I vaped everywhere in Vegas in hopes that I could help people make the switch. If they noticed me, they usually approached me and often times they joined our ranks as vapers. The vast majority of my experiences were positive. I am more careful and more mindful here in Virginia, as the culture is different. I think that the individual knows their region and it's attitudes well enough to cater their own approach. Vegas now has more vape shops then I was able to find suppliers of Lucky Strike brand cigarettes. I think our vaping in public had a positive impact in that area.
Since I feel like the attention question was more of a personal attack, I'd like to address it separately. I am a person who both deeply cares about my fellow man and deeply loathes what I see them do to each other and themselves. For many, vaping has become a personal victory over one the of the darkest aspects of their lives. I cannot quantify the ways that it has helped me, and I want to help pass on that chance. A little negative attention is more than worth it in their lives and my own.
I don't think most people understand the dynamics of attention from strangers. When strangers notice my blue hair, my tattooed skin, my facial piercings and my "unique" clothing, they do not notice me. They are noticing a shell that I chose, not who I am. Very few people get to know what I am because they are distracted by other aspects. It's by design. When they notice vaping, in most cases, not only is it not about me any more, but it can be very much about them helping themselves have a better life or saving loved ones from all the horrid side effects of smoking.
