Notes for the Rookies
- Thread starter bigvan
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I wish I could tell you how to say "xoibsurferx" it came from a very old email address that I've had for many years. I used to surf at Ocean Isle Beach,NC (oib) a lot. Now I rarely surf once a year if I get the chance to make the three hour drive.
I wanted to comment that I really like Dr.Grabow pipes. Its my first pipe and I picked it up for $20.00 at a local store. Mine is the savory "smooth". I love the shape and the size. I'm a smaller guy and a large pipe just wouldn't feel right to me. So far I love it and I love it because not only its my first pipe but because I love the feel of it and the way the wood looks. I hope you get the chance to find one. Well worth the $20 to me.
I wanted to comment that I really like Dr.Grabow pipes. Its my first pipe and I picked it up for $20.00 at a local store. Mine is the savory "smooth". I love the shape and the size. I'm a smaller guy and a large pipe just wouldn't feel right to me. So far I love it and I love it because not only its my first pipe but because I love the feel of it and the way the wood looks. I hope you get the chance to find one. Well worth the $20 to me.
Many novice smokers do not have the skills to describe why a pipe smokes well or doesn't. No matter. If you have a pipe that smokes well or doesn't and you just want to say so, I'm still glad to hear about it and we can learn together what makes a good pipe and why.
Many novice smokers cannot tell an aromatic from an English blend. I don't care. If you tried a new blend, I'd like to hear about it, even if it's only to know that you liked it or didn't. I can still tally up those posts and that may help me to decide whether or not I'd like to try it. You could give me a detailed description of its flavors, but I probably wouldn't agree anyway.
Although I hope noone will pretend to expertice he does not have, do your best. I am sure if you post something blatantly incorrect, some of the senior members will quickly correct you and you will learn and grow. I hope that is why you are here. But if a certain level of knowledge or maturity is required to post, we should all just shut up and go home.
Some of you buy pipes just for the sake of collecting. And of course you want to collect "pretty" pipes. I don't mind. I still want to see a picture of them so I can share in your enjoyment. I want my pipes, first to be functional, but personally I won't buy a pipe that I don't think looks good. I just won't call them pretty. I'd prefer more macho, manly adjectives like "nifty" or "spiffy". I'll learn from the rest of you how to descibe a pipes grain, feel, or coolness of smoke and the resons for it.
It seems we have a lot of younger new members to this forum. So not surprisingly a few of us (even us Aging Ones) still have a little growing up to do. That's life. I know we have variety of personalities here, for sure. That's life, too. I hope if you are willing to share your hobby and learn from others you will find yourself welcome here. I know I have. Thanks everyone.
I will do my best to be supportive and helpful. But if you want my support, you'll just have to overlook a certain amount of my silliness and humor. Because no matter how warped it may be, I don't intend to change my personality for anyone. So there... :nana:
Many novice smokers cannot tell an aromatic from an English blend. I don't care. If you tried a new blend, I'd like to hear about it, even if it's only to know that you liked it or didn't. I can still tally up those posts and that may help me to decide whether or not I'd like to try it. You could give me a detailed description of its flavors, but I probably wouldn't agree anyway.
Although I hope noone will pretend to expertice he does not have, do your best. I am sure if you post something blatantly incorrect, some of the senior members will quickly correct you and you will learn and grow. I hope that is why you are here. But if a certain level of knowledge or maturity is required to post, we should all just shut up and go home.
Some of you buy pipes just for the sake of collecting. And of course you want to collect "pretty" pipes. I don't mind. I still want to see a picture of them so I can share in your enjoyment. I want my pipes, first to be functional, but personally I won't buy a pipe that I don't think looks good. I just won't call them pretty. I'd prefer more macho, manly adjectives like "nifty" or "spiffy". I'll learn from the rest of you how to descibe a pipes grain, feel, or coolness of smoke and the resons for it.
It seems we have a lot of younger new members to this forum. So not surprisingly a few of us (even us Aging Ones) still have a little growing up to do. That's life. I know we have variety of personalities here, for sure. That's life, too. I hope if you are willing to share your hobby and learn from others you will find yourself welcome here. I know I have. Thanks everyone.
I will do my best to be supportive and helpful. But if you want my support, you'll just have to overlook a certain amount of my silliness and humor. Because no matter how warped it may be, I don't intend to change my personality for anyone. So there... :nana:
Good post. Certainly some food for thought for us newbies. #4 seems to be a decisive point among several here. Im going to say I somewhat agree. Pipetrucker hit the nail on the head as far as that goes.
I also agree that it's a bit vexing when someone merely says a pipe is a "good smoker". Im certainly not looking for any long-winded poetic description, just bit more detail. For instance a comment like: "you should get a cob, they're good smokers". I think most can agree a little more elaboration is in order.
One thing I will add though, in regard to how the old vets veiw rookies such as myself, sometimes we need a bit more of an explanation on some things. I, for one, have no pipe smokers in the family and have never known any aside from myself (now). I don't come here and ask many questions, I mostly lurk and wait for an answer to pop up through someone else asking. However, questions that may seem silly or overly cautious/specific (ie. the aforementioned cake questions) are posed genuinely because we (rookies) have absolutely no idea. Like nemrod said, we have no point of reference. I absolutely understand how the long-time pipers can feel annoyed though. I've been working in a liquor store for the past 3 years and if I hear "how do you make a margarita?" ONE MORE TIME I think i'll go nuts!
I also agree that it's a bit vexing when someone merely says a pipe is a "good smoker". Im certainly not looking for any long-winded poetic description, just bit more detail. For instance a comment like: "you should get a cob, they're good smokers". I think most can agree a little more elaboration is in order.
