So this post will probably ruffle some feathers but yes, I am excited that Big tobacco has entered the e-cigarette market.
First, I have nothing against Big Tobacco. I started smoking in the late 90's so people were well aware of the dangers of smoking. I know there are some members who started smoking when Big Tobacco was disingenuous at best regarding the addictiveness of smoking and the health risks. I understand why they hate Big Tobacco. I also didn't start smoking 'cause it was glamorous or cool, I started because I was going through difficult times and wanted to take the edge off. Most people just turn to drink but that was not an option. I'd rather be addicted to nicotine than alcohol.
So, on to the meat of my position. Big Tobacco has money, lots of it. They have the resources, capability, and drive to produce better products. I will always prefer a Made in America product vice a Chinese one so I'm really excited about the new Vuse. It may not be the greatest thing since sliced bread (haven't tried it) but it seems that R.J. Reynolds put some serious thought, time, and energy into this product. If it is a high-quality product and is successful, that's good news for all of us. Competition breeds improvement.
Big Tobacco's foray into the market also shines a light on a somewhat underground activity. vaping is starting to move from online only to brick and mortar establishments. I like that (as in BOTH online and, brick and mortar). I think that helps to:
A) legitimize the activity (not the best word but basically, if you can ONLY get it online, wouldn't you wonder why reputable stores don't sell it)
B) assist in quality control (reputable stores tend to avoid garbage products whereas on the internet it truly is caveat emptor)
Also, I think the industry is in need of some sort of regulation (VERY limited regulation). Don't get me wrong, I'm wholly opposed to banning e-cigarettes (I'm opposed to the government banning any product based on morality or under the guise of "Big Brother knows best"... hey, I'm a Libertarian/Constitutionalist) but I would like that e-cigarette manufactures be required to label what goes into their product (preferably a requirement that comes from the States and not the Fed). Before I get blown-up, I'm not saying that I want anyone to regulate how much nicotine can be allowed or that certain flavors be disallowed; really I just want to ensure that when I pick up a bottle of e-juice, it doesn't contain rat poison. Since I'm also a capitalist, I do have a certain amount of faith that consumers have the capability to regulate the industry without excessive government intrusion (e.g. food companies are now removing trans fat due to customer demand).
So, those are my down and dirty points on why I'm not going Chicken Little 'cause Big Tobacco has entered the e-cigarette market. Your thoughts?
First, I have nothing against Big Tobacco. I started smoking in the late 90's so people were well aware of the dangers of smoking. I know there are some members who started smoking when Big Tobacco was disingenuous at best regarding the addictiveness of smoking and the health risks. I understand why they hate Big Tobacco. I also didn't start smoking 'cause it was glamorous or cool, I started because I was going through difficult times and wanted to take the edge off. Most people just turn to drink but that was not an option. I'd rather be addicted to nicotine than alcohol.
So, on to the meat of my position. Big Tobacco has money, lots of it. They have the resources, capability, and drive to produce better products. I will always prefer a Made in America product vice a Chinese one so I'm really excited about the new Vuse. It may not be the greatest thing since sliced bread (haven't tried it) but it seems that R.J. Reynolds put some serious thought, time, and energy into this product. If it is a high-quality product and is successful, that's good news for all of us. Competition breeds improvement.
Big Tobacco's foray into the market also shines a light on a somewhat underground activity. vaping is starting to move from online only to brick and mortar establishments. I like that (as in BOTH online and, brick and mortar). I think that helps to:
A) legitimize the activity (not the best word but basically, if you can ONLY get it online, wouldn't you wonder why reputable stores don't sell it)
B) assist in quality control (reputable stores tend to avoid garbage products whereas on the internet it truly is caveat emptor)
Also, I think the industry is in need of some sort of regulation (VERY limited regulation). Don't get me wrong, I'm wholly opposed to banning e-cigarettes (I'm opposed to the government banning any product based on morality or under the guise of "Big Brother knows best"... hey, I'm a Libertarian/Constitutionalist) but I would like that e-cigarette manufactures be required to label what goes into their product (preferably a requirement that comes from the States and not the Fed). Before I get blown-up, I'm not saying that I want anyone to regulate how much nicotine can be allowed or that certain flavors be disallowed; really I just want to ensure that when I pick up a bottle of e-juice, it doesn't contain rat poison. Since I'm also a capitalist, I do have a certain amount of faith that consumers have the capability to regulate the industry without excessive government intrusion (e.g. food companies are now removing trans fat due to customer demand).
So, those are my down and dirty points on why I'm not going Chicken Little 'cause Big Tobacco has entered the e-cigarette market. Your thoughts?