Listen Up, Newbies!

Alright, so you want to find out what this whole pipe thing is all about. So you went to the local B&M and picked up a basket pipe, a pouch of Capt. Black, and something resembling swamp moss from a jar. You hurry home, excited to try your new smoker, pack it with tobacco fresh out of the baggie, use up half the fuel in a Bic lighter trying to ignite it, only to be rewarded with a scorched tongue and an aftertaste that no amount of toothpaste and furious brushing will remove. Then you say to yourself "What kind of cruel hoax is this? Is this all there is to pipe smoking? Pain, frustration, and a taste of smoldering garbage in my mouth?" NO!! IT ISN'T!! We don't smoke pipes because we're masochists. We do it because it's a relaxing, enjoyable, rewarding endeavor when done properly. First, though, you must have the proper tools and ingredients. Think of it like cooking. You can't make a proper Coq au Vin out of a roadkill pigeon and a bottle of ketchup. You need the right ingredients. This is when you turn to someone more experienced for help assembling those ingredients. This is when you turn to the "Newbie Sampler Trade For Pipes." It's not free, and it's not welfare. It's help and guidance from people who know, and have, a variety of pipe tobaccos to give you a proper introduction to the myriad of blends out there so you can determine what you like. It's simple really, you go to http://www.cigarbum.com/forum/showth...rade-for-Pipes and sign up as a newbie. When your name comes up you contact your corresponding experienced pipe smoker and send him a tin of of tobacco of his choosing. You can buy it and mail it yourself, or have it drop shipped from a number of online merchants. In return you will receive a number of samples of top quality tobacco, and perhaps a smoking instrument or any number of useful items. So newbies, listen up, step up, and sign up today.

Here here! This man speaks truth!

Great advice here. Go sign up if you're just starting off with pipes. It's a perfect way to sample several different blends without having to purchase tins or large quantities. There are many great BOTL willing to help out.

Right before the other site came crashing down, I was a newb in the NST and got to sample many different blends, some of which I'd not even heard of. The experienced guys try and send a variety so you'll have not only different blends but different kinds of blends. You'll learn what you like and what you don't. Can't beat it.

Do it. You won't regret it.

My name is mooster and I endorse this message.

I mean if you're recruiting I suppose I can sign up...*runs off to the other thread*

Warren, THANK YOU FOR THIS POST. I think you described nearly everyone's first pipe experience spot-on. I started with a pouch of Captain Black, a Dr Grabow & a scorched tongue. I smoked that sucker so hot it bubbled the finish off.

If you're wondering how enjoyable & relaxing pipe smoking can be, join in on the fun!

P.S. Anyone can absolutely feel free to PM me if they have any pipe smoking questions, I am more than happy to help. Otherwise, post your questions here.

I forgot to mention, when signing up, please read the rules and instructions on page one of the "Newbie Sampler Trade For Pipes".

Bumping this one. We have experienced pipe smokers anxiously awaiting a chance to ruin your day, so if you've been thinking about it, now is the time to sign up.

Pugsley - Thanks for posting that message; it was very well worded and enticing. I'm hoping more Newbies try it because I get a kick out of putting together samplers.

Thinking about trying this out... what's the general consensus on a Noob from north of the border joining up?