ConsumerReports (supposedly) wants to hear from vapers...

[StormFinch]

Someone brought this to my attention earlier this evening: https://stori.es/share/ecigstories (This link does in fact go back to the Consumers Union, aka Consumer Reports)

From the tone of the questionnaire and their past article history, I'm wondering if they're hoping for fail or even horror stories. Needless to say, it would be sweet irony if they ended up swimming in success stories instead. Keep in mind, Consumers Union is the advocacy arm of Consumer Reports. Depending on their current view of vaping, we might could earn another positive voice for our side with enough success stories. On the other hand, they may simply be trolling for negatives to advocate against vaping with. Only you can decide if it's worth putting yourself out there. Personally, I'm tired of being alluded to as a figment of someone's imagination because I found it easy to quit smoking via e-cigarettes almost 5 years ago while no other method worked.

 

[glointhedark]

Submitted. Thanks for posting this. I hope it will do some good.

 

[Thrasher]

I would trust CR for a factual voice in the matter
while I dont always agree with their opinion on a product I do believe they have the average joes interests in hand.

I would think with the overwhelming amount of gear available they are looking for a baseline as to where to even start testing.
a good example of this is look how many cigalikes there are yet I never see anyone around here with anything but ego class. And to somone who doesnt vape looking at a store like fasttech where would you even begin testing something.

I dont think they are hoping for fail as much as having to always play devils advocate and stay skeptical Until proven otherwise or be seen as presenting a prebiased decision

 

[Rickajho]

Considering how both naive and biased the questions are - we are still "smoking" e-cigarettes - I dunno. The bias is staring you right in the face based on the very limited choice of questions. They never ask if you successfully quit smoking - by "smoking" e-cigarettes. And yet there is that wide open box for submission of a reply to this question: "Do you have anything else you would like to tell us about your experience with e-cigarettes?"

So, do we ignore it - knowing CU's blatant bias so far? Or do we give them something to really read - by filling in and filling up that open ended reply box?

I'm inclined to say this one should be skipped. If you read their policies about this "story" gathering "advocacy" project, right now replies are for CU's eyes and ears only. In other words, they reserve the right to cherry pick the best - or in this case the worst - responses to the survey to use them any way they see fit.

There is even a disclaimer for this specific gathering that it is "Not a scientific survey." Considering we are "smoking" our e-cigarettes - that is glaringly close to the truth.

 

[smacuser]

Considering how both naive and biased the questions are - we are still "smoking" e-cigarettes - I dunno.

This.

I looked at it, then backed out because I do have a slight cough and didn't want to lie or hurt the cause.

 

[Rickajho]

I would trust CR for a factual voice in the matter
while I dont always agree with their opinion on a product I do believe they have the average joes interests in hand.

I would think with the overwhelming amount of gear available they are looking for a baseline as to where to even start testing.
a good example of this is look how many cigalikes there are yet I never see anyone around here with anything but ego class. And to somone who doesnt vape looking at a store like fasttech where would you even begin testing something.

I dont think they are hoping for fail as much as having to always play devils advocate and stay skeptical Until proven otherwise or be seen as presenting a prebiased decision

Thrash, apparently you haven't read anything CU has put in the pages of ConsumerReports so far on this topic. For what is supposed to be a place full of unbiased testing and information, all they have done so far is print "monkey see, monkey do" scare crap - right down to the "candy flavors are for children" b.s. - straight down the party line of the CDC and ACS. Since they can't seem to get past referring to us as "smoking" - that alone should tell you a lot regarding their take on this matter. They also put up e-cigs as one of the worst products of 2014 in their annual Best & Worst awards - that is a glitzy article, not driven by the annual questionnaire. At one point they ran a full page - showing an e-cig surrounded by candy.

 

[Enoch777]

I'm tempted to submit the page but dubious the sincerity of the outlet. What a shame. Think I'll take Rick's lead and pass this up. Better to advocate CASAA and vaping rights by emailing/calling your local representatives, etc

 

[Thrasher]

Your right I havent as I cant remember the last time I even looked at their mag or site maybe a washing machine in the 90's so im willing to retract my stance.

But to play the other side right now we have a post asking what do you say to people who say your still smoking.
So their not the only ones constantly making this assumption. And the only way to get a voice heard is to actually say something.
I say take the test

Then flood the comment box with your truth they may be willing to change if they get enough positive information. Too many times we complain about noone listening then walk away when some wants to hear what we say...........