One thing I will add though, in regard to how the old vets veiw rookies such as myself, sometimes we need a bit more of an explanation on some things. I, for one, have no pipe smokers in the family and have never known any aside from myself (now). I don't come here and ask many questions, I mostly lurk and wait for an answer to pop up through someone else asking. However, questions that may seem silly or overly cautious/specific (ie. the aforementioned cake questions) are posed genuinely because we (rookies) have absolutely no idea. Like nemrod said, we have no point of reference. I absolutely understand how the long-time pipers can feel annoyed though. I've been working in a liquor store for the past 3 years and if I hear "how do you make a margarita?" ONE MORE TIME I think i'll go nuts!
Hobie, I hope this thread is NOT closed. I think everyone has been able to express themselves clearly and cordially. I know I'm rethinking some of my opinions based on what has been discussed here - like the example of "cake thickness". I probably SHOULD see this more from the perspective of the rookie. Some may have to agree to disagree, but I don't think anyone's been insulting nor offending. If only all discourse was as rational.
Yeah, I think everyone can chill out for a bit...it's just opinions, and everyone on here should be laid back enough to let things smooth out as good relaxed pipe smokers should.
I hope not hobie, we seen to let some (I'm as guilty as anyone for starting them)mind numbing threads go on for what seems like an eternity while others such as this one that provokes thought and apposing opinions get closed prematurely.
Good thread BigVan... I'm planning on spending some time Friday afternoon at our local B&M. I hope to see you there.
I certainly hope this thread isn't closed. I think almost everyone here has been quite thoughtful, honest, and cordial. That's what I love about pipe smokers.
I think if we all agreed all the time forums such as this would be really, really boring but at least pipesters can disagree without being disagreeable.
I think if we all agreed all the time forums such as this would be really, really boring but at least pipesters can disagree without being disagreeable.
I really appreciate irony. So I guess I have to appreciate this thread.
As I read the thread opener by BigVan, I was not really liking it. More on that in a moment, but first what I DO like about this thread.
1. no one has yet typed in all small letters without punctuation. im not fond of that
2. It has sparked some quite involved discussion. A+ for that BigVan.
I appreciate your effort with the post, and hope you don't feel like I am picking on you ...
IRONICALLY - There is also a side to this thread I am not fond of.
You make some pretty good points, but some of the opinions I do not agree with and some of the tone is a little too harsh for the tone we prefer here.
Everyone is entitled to their opinions, and we try to keep the moderating of posts as light as possible.
There is one BIG thing that is immensely important to keeping this place vibrant and growing.
- We need to keep having new people joining and not being intimidated to post their "dumb" questions and "stupid" opinions.
READ MY LIPS ...
There is no such thing as a dumb question or stupid opinion here.
Bigvan's opinion is just as valid as everyone else's ... but please be sure when posting your opinion that it is not done in a way that will give anyone pause to post a question or comment.
Suggesting ways to improve one's posting, like encouraging them to provide more and better information is good.
By the nature of forums, new people are going to post questions that the long-time members have heard 100 times. Deal with it.
Be nice. Be welcoming. Do not be a pipe or tobacco snob.
Whichever style of pipe or tobacco you like is fine. We all have to start somewhere. Some smokers evolve a great deal over time, and others do not.
If you're enjoying it, you're doing it right.
Lastly, I think some of the Ardor pipes that have purple and pink stems are pretty cool looking.
As I read the thread opener by BigVan, I was not really liking it. More on that in a moment, but first what I DO like about this thread.
1. no one has yet typed in all small letters without punctuation. im not fond of that
2. It has sparked some quite involved discussion. A+ for that BigVan.
I appreciate your effort with the post, and hope you don't feel like I am picking on you ...
IRONICALLY - There is also a side to this thread I am not fond of.
You make some pretty good points, but some of the opinions I do not agree with and some of the tone is a little too harsh for the tone we prefer here.
Everyone is entitled to their opinions, and we try to keep the moderating of posts as light as possible.
There is one BIG thing that is immensely important to keeping this place vibrant and growing.
- We need to keep having new people joining and not being intimidated to post their "dumb" questions and "stupid" opinions.
READ MY LIPS ...
There is no such thing as a dumb question or stupid opinion here.
Bigvan's opinion is just as valid as everyone else's ... but please be sure when posting your opinion that it is not done in a way that will give anyone pause to post a question or comment.
Suggesting ways to improve one's posting, like encouraging them to provide more and better information is good.
By the nature of forums, new people are going to post questions that the long-time members have heard 100 times. Deal with it.
Be nice. Be welcoming. Do not be a pipe or tobacco snob.
Whichever style of pipe or tobacco you like is fine. We all have to start somewhere. Some smokers evolve a great deal over time, and others do not.
If you're enjoying it, you're doing it right.
Lastly, I think some of the Ardor pipes that have purple and pink stems are pretty cool looking.
Hey Guys,
I don't think this string will be closed.
As long as it stays civil.
Here is an old Welcome post I put up in the "New Members Introduce Yourself Sting".
I think it is relevant to current subject of discussion.
I am posting it to illustrate that New Members are by-in-large relatively new to pipe smoking and are curious about its subtleties, best practices, and choice of tobaccos.
I don't think this string will be closed.
As long as it stays civil.
Here is an old Welcome post I put up in the "New Members Introduce Yourself Sting".
I think it is relevant to current subject of discussion.
I am posting it to illustrate that New Members are by-in-large relatively new to pipe smoking and are curious about its subtleties, best practices, and choice of tobaccos.
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