[SmokeyJoe]

I posted this last year... and it is still true.

Do you guys remember what it was like a year ago?

I was nearly despondent...
All the changes at our former home were frustrating at best... and infuriating at worst. I truly felt like something I had come to appreciate deeply had been irrevocably destroyed - and I was saddened by that. Accusations flew, friendships were strained... betrayals, and accusations of betrayals were rampant. My cherished little community was crumbling...

Then, all the mods left "en masse!" I wasn't sure what to think, but very soon I heard that 11 men that I trusted had decided the time had come to start a new forum. A difficut decision, I'm sure. Tons of work and criticism everywhere. But you 11 believed something of that incredible community could be salvaged.

You were right.

I probably sound foolish or melodramatic with my characterization of the Fall of 2008, but that is how I felt. I could say "thank you" for what you 11 men did, but truthfully? "Thank you" just doesn't begin to convey my gratitude.

I hope you all can derive some gratification and satisfaction from the number of folks who have made CA their on-line home. Not just CS expatriates, but the new folks who come here everyday and find the very best parts of what the jungle meant to us all.

Forgive the verbosity... I could have gone on for several more pages.

Please just know that you have made a huge positive impact in the life of a graying, chubby, novice cigar smoker in North Carolina - who thinks of you as family. Blessings on each of you.