is it wrong to withold a source?

My personal call is that it would be a situation-dependant thing.

If the source is nothing special and exclusive access isn't an issue, then sure, why not?

If the source is something exclusive and a bit of an "insider tip" that gives you an edge that would be eroded by spreading the word around everywhere, then I would defer to those that say, "It's your source.". The fishing hole analogy is great.

Basically I would let someone in on some very valuable information if I have a good and familiar relationship where you trust this person, it's okay to tell him not to tell anyone else, and where it would be okay to call him out on it and say, "Hey man, did you tell anyone about that or something?!?" Harder to do this with a stranger or casual acquaintance.

[Hitagain]

I agree that it is your source and your right not to reveal it. Not like I would know anything, as new as I am, I'm happy when I find something local at MSRP. I did ask someone local to my area when some local B&Ms where around here and he was happy to let me know, I may at some point down the line ask for someones source and if they wouldn't reveal it, I would at least hope they offer to make a buy for me, but if they didn't I would completely understand....

[Wolfgang]

I wont give my sources out to anyone! My family asked how I obtained a box of HDM Des Dieux and my only answer the whole week was " from a friend". I know what I had to do to be let on to these sources and there is no chance in H-E-double hockeysticks Im giving it up. They can order through me no charge whatsoever and I will ship to them. (maybe skim a stick or two off the top)

[ucla695]

I don't think it wrong to keep sources closely held. It's a privilege, not a right.

[s15driftking]

i have encountered similar situations.

I tell people who deserve to be told. I NEVER feel obligated to tell osmeone just because they ask. You wouldn't give away business tactics and secrets to those hwo could potentially ruin you and your livelyhood would you?

I know "sharing cigar sources" is a much milder example... but just think about it. Besides, if you are asking this community, it sounds like you didn't want to tell him in the first place. That is called a "gut feeling"

keep it to yourself, especially from schmoes who have 1 post and it's asking you where to get your smokes from.

[shilala]

I share most everything eventually.
I don't think there's anything wrong with staying tight-lipped about a source, but I always feel guilty about it.
I figure if I feel guilty, it's wrong. When I tire of feeling guilty, I cough it up.

[s15driftking]

Originally Posted by shilala

I share most everything eventually.

well put, with time people may become deserving etc.

[s0leful0ne]

i agree that there is no problem . You've done the footwork (or phonework) to find them and have worked hard to develop a relationship with them.

I'm even tightlipped about the Asylum. I pre-screen the friends I invite on here

[Bubba - NJ]

Not at all . One source ruined is one too many !

[spectrrr]

Simple rule of thumb. "If you have to ask......"

Simple answer too - you have a friend that is willing to do YOU (and you only) OCCASIONAL favors. Simple as that. now you're not being a fukstick for not telling them, its simply a problem that your source is limited and not open for business with other people. Add in something about being paranoid too if need be
That line or random variations of it can apply to CC and NC sources alike.

Generally if someone is a decent friend, I'll offer to pick it up for them... but they're still not getting my source. Source only goes to people that I REALLY know.