Are We Asking Too Much?

[Iffy]

As a 64 y.o. recent devoted vaper and advocate, I MUST post some of my observations thus far.

First, I smoked for over 45 years, most of which was 2 PaD. After going cold turkey 17 years ago for 10 weeks and traumatizing my family, friends, co-workers and even strangers, I WAS NOT going to repeat that experience.

Ergo, I did much research on the available secession programs and found none that I considered viable. Within the past three years I meet several folk that tried the e-cig. Unfortunately, none kept with the e-cig program.

But back in March, I saw a post on a firearms forum which addressed e-cigs and the ease of tobacco secession. The poster posted his recommendations and three links. I took the leap, ordered his suggestions and am now a very happy vaper.

My e-cig history line:

eGo Mega kit with LR atties and some juice
510T kit for my buds to try and some juice
eGo tank accessories and some juice
510 regular kit for my buds that have shown interest, plus more juice
Old Goat 3.7V bought on ‘ECF Classifieds and swaps’, had da juice

Now, I’ll get to the gist of my post….

WOW, aren’t we spoiled and an instant gratitude centric populous! Day-um, we want it now, cheap, hands free, automatic, symptom free and with zero learning curve. How soon we forget the unwrapping a pack just the way we prefer, tamping cigs for that just right pull, dumping ash trays, burn spots due to ashes, avoiding the pregnant and our g-babies, driving in any weather or distance for a pack, da STANK and on and on!

My oh my, only if we had to exert the same effort for cigs as we do for true lasting and meaningful relationships. But no, cigs were there and asked for nothing.

I guess my point is that so many are willing to inve$t in vaping, but not willing to invest in the learning curve. The ECF is the BEST source for those willing to learn. Ya won’t always get it right the first time. But we do have a tremendous ‘hive mind’ here, utilize it!

Now for a few personal observations:

Carts are awesome if you learn and take care of them. I get some of my best vapes from my original carts AND fillers. (Check my sig banner)
Blue foam is a suitable sub as a filler with its own issues. (trial & error)
510 and eGo tanks get the mission accomplished. (no leaks thus far)
A ultrasonic cleaner is a worthwhile inve$tment. (still using ALL my original equipment)
Dual coil atties work fantastically on my eGo batts (three diff mAhs). No funerals yet.
Spares cannot be over emphasized.
Just started dripping on a 510 and an eGo… well, so much for my patience…
Steeping can make a difference.
Vaping is not a fashion show... vape a PV that works fer ya.

Just within the short time I've been vaping, the recent advancements are encouraging. I'm not one to chase innovations and will wait for others to test the 'ice'. I do see a future where we will see a flattening of that inconvenient learning curve and enjoy a more carefree vaping experience. Till then, I'll be very comfortable with the 'bakky-free' lifestyle I now deeply appreciate.

I could go on, but my main point is that YOU may have to actually LEARN. No excuse with the ECF as a resource.

Ya’ll vape on!!!

 

[bassthumper]

I agree totally.
I've always said to new converts I speak to "this will work but YOU HAVE TO LOOK INTO IT AND DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH."
Find what works for you and go to it

 

[Olef]

Great post, well said! Ecigs can be awesome and life changing but like a lot of things in life you get out what you put in. If you expect to get all the rewards without putting in some effort you are gonna be disappointed. Invest some time, energy and cash and the rewards are well worth it

 

[je2424]

I get depressed whenever I introduce someone to vaping, tell them as much info and knowledge as I can (although I'm still fairly new to it as well), then after a week or two of vaping 7-11 ecigs... they are back on the tabakky. I myself failed over and over before I finally buckled down and did actual research, rather than throwing money at overpriced "convenient" brands. Sometimes its a matter of wanting to get off the analogs, before someone will actually do their own research, that was the kicker for me... I wanted so desperately for vaping to work that I didn't quit till it did.

