Convert a Smoker Day

[caferacer]

Just throwing this out there...

As all ECF members know, we as a vaping community are facing an uphill battle against Big Tobacco, impending FDA regulations, mostly negative press from the media, generally poor public perception, ANTZ, the list goes on and on. While research and scientific studies on vaping will surely (hopefully) continue to work to our advantage, research is slow and will arguably take a long time to affect policy in a positive way.

All that being said, the strength of the vaping community rests in the community itself. And as we all know, one of the ways a community gains strength is through numbers. Wouldn't it be great if ECF coordinated with CASAA, B&Ms, other vaping forums, online retailers, juice and device manufacturers, and other advocacy organizations to launch a National (or Global) Convert a Smoker Day? If each and every one of us was able to convert just one smoker to vaping, the vaping community would effectively double in size. Now realistically, not every one of us will be able to convert one smoker, but even if our collective conversion numbers are low, Convert a Smoker Day would still provide all of us with the motivation to go out and talk to smokers about the benefits of vaping, which has an inherent value unto itself.

Studies have shown that word of mouth is the most powerful form of marketing. The more we talk about and (hopefully) convert people to vaping, the more strength we as a community have in the face of the FDA, Big Tobacco, ANTZ, et al.

Would love to hear everyone's thoughts and ideas.

 

[rowsley]

One person I would love to quit smoking is my mom , but she just to damn stubborn. Someone who buys 2 cartons a weeks and probably smoking 40 years. Wishful thinking. Constantly sick, constant smokers cough. Wish it was easier, but some people just don't want to quit. I'm afraid shes not going to be around long enough to see her grandkids grow up.

 

[Bernard Marx]

Well good luck. They are an intransigent bunch. By now they know about vaping but they don't want to do it. I have tried. They have to be ready like we were.

 

[Firestorm]

Well good luck. They are an intransigent bunch. By now they know about vaping but they don't want to do it. I have tried. They have to be ready like we were.

I agree. I haven't had much success trying to convert smokers myself. Those who I've interested seem to relapse. I've given up on trying to convert people, but I still offer advice, share knowledge and experience, and try to encourage those who attempt to make the switch. One problem that I've run into is that I can no longer advise people on beginner equipment since I strictly use mechanical mods and RBAs and I'm out of touch with starter gear, clearos, and the like.

 

[caferacer]

Well good luck. They are an intransigent bunch. By now they know about vaping but they don't want to do it. I have tried. They have to be ready like we were.

A big component getting them "ready" is educating them, IMO. Speaking personally, I know I wouldn't have switched to vaping had it not been for two friends of mine to continually talked to me about the benefits. Like I said before, even if initial conversion numbers are low, the mere act of the vaping community going out there and talking about it (read advocating) serves a purpose and has value -- increased awareness being the most valuable. The more informed smokers and non-smokers are about how much healthier vaping is compared to smoking, the easier it becomes to fight those who are against us.

It may seem like a daunting task, but as a person who's spent the better part of his career in advertising, I can say that initiatives like this do indeed have a positive impact on the behaviour of others.

 

[freeall]

Just remember, vaping is a hobby, not just a smoking cessation. Converting someone is the easy part. It's the process while doing it that makes it tough.

 

[Bernard Marx]

My 70 year old brother should stop smoking for sure but he is 3000 miles away. If he was right here in my house I could convert him.

 

[rowsley]

I feel you Bernard. My mom is someone who has the chantix, nicotine patches, gum all that type of stuff. Not saying it wouldn't be possible, but some people are just so into their way and don't care to be bothered with it. She smokes those long Virginia slim light menthol 120's as long as I'm can remember. I will definitely continue to try and hopefully it will sink in to her. I'm 33 my kids 6 months and 7 years old. Sure would like her to be able to be around a long time.

 

[e-pipeman]

You do it.

Seriously though, once we have converted ourselves and use a setup that works and doesn't look like a marital aid then sometimes people ask about it and learn. Evangelism is usually unpopular - let them ask, rather than telling them.