I think that long-time lurkers are the people that want the information, but have no desire to be part to the social aspect here. I respect that, and to each their own. Perhaps they are antisocial people to begin with, or just don't have the time to stay and chat. Get the info they want, and get out.
Yep. This is me.
I’ve probably visited this website more than any other since 2016 and yet it took me a long, long time to post much because a) I never felt I had much to offer, b) I’ve seen so many online conversations elsewhere become uselessly divisive, and c) I was too busy changing diapers and trying to stay employed and married!
But rarely has a month gone by in 6-7 years now without visiting this site. I’m grateful for the community and wisdom and (most of the time) kindness!
I’ve learned a ton and it’s grown my fondness for the wonderful hobby of pipe smoking.
My favorite moment so far: waking up one morning to a post from a kind forum member saying he had a Dunhill that looked to have a burn spot on it (but he wasn’t sure) and so the first person to reach out to him could have it… and either smoke it into pipe heaven or smoke it and enjoy owning a Dunny with a small area of discoloration.
Providence had it that I checked the forum earlier than usual that day, messaged the forum member, and received my first Dunhill a short while later. That pipe is a great smoker and the discoloration hasn’t proven to be a burn out spot (yet!). More than this, it’s a pipe that means a lot to me because of the gesture that sent it my way. Just so freaking cool! That was my first Dunhill.
If my post count could equal my appreciation for this forum, it would be in the millions.
Josh