ECO - Electronic Cigarette Organization

[webtaxman]

I'm in -- will help in any area needed.

Tax/Accounting is my business ---so---please do not rely on any correspondence with IRS employees. I believe one is even warned by the IRS itself, not to rely on their employee information.

Those who mentioned the need for a mission statement are spot on IMO. You will need one that is all encompassing and gives the IRS and the applicable Secretary of State a REASON to grant relief and designation as a non-profit.

I'm also a paralegal. In CA, and by definition, I am prohibited from offering any legal advice.

Attorneys are also limited by their respective State Bars of where and or what issue, they can offer advice. Most practicing attorneys can argue Federal law in a Federal Court.

Please keep in mind that non-practicing lawyers are severely limited as to what they can do.

I don't expect m/any attorneys to join and advance the idea of creating a consumer oriented non-profit. They don't want to be accused of unlicensed practice of law (UPL).

Every one should call or visit the website of your respective State Bars. You'd be amazed at the resources some will offer.

Mike

 

[jj2]

I'd go with VITA. My second choice would be vape.

 

[catlvr]

I'd go with VITA. My second choice would be vape.

I like VITA too! Although I did kinda like the C.A.T. one earlier mentioned lol.

 

[Webby]

I'm in -- will help in any area needed.

Tax/Accounting is my business ---so---please do not rely on any correspondence with IRS employees. I believe one is even warned by the IRS itself, not to rely on their employee information.

Those who mentioned the need for a mission statement are spot on IMO. You will need one that is all encompassing and gives the IRS and the applicable Secretary of State a REASON to grant relief and designation as a non-profit.

I'm also a paralegal. In CA, and by definition, I am prohibited from offering any legal advice.

Attorneys are also limited by their respective State Bars of where and or what issue, they can offer advice. Most practicing attorneys can argue Federal law in a Federal Court.

Please keep in mind that non-practicing lawyers are severely limited as to what they can do.

I don't expect m/any attorneys to join and advance the idea of creating a consumer oriented non-profit. They don't want to be accused of unlicensed practice of law (UPL).

Every one should call or visit the website of your respective State Bars. You'd be amazed at the resources some will offer.

Mike

Mike,

Good info - what would qualify as "paid legal advice" Are lawyers required to charge full going rate for their services or offer advice pro bono (or at a very low rate) to the organization without getting themselves into trouble?

 

[Thulium]

Vapers Advocating Positive Options & Resources (VAPOR)

EDIT: Viable Alternatives Prompting Oncologist Retirement

 

[Webby]

The poll is online:
Electronic Cigarette Users Group - Poll for New Name

This is the online poll for the new name for ECO. You may selct up to three choices and the top five will be in a runoff for the final name. If I missed any from this thread, please let me know ASAP so they can be added immediately.

Vote Now!

http://ecigusers.org/poll.asp

 

[halfevildruid]

vote is cast... of course i voted for mine lol it is my favorite...
how long is the pole open?

 

[Vocalek]

If memebers from outside the USA can be part of this. Being from Canada and I really like CASA, how about ICASA for International Consumer Advocates for Smokeless Alternatives.

Don't know that I have much to offer but count me in for a small monetary donation at least.

I like this one. It gets the message across and it "sounds" good.

 

[LUX Vaporer]

I am in. Eric or Webby Please PM me. I have an idea I would like to share.

 

[webtaxman]

Mike,

Good info - what would qualify as "paid legal advice" Are lawyers required to charge full going rate for their services or offer advice pro bono (or at a very low rate) to the organization without getting themselves into trouble?

Paid for or not, it really comes down to can that lawyer offer legal advice and services in x or y jurisdiction. Is that lawyer licensed and practicing in that jurisdiction. A licensed attorney in Wisconsin cannot practice law in CA. But usually is able to practice in Federal Courts. It's complicated, and why lawyers are reluctant to say much. They carry malpractice insurance just as MDs do.

There is also reciprocity in a lot of those Northern states, and that gets complicated. But the amount paid is not the issue. Hope that made sense. Probably not after re-reading it.

 

[jj2]

Just took the poll. I sure do hope, what every it's going to be, doesn't have any word that connects it to tobacco or smoking. I think we need to shed the image.

 

[mm485]

Just saw this thread and I think it's a great idea! I just recently got promoted to the head of e-marketing for my company, and am starting to create relationships with web marketing contacts. Not exactly a related field - music/entertainment business and retail, but who smokes more than musicians? Not to mention they're normally into new and kitchy things (PVs definitely qualify). Would I be able to help in that capacity?

 

[Webby]

Paid for or not, it really comes down to can that lawyer offer legal advice and services in x or y jurisdiction. Is that lawyer licensed and practicing in that jurisdiction. A licensed attorney in Wisconsin cannot practice law in CA. But usually is able to practice in Federal Courts. It's complicated, and why lawyers are reluctant to say much. They carry malpractice insurance just as MDs do.

There is also reciprocity in a lot of those Northern states, and that gets complicated. But the amount paid is not the issue. Hope that made sense. Probably not after re-reading it.

I'm hip. I guess the initial interest is just having someone wade through and take an educated stab at deciphering some of the legalease on the NPO docs. I wouldn't expect anyone to put their license on the line by representing the group straight away, just someone who could offer an educated (off the record) interpretation.

Then, if/when we do hire an attorney, we'll at least know enough to ask the intelligent questions.

 

[RobertY]

Also one thing to consider is search engine ranking for the web site. If cigarette or tobacco is in the name it will be probably buried under pages and pages of tobacco/cigarette sites.

Just another thing to consider.

 

[mm485]

Also one thing to consider is search engine ranking for the web site. If cigarette or tobacco is in the name it will be probably buried under pages and pages of tobacco/cigarette sites.

Just another thing to consider.

Perhaps some of our donations could be put aside to pay for keywords and/or Google ads. Keywords will allow us to come up more frequently in searches, and if I'm not mistaken they need to be "bought"

 

[madman3237]

Perhaps some of our donations could be put aside to pay for keywords and/or Google ads. Keywords will allow us to come up more frequently in searches, and if I'm not mistaken they need to be "bought"

Which is another reason not to have cigarette or tobacco in the name. These are banned on Google Adwords.

 

[mm485]

Which is another reason not to have cigarette or tobacco in the name. These are banned on Google Adwords.

I agree. BTW, if I didn't make it clear before, I'm in. I'll try to donate what I can.

 

[seminolewind]

Poll? Where's the poll?

 

[seminolewind]

I really do want to get away from that "cigarette" word. I still like that TAG. Short and to the point.

 

[RobertY]

Poll is below.

The poll is online:
Electronic Cigarette Users Group - Poll for New Name

This is the online poll for the new name for ECO. You may selct up to three choices and the top five will be in a runoff for the final name. If I missed any from this thread, please let me know ASAP so they can be added immediately.

Vote Now!