Sharing your story helps Consumers Union of U.S., Inc. and Consumers Union Action Fund, Inc.[1] ("we" or "us") to learn more about what is happening to real people. We use this information to explain consumer problems to policymakers, the media, and the public.

Doesnt exactly sound biased to me, so quit complaining no one has our back if you wont even share your positive outcome vaping

 

[smacuser]

Then flood the comment box with your truth they may be willing to change if they get enough positive information. Too many times we complain about noone listening then walk away when some wants to hear what we say...........

Okay. Done. I left out the coughing part since it wasn't required.

 

[choochoogranny]

Submitted as well. Perhaps if we "flood" them with positive stories? I did leave a rather lengthy reply in that comment box.....using words like despicable and disgusted with regards to state governments use of the Master Settlement funds and taxes, and told them where to go....... to get "real life" stories (CASAA and ECF).

 

[Thrasher]

To people complaining about their stance. Has anyone actually read the articles? I just read 5 articles on their site, many are simply stating outside research and concerns about what we know today. 2 were referencing the cigalike product.and their concern with big tobacco owning them, which in my opinion is a very valid concern regarding our health.

And the others look to be simply " what we know as of now" type angles none appear to be about improving health just the false assumption that ecigs are for quitting smoking not as an alternative.

So I told them what I believe.

all I know is nothing will change if we all hide in the corner and expect casaa to change the world.

 

[Robino1]

For whatever it is worth, I have submitted my story:

First off, we do not "smoke" an e-cigarette. It is vapor, not smoke.
I have successfully quit smoking by using an e-cigarette. I have been smoke free for 2 years and 4 months. In that time, I have felt my health improve. I no longer get my annual case of bronchitis, in fact, I have not had bronchitis in the 2 years I have been vaping.
My health has improved so much that I can now exercise and not get winded. I have dropped 10 pounds and regularly work out on the elliptical. I can do a mile under 8 minutes.

With the device that I use, I am able to tailor my nicotine to what I need. I started out at 24mg nicotine and am now down to 6mg nicotine. I would never use a prefilled proprietary closed system unit. That is just asking for failure as it doesn't work efficiently for someone desperate to remove themselves from traditional cigarettes.

Before getting my first kit, I read everything I could in regards to e-cigs. I practice safety and only use batteries and chargers that are made/recommended for my devices.

I do hope that you are fair in your assessment and are not swayed by the corporations that have a stake in keeping cigarette smoking alive. These companies/organizations rely on smokers to keep their funding. Think about how much money smokers bring to the table. Funds include: Taxes, health care costs (pharmaceuticals to treat problems), and all the three letter health organizations. If smoking related illnesses disappear, those organizations are no longer needed. They need smokers, despite what they say publicly.

If you would like more information, please visit CASAA.org.

I don't know if it is the right thing to do or not. I have to try though.

Just received an email to verify my email address. IF you do share your story, make sure you click on that verification. It lets them know you are an actual person.

 

[Thrasher]

I don't know if it is the right thing to do or not. I have to try though

I did the same

Its all we can do.

I know it may not make a difference but without even trying we are guaranteed it will never change.

 

[Enoch777]

I suppose if they want to remain subjective about it our testimonies won't really do anything for or against, BUT... if they do accurately display the results and we inundate the form with nothing but positive reviews then it can only bring about increased awareness to the truth about vaping.

Submitted. Worth a shot.

 

[KYBLUE]

I agree with Thrasher in that relaying your positive experience can only be a positive. Remaining quiet could be a negative.

Those opposing vaping have no compunction when spreading half truths or downright lies. We should spread our message far and wide as well, even to those not receptive to the message. It may not completely change a negative stance but might stall the most egregious lies and misrepresentations.

VAPE ON

 

[OlderNDirt]

I'm still debating with myself whether I should respond or not. Just the disagreement in this thread reminds me that even we as a group cannot agree on vaping. We have differing opinions on whether we should even allow ourselves to be seen vaping for fear it may offend others. There are long discussion on whether vaping is safe/bad or not. And now we even have disagreement on whether we should even share our stories about how vaping got us off cigs. If we can't even come to a general consensus on the virtues and future of vaping within our own group, how in the hell are those of us who see vaping as our savior from that demon smoking ever going to convince society as a whole. Winning over our peers is challenge enough.

 

[tFOrRESTee]

I have submitted mine. I hope that helps and everyone will submit their honest feedback.

 

[searcher]

Completed the survey and comments.

 

[Johnivan69]

Added mine as well. What the hell, it can't hurt...

 

[nyiddle]

Submitted a [rather lengthy] story. Hopefully it doesn't get discarded with the other success stories..