make small batch stuff for their clubs and no one else can get it (except second hand). Those interested participate, and are usually happy (at least in the beer world). Those not interested do not participate.

Re: Tatuaje Saints & Sinners club
 

well said

Re: Tatuaje Saints & Sinners club
 

It's really just about that simple. Good post, Seth.

Re: Tatuaje Saints & Sinners club
 

I personally think its a great deal, the 150$ will get you the previously mentioned access to info that every tat whore looks for, a 15 cigar sampler (5 regular production, 5 prototype blends and 5 Saints and Sinners exclusives) plus a hat and shirt.. Cant beat that IMHO.

Why bash Pete for introducing something to keep the cigar world exciting?

Re: Tatuaje Saints & Sinners club
 

Do you have a link with the sampler mentioned as being fact? I think a portion of us myself included were just disappointed buy the e-mail that was released that didn't mention anything about receiving any kind of hard goods in return for joining. The only thing mentioned was the access to discounts, exclusive releases etc. If the sampler is in fact going to be sent in return I have no problems forking over the $150 to join but if it's just what was mentioned in the e-mail released yesterday than I myself will take a pass and I think that is where some of the groups displeasure came from IMHO. A few guys have mentioned a sampler being sent with membership but it was not mentioned in the slightest in the e-mail regarding the membership.

Re: Tatuaje Saints & Sinners club
 

As Brooks already mentioned in this thread, sizes or blends may have changed since these pictures were taken but these were the original S&S samplers:
Attachment 9243
Attachment 9244
Attachment 9245

Re: Tatuaje Saints & Sinners club
 

I love it, this is why Tatuaje, Pete Johnson are freaking marketing geniuses. His company sends out one little email yesterday to those who showed interest in the S&S club and wham-o all this chatter on this board, and others I'm sure. I say top notch to Pete & Tatuaje cigars, keep up the great marketing and outstanding cigars IMO. That is all......


:tu :tu


Chris.....

Re: Tatuaje Saints & Sinners club
 

All that said in my previous entry, I DO remember the Honeycomb Hideout only required two box tops and a
dollar to join. My, how times have changed. Of course there was no smoking in the Honeycomb Hideout.

Re: Tatuaje Saints & Sinners club
 

This has piqued my interest...

Re: Tatuaje Saints & Sinners club
 

guy makes an average product and markets it to where people are falling over themselves to get it, i'll call that genius all day. it's the cartman principle, i've got it you can't have it...wait i need to make money, ok only x amount of people can have it.

Re: Tatuaje Saints & Sinners club
 

The man's a genius and I tip my hat to him. Gotta make a living, and he's great at what he does.

Re: Tatuaje Saints & Sinners club
 

The email also didn't mention it was $150 dollars.

I agree that the email was a blunder, it appears it was done hastily in order to gauge interest for manufacturing amounts.

I am sure everything will be disclosed in full detail before anyone is expected to fork over any cash.

At that time I will make a decision if it is worth it.

For me, I am not really interested in chasing down prototypes and the like, not interested in following Pete's exploits on video (or anyone's) and I don't wear logo t-shirts. On the other hand I enjoy tats so who knows.

I am sure it is a win win for Pete:
Cultivate a dedicated fan base and loyalty to his product
Concentrate his marketing efforts
Since he is moving away from limited releases, have a venue to get limited product out there.
Since the profit from the program is being donated there is the tax break
Get feedback on products before broader release
etc.
1. He cultivates a

Re: Tatuaje Saints & Sinners club
 

If you indeed receive 15 sticks, including 10 prototypes and LEs, and some swag I'd say its worth it.

Either way I agree with the folks who recognize that DPG is the crucial factor, Pete is the face of the brand and a smart business man. Anything to hype up interest in cigars and the cigar community is good in my book

As an aside, I assume there will be an open website to join or can you only join through the email?

Re: Tatuaje Saints & Sinners club
 

You can't even join yet. It was an email to people who previously expressed interest to find out if they are still interested. As many people who want to will be able to join.

They wanted to gauge interest to see how much merchandise they should make (cigars and swag)

Re: Tatuaje Saints & Sinners club
 

Seems like this would pay for itself, after getting a free sampler and a couple discounted boxes of Tat LE's that always seem to either A: Sell out very quickly, or B: Can only be found/purchased well above retail. Interesting......

Re: Tatuaje Saints & Sinners club
 

Just an FYI, the e-mail did state the price. Below is the copy and pasted e-mail verbatim.
We apologize for the delay, but we are finally here to unveil the details of the Saints & Sinners club.

The Saints & Sinners Club is an exclusive members only club and for an annual registration fee of $150, each member will receive:

1. Exclusive, one-off products available only to members (select products may not be available for purchase through the S&S webstore).
2. Everyday Tatuaje branded merchandise at the Saints & Sinners club rate.
3. Access to members-only forums, where you can discuss the finer points of cigars, smoking accessories, spirits, and anything else associated with the Saints & Sinners lifestyle
4. Access to the Pete Johnson video blog. Here, Pete will update members on everything PJHC. Watch Pete as he travels around the world, visiting his production facility in Nicaragua, engages fans on cigar tours, and dishes on anything else he feels his Saints & Sinners family should know about.
5. First looks at new cigar blends, swag, as well as insider info on Tatuaje and other Pete Johnson brands.
6. The knowledge that a portion of your annual membership fee will go to an eclectic mix of charities that Pete choses for their commitment to their particular cause.

Re: Tatuaje Saints & Sinners club
 

As mentioned previous if that sampler is part of the fee to join I'm in for the sticks alone.

Re: Tatuaje Saints & Sinners club
 

If there are charitable donations made with portions of your registration fee, there could be tax breaks involved or write offs. Another bonus in my book..........count me in.

Re: Tatuaje Saints & Sinners club
 

For those who are into this kind of thing I'm sure it's pretty cool. It's not for me but I don't begrudge those who are.

What I want to know is, do you get a free jacket?

http://l.yimg.com/a/feeds/us/shine/w...rsOnlyFull.jpg

Re: Tatuaje Saints & Sinners club
 

The likelihood of being able to take a charitable tax deduction is very low.

1. You are not making a charitable donation, the company is. And because a portion of the annual fee is getting donated does not entitle you to take a charitable tax deduction for your full annual fee to this program.
2. Usually foreign charities are not allowed to be deducted (it has been said that the funds will likely go to Nicaraguan kids).
3. Most important, the charity usually must be a legitimate 501(3)(c). I doubt this will be one.
4. To even take credit for a charitable tax donation, you have to file 1040 and itemize instead of the taking the standard deduction. If you take the standard deduction, then this is counter-productive.

:(

Re: Tatuaje Saints & Sinners club
 

Yeah, I was totally joking about that being a tax deduction...so I apologize for bringing even more confusion into an already confusing discussion ;s