FAQ
Lately I’ve had fellow readers ask me about the same topics. This prompted me to create this Frequently Asked Questions page. I hope it helps answer some questions you may have about TomsCigars.com. I will add to it over time. Don’t forget to check the “About” page, there is a lot of info there pertaining to this little blog.
FAQ updated February 27th, 2011
Can I view your videos on an Iphone or Android?
Yes. On the Iphone, you can simply view the videos from the Safari web browser.
Android 2.2 does support web browser playback, but it tends to be choppy. So as of now, the below method works fine on 2.1 as well as 2.2.
The best way to view videos on an Android is to go to http://tomscigars.blip.tv on your Android web browser. This will take you to the site that hosts all of my videos. You will see a list of episodes in the browser. You can select an episode you want to watch, and select “Play this episode.” You will be asked to “Select an action.” Select “Video Player” and the video will play with no problems. You may have to let the episode buffer a bit, depending on your connection speed.
Blip.tv has an Android app for the Samsung Vibrant, which you can find here http://blip.tv/app. You can sign up for a reminder when a blip.tv app is available for all Android phones on that page as well.
Question: Who is Ed? What’s up with that cool accent?
Answer: Ed is a friend and local tobacconist here in St. Petersburg Florida. While waiting for Chinese food one day, I wandered into his shop. Needless to say, I left with a handful of cigars. I have been going there since that day. In late 2007, it dawned on me that he would make a great cigar reviewer. This spawned our guest reviews on The Stogie Review, and this blog. Oh, Ed is from Portugal.
Question: Who are you?
Answer: Check the “About” page.
What is your method to reviewing cigars?
I smoke at least two or three cigars before writing a review. I let them rest in a humidor for at least a week or two at 65% relative humidity, but often much longer. I pair the cigar with water, unless stated otherwise. Obviously when I only can review a single cigar, I state it in the review. Once I know a cigar’s flavor profile intimately, I will drink it with coffee, tea, coke, scotch, or whatever I feel like. But this is rarely done in a review. There you have it.
Why don’t you post more content? Two or three posts a week is lame.
Answer: TomsCigars.com is pretty much a one man operation. I do what I can, but really… Cut me some slack. I am only one person! Start your own cigar review site, post REGULAR content, and get back with me. I’ll entertain this question then. Better yet, submit a guest review and help out!
Tom – I sent you an email or message and you haven’t replied. What’s your problem??
To my surprise, this site has been generating a lot of feedback from readers lately. This isn’t a bad thing. The problem is I try to reply to every message, and that takes time depending on how in depth the subject is. I will get with you as soon as I can, I promise.
Question: Tom, do you run a cigar shop?
Answer: Nope. But I have been known to fill in from time to time at Ed’s shop and another shop or two in the area.
Question: I want to start a cigar blog. What advice do you have for me?
Answer: I may not be the right guy to ask this, but here is my opinion – Start off at a free host such as blogger.com or wordpress.com. See if it is something you will want to do on a regular basis. Over time, readers will notice your site. I think it is important to have consistent updates. If you can only do one post a week, it is better then doing 5 posts one week, and nothing for the next month. Readers will lose interest without some form of reliable content. Be honest, and don’t think cigar blogs are a money maker. Sure, some sites rake it in, but your motivation shouldn’t be based on money. This is a very small demographic in the big scheme of things.
Question: Why don’t you and Ed do reviews more frequently?
Answer: The main reason is time and scheduling. Filming a review takes 2 to 3 hours. Editing takes another two to three hours. Encoding and uploading is an additional 2 hours or so. With the recent expansion of Ed’s shop, there are even more distractions when filming reviews. So once a month seems to be a reasonable compromise.
Question: I want to try Cuban cigars. Where do you get yours from?
Answer: C’mon now… With the right connections and a little work, you’ll figure it out. I can’t promote breaking the law on this site. Sorry.
Question: There is a cigar I’d like you to review. Do you take requests?
Answer: Yes. Just contact me via the contact form or email. If you REALLY want me to do the review pronto, put a few sticks in the mail and send them to me.