 

[boughtrecords]

We live in an instant society which often is not for our benefit. I think about how much of my time used to be spent building patience (ie, waiting). We had to wait for someone to be at home to call them or to go see them. We had to wait for a letter to arrive, we had to wait for food to cook, we had to wait, wait, wait, wait.... I think a lot of the skills and patience that waiting built are completely lost. I don't know if we truly have much ADHD disorders as we have a lack of patience that is catered to by every industry. I think about these things as I pace relentlessly in front of a microwave going crazy waiting 30 seconds to heat up a cup of coffee or 90 seconds to heat up a meal. I am amazed at how little I am amazed that I was able to prepare a meal and a cup of coffee in 2 minutes!!! One of the things that I enjoy about vaping is that I have to wait for supplies to arrive. As of yet no one can text me a new atty! I'm sure it is coming but for now I will enjoy waiting a day or two. I also use vaping as a way to just kick back and wait for a few puffs to answer an email or text message. Sometimes just to kick back and wait and enjoy the vapor. I mean SERIOUSLY!!! we are able to smoke without all of the crap that went with smoking!!! We no longer have to wait for smoke breaks! We no longer have to wait for an elevator to go outside! No more waiting in line at a store to buy smokes or a lighter! And for the non vapers out there.... You no longer have to wait for us to finish our cigarettes!!! LIFE IS GOOD!!!

 

[je2424]

We live in an instant society which often is not for our benefit. I think about how much of my time used to be spent building patience (ie, waiting). We had to wait for someone to be at home to call them or to go see them. We had to wait for a letter to arrive, we had to wait for food to cook, we had to wait, wait, wait, wait.... I think a lot of the skills and patience that waiting built are completely lost. I don't know if we truly have much ADHD disorders as we have a lack of patience that is catered to by every industry. I think about these things as I pace relentlessly in front of a microwave going crazy waiting 30 seconds to heat up a cup of coffee or 90 seconds to heat up a meal. I am amazed at how little I am amazed that I was able to prepare a meal and a cup of coffee in 2 minutes!!! One of the things that I enjoy about vaping is that I have to wait for supplies to arrive. As of yet no one can text me a new atty! I'm sure it is coming but for now I will enjoy waiting a day or two. I also use vaping as a way to just kick back and wait for a few puffs to answer an email or text message. Sometimes just to kick back and wait and enjoy the vapor. I mean SERIOUSLY!!! we are able to smoke without all of the crap that went with smoking!!! We no longer have to wait for smoke breaks! We no longer have to wait for an elevator to go outside! No more waiting in line at a store to buy smokes or a lighter! And for the non vapers out there.... You no longer have to wait for us to finish our cigarettes!!! LIFE IS GOOD!!!

I think you just hit the nail on the head here. +1

Makes me realize how impatient I have grown with todays real world "I want it, and I want it NOW" attitude.

 

[BiffRocko]

Carts are awesome if you learn and take care of them.

Just started dripping on a 510 and an eGo… well, so much for my patience…

Those carts you probably won't use anymore can still serve as a back up tip should anything happen to your drip tip.

 

[alamor]

I am almost 4 months without a cigarette. And I would have probably went back to smoking if I didn't find ECF. The people here are THE BEST!!! The great adivce given to me is what kept me from smoking. If I would have kept using that CRAPPY "smoke shop" e-cig I definatley would have beeen back on the tobacco. But with everyone's great advice here, I was able to find a great alternative to the cancer sticks!!

 

[Stevew443]

Iffy, it sounds almost like you were reading my mind. Your post is spot on. I have found in my 59 years of life that most things worth having are worth working for.

 

[Iffy]

To ya'll that have responded, glad you appreciate my intent.

I consider myself VERY fortunate for taking some excellent advice. It lead me on a path that I didn't think possible considering my history, miseries and lack of self control.

Some close to me have told me how proud they are that I quit. I tell them that I couldn't have quit analogs if this wasn't soooo easy. TBH, I feel no pride at all in quitting, just an awesome sense of freedom.

Yes, I've suffered the floodings, burnt fillings, etc. But, I also experienced the luxurious joy of the clean, voluminous vaper, satisfying TH and desired flavor. I knew that if I got 'lucky' once with such a joy, then it was up to me to replicate those moments.

