...I'm not a smoker.

[Kryyptyk]

So, it never fails anymore. When I first tried vaping years back, it was new and unheard of, and people were A LOT more willing to listen to reason. I could vape inside of literally everywhere I went, and nobody cared. I would get questions and comments from curious passersby, and I'd jump on the opportunity to educate them. But other than sating their curiosity, I was mostly able to vape in peace.

I guess the good days are gone.

Case in point: Why the hell are vapers, people who are actively trying to not smoke, being banished to vaping side-by-side with smokers outside? I am so sick and tired of being asked to "smoke that in the designated smoking area."

IT'S NOT SMOKE PEOPLE. It really isn't a difficult concept to grasp.

I have been bombarded by criticism for vaping in public, and I'm not talking about inside either. Outside, in the open air, on my own terms: I've been cussed out for "endangering the public" and scolded just as sternly by old men and their wives. I've been given looks of disgust, sneers, and snorts as if I was still holding a smoking ciggie in my hand. I've also been the guy that all the young mothers steer their children away from, because "second and third hand smoke is just as deadly". Even trying to educate these people is an exercise in futility. They don't want to listen, and I honestly can't spend all my time debating with these lunkheads.

Why is this happening? Is it really fair to treat myself and countless others like lepers for choosing to live a longer, healthier life?
Are we just failing to do our job to educate as many people as we can? Is there even a point in combating all the disinformation being smeared on every news and radio station?

It has gotten to the point that I've even considered taking a more aggressive stance with people. I don't appreciate being tossed in with the smokers. I don't smoke, and I can't even stomach the smell. Every time I get banished to the smokers area, I can't help thinking about all the toxins in the air and I literally have to hold my breath. Ever tried vaping while holding your breath?

I'm sorry, but this is utter BS, and deserves to be called out as such. I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm tired of being treated like a second class citizen for literally no reason at all.

So what do we do about it?

 

[Vicshalls]

I am not sure where you are in Houston, but i too live here and I have not run across anyone being so hateful. Then again I dont go out too much. lol I do agree with you though. I dont want to have to be forced to be with the smokers. that was the entire point of vaping was to get away from smoking. I know if someone does tell me that I will let them know i will not do that. I might not vape where i was but i also will not go stand out by the smokers.

 

[Kryyptyk]

I know if someone does tell me that I will let them know i will not do that. I might not vape where i was but i also will not go stand out by the smokers.

My predicament usually happens when I try to avoid the dreaded smoking section. I'll find an isolated place, usually 15-20 feet from the entrance to satisfy the "smoking ordinances", and attempt to vape in peace. About half the time I get heckled for not being in the smoking section, the other half of the time I just get the looks from hell and the occasional try-hard regurgitation of the latest in ANTZ propaganda.

I'm totally flaming, obviously. >.<
But really, I'm at a loss for what to do. It seems that city and state legislatures are content in lumping smokers and vapers together, banning them in unison.
It really is just a matter of time before they try to do the same here.

 

[Ken_A]

Well. Since you asked for Solutions, not condolences:
Crowdfunding for TV Comercials that compare dangers of smoking vs no dangers of vaping

Crowdfunding for hiring a law firm to sue all news people who lie about vaping

Crowdfunding for lobbyists for the Government.

Sign up to speak at events and give presentations on the safer alternative.

Unfortunately, while I know how effective Crowdfunding can be, I'm not qualified to start any. We know that the vendors won't do it because they are just out for the money. Once vaping is not legal they will move to something else, I think.

It takes a LOT of effort to educate a public that has been pre-indoctrinated to see vaping as bad.

 

[rurwin]

The one thing to do is to not get confrontational. Educate where possible, knuckle under when someone with authority tells you what to do, be responsible and considerate