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Recent Changes at Cigar Box Nation

Hello everyone, I just wanted to make a quick post about the recent changes here at CBN. As many of you already know, I took over running Cigar Box nation from its founder, Shane Speal. While there was a financial side to it, the transition was marked by friendship and cooperation. While I have made some minor tweaks and changes, including a redesign of the site look and feel, I am committed to keeping CBN much the same as it has always been without major changes: a bustling, vibrant community that is the headquarters of the cigar box guitar movement.

Late last week, once the final steps of the ownership transition was complete, Shane Speal chose to leave Cigar Box Nation entirely, deleting his account from the server. Unfortunately as part of this all of the content he had created and contributed over the years was also deleted. I have spoken to him about this and he wanted me to let everyone know he is very sorry about this - he did not mean to delete his content from the Nation. While we are all sad to see Shane step away from the nation, I truly hope that it is the right step for him and that in time he will be able to return to the community he founded. As I have said before, to me he is and always will be the king of the cigar box guitar.

We are coming up on the third anniversary of Cigar Box Nation on December 10, and I am confident that with the support and contributions of so many great members we will continue to grow and thrive. I would also like to thank all of you that have taken the time to offer congratulations and give advice. I appreciate it!

Ben Baker/C. B. Gitty

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Permalink Reply by ChickenboneJohn on October 24, 2011 at 7:42am

Wow..three years! Can't remember exactly when I got on board with CBN, but one thing for sure, it's been THE contact point for things happening in the UK and Europe...I'm sure without it our own UK community wouldn't have been as close-knit and vibrant.

Keep up the good work..it's hard work being at the "pointy end"..but it's good that you feel up to the task.

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Permalink Reply by HOLLOWBELLY on October 24, 2011 at 7:48am

I second that emotion.

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Permalink Reply by Uncle John on October 24, 2011 at 12:50pm

Ben, I think my friend Elwood stated it well. I don't know anyone better to take over either. If I can help you with anything, just holler. Good wishes. Long live the nation. Be well and prosper.

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Permalink Reply by Tom Caneschi aka cbg tom on October 24, 2011 at 2:38pm

Ben,

I agree with all of the above comments and thank you again for taking over

and keeping the site running. I have a suggestion, it might be a nice addition

to the site if members could be given a sign up member # and or member since date

as some other sites like ebay do. I don't remember mine, like all the changes keep em coming.

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Permalink Reply by Bad Finger (Eric) on October 25, 2011 at 7:02am

This is hands-down the best internet community I've had the pleasure of being a member. Keep up the great work (everyone).

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Permalink Reply by c# merle on October 25, 2011 at 10:37am

its sad to see shane disappear completely - hope the builders dont take over like he always feared, and the music is a focal point also. like the xmas album etc.

on the plus side, its great to see some of the guys like ted crocker back on the nation

onwards and upwards mr gitty

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Permalink Reply by Uncle John on October 25, 2011 at 12:39pm

I agree with Merle. Sad to see see Shane clear gone. Maybe he thought it would be easier that way. I hope he comes back as a contributor. I've already put in comments supporting Ben.

c# merle said:

its sad to see shane disappear completely - hope the builders dont take over like he always feared, and the music is a focal point also. like the xmas album etc.

on the plus side, its great to see some of the guys like ted crocker back on the nation

onwards and upwards mr gitty

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Permalink Reply by Matthew Borczon on October 25, 2011 at 2:11pm

I will miss Shane a lot. A true and beautiful soul, but if leaving is what helps him put his real time life together then I hope we never hear from him again. This movement has taken a big piece of his life and heart. For a man with a family it must have come at a high price. I used to run a community center and I spent a lot more time in it then I was ever paid for. I was trying to help my community, but one day my daughter asked me if I was going to the center to play with my other kids. All she saw was how little time I had for her and her brothers and sister. Shane wanted to help everyone on the site and that took time away from his job and his kids and his wife. It must have cost him a lot. I will miss him. Still I hope he finds some of what he needs and some of what he lost. Anyway, I admire you for taking the helm. You follow your heart and your gut and I am sure the movement will only get stronger. Remember that calm seas do not make strong sailors. Do not be afraid to shake things up if you think it is the right thing to do. Good luck to you my friend

matt

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Permalink Reply by Ice Bob on October 25, 2011 at 3:23pm

this has been a great thing for me thank you Shane and Ben and everyone this is a warm and freindly site for the most part.we thank you for your commitment Ben but this is bigger then any one of us together we have made a genre sad to lose Shanes Info thats a loss 3 years wow i been into cbgs since spring of 2009 its been great LONG LIVE THE NATION!!!

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Permalink Reply by Tom on October 25, 2011 at 3:26pm

WOW, and change continues to happen. The Nation got me started and I remain on the path. Not much I could add to the comments already posted, but to say I am in agreement. Long Live the Nation- Thanks is too small a word for all that Shane has given. Long live Ben !

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Permalink Reply by Andy B on October 25, 2011 at 4:15pm

THANK YOU SHANE!!!YOU HAVE GIVIN SO MUCH..........BEN YOU ARE APPRECIATED AND SUPPORTED!!!!

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Permalink Reply by Ben "C. B. Gitty" Baker on October 26, 2011 at 5:49am

Hey Jim, I removed the donations button because the Nation is now fully sponsored and underwritten by C. B. Gitty Crafter Supply (or in other words, me). Also trimming back the number of advertisements and no longer selling paid ads, because that revenue isn't needed. Just yesterday I was contacted by a big ad group who had a big-time client who wanted to advertise here, and I said no. Didn't even ask them what they wanted to pay. Being able to supply the CBN community with inexpensive parts for their builds is plenty for me.