That's why I posted; it's not all that easy. I just got a small 3.7V mod and it just isn't matching my satisfaction via my 'known and proved'. But, I'll experiment until I exhaust all the combinations before I bad mouth this unit. Again, it's up to me!

Besides, what else is an ol' fart good for...

ETA: Stevew443 et al,

Can we think of anything that we didn't work for that's worth more for those that we did? I can only think of ONE, but that's not for this venue.

 

[justwaaaa]

Excellent post, Iffy! And really, the learning curve is part of the fun kind of. Don't you think? No, cigs were never this much "work", but damn, they were never this much fun either!

Justine )

 

[Iffy]

And really, the learning curve is part of the fun kind of. Don't you think?

Actually, yes, the LC is a 'play ground' where you want to get find the apex and be the fastest to get there: much like my in youth where we would spent hours and hours in finding that 'sweet spot' for a set of points (what's that?) and the optimum advanced timing setting for a muscle car engine...

Sure wish I could have posted this on the 'New Members Forum' in that all too many think that this e-cig 'thing' is a well oiled slide. Actually it was for me. But the minor issues should not dissuade the n00bs.

 

[WomanOfHeart]

Iffy, you should blog this. Seriously. This is good stuff!

I guess I approached e-cigs with a little more patience and open mindedness than a lot of people. I read this forum voraciously (still do) looking for different ways to mod my carts, use cartos, make my own juice, and to get opinions on different mods. I think it also helps that I'm technically inclined, hungry for knowledge and willing to learn. The only thing I haven't read up on is how to make my own mods because I'm just not that interested...well...today I'm not interested. Who knows about tomorrow?

I spend a lot of time in the Newbie section trying to help where I can. It's rewarding, but there are times when it's a little frustrating dealing with people who want that "instant gratification." You can try to point them in the right direction and give them advice, but sometimes they just won't budge. They want everything to work perfectly right out of the box 100% of the time. But what, if anything in this world, does that? Even smoking wasn't without its little foibles. Lighters that don't light, cigarettes that couldn't be smoked because they had a weird taste or a hole somewhere in the paper, crushed packs. Did we ever say "this sucks because it doesn't work right and I'm not ever smoking this brand again?" I didn't. I'd just move on to the next smoke in the pack or go buy another lighter. I don't know why some people expect for vaping to be any different.

 

[Iffy]

Iffy, you should blog this. Seriously. This is good stuff!

WoH, I'm flattered that you suggest such. But, although I do enjoy being the CoA, I'm not a blog type individual. I also think that those that need the assistance the most are looking for that 'instant gratification' via the forum, not blogs.

I guess I approached e-cigs with a little more patience and open mindedness than a lot of people. I read this forum voraciously (still do) looking for different ways to mod my carts, use cartos, make my own juice, and to get opinions on different mods. I think it also helps that I'm technically inclined, hungry for knowledge and willing to learn. The only thing I haven't read up on is how to make my own mods because I'm just not that interested...well...today I'm not interested. Who knows about tomorrow?

I've already tested many of the posted mods and have had some success. Like you, I'm very inquisitive and love to make sumpin' good better. Well, at least I try...

I spend a lot of time in the Newbie section trying to help where I can. It's rewarding, but there are times when it's a little frustrating dealing with people who want that "instant gratification." You can try to point them in the right direction and give them advice, but sometimes they just won't budge. They want everything to work perfectly right out of the box 100% of the time. But what, if anything in this world, does that? Even smoking wasn't without its little foibles. Lighters that don't light, cigarettes that couldn't be smoked because they had a weird taste or a hole somewhere in the paper, crushed packs. Did we ever say "this sucks because it doesn't work right and I'm not ever smoking this brand again?" I didn't. I'd just move on to the next smoke in the pack or go buy another lighter. I don't know why some people expect for vaping to be any different.

I love the n00b forum in that there is the future of vaping. Like I said, I wish I could have posted this there, where it might temper some very high expectations. I'm a staunch believer in self sufficiency and education. Nothing is perfect on this earth and e-cigs are just another proof of such.

I was just trying to curb over enthusiasm without dousing the flame. But, probably more than any other aspect, I was hoping that I could make the n00bs aware that this is not a zero in and 100% out endeavor. That anticipation is all too prevalent in today's culture which dictates that anything less is considered failure. But yet, if ya can't hack it, it's not your fault... MAJOR BS!

Ya gotta learn what ya got and how to make it do whatcha want...

Wow, went a bit overboard, didn't I?

 

[Shark_Bait]

Good points Iffy. The few I have tried to convert didn't make it because of either bad equipment or the equipment quit working and they didn't have spares. Everyone I have talked to about ecigs I have also given them this website but none of them have used it for the valuable resource it is. When I 1st started and was going through the LC a comment given by one of the members in the newbie section kept ringing in my head. "This is a brand new habit and needs to be treated as one."

We have had years of training with analogs and had gotten pretty good at dealing with the inconveniences that those present. I'm 10 months into vaping and have settled into my PG/VG %, favorite flavors, nicotene content, delivery device (Drip Tips for me) and couldn't imagine going back to dealing with the issues that analogs bring with them.

I also agree with you on the looks of the hardware. Could care a less how it looks as long as it works for me.

 

[mistinthewoods]

Good insights Iffy. The only exception to the "want it now" attitude I see in the vaping community is when devotees are waiting for that new mod model to finally come out. I've seen people patiently wait for months and months to get the next "latest and greatest". I'm doing that myself now with the Buzz Pro. That thing was supposed to be a Father's day present but I'll wait, no problem.

 

[Iffy]

The only exception to the "want it now" attitude I see in the vaping community is when devotees are waiting for that new mod model to finally come out. I've seen people patiently wait for months and months to get the next "latest and greatest". I'm doing that myself now with the Buzz Pro.

How in da world did I miss this ol' post?!? The topic of 'promised' new items is a pet peeve of mine. I've actually seen this in the firearm, electronics and marine genre over the years. Dangling a new product can be a two edged sword.

As has been masticated to pap in the past, where is the QC to prevent the disappointments from less than satisfactory performance? On the other hand, just within the few months I've been vaping and stalking new equipment, I've been more than pleased with most of the items I've purchased. But prematurely hyping an item can raise customer expectations to the point of assured disappointment.

Therefore, vendors, please don't expect us to be Beta testers...

And n00bs, there IS a learning curve! The ECF can flatten that curve and lead ya to a grand vaping journey.

 

[JD1]

Good post, Iffy, and lots of good comments.

 

[JimmyA]

I jumped into vapin...I was told the next day about ECF...I did the the typical noob asking before reading. I actually stopped and read, read some more, searched, and read even more. There is more information here in one place than searching the entire web. ALL QUESTIONS have been asked before me, you or the "noob" who just signed on. I agree, we need to stop and look and not be so impaceint. I thank everyone who directed me in the right direction to read and learn. I thank you for youe honesty. Jimmy

 

[dclee78]

I completely agree with you Iffy just like the others who have posted. I'm still a newbie and I think I've come to my sweet spot. This forum provides all the info one could ever need, and the great thing is that it evolves with you as you evolve as a vaper. I'm a tinkerer, and I like trying all sorts of combinations until I find something suitable for me. I like portability + not having to refill often + not having to recharge often. Thus I came up with my current set-ups, but the learning curve is all up to the user. I chose my components from the recommendations of my friend and this forum, but a freshly converted vaper could have easily come up with the same thing by searching this forum. Basically, the learning curve is up to you. The only thing I see that is completely subjective with vaping is your preference in juice. What one person finds to be their all-day juice can end up on the classifieds for another person. I'm just beginning to find out that I can't vape sweet flavors all day. It's more of a dessert vape for me.

Lastly, for all the countless attys, cartomizers, batteries, and mods that someone has wrecked, there has to be a reason and a purpose for their demise. When someone recommends cleaning an atty once a week to prolong the life of the atty or enhanced performance, there's a story and a reason why they recommend what they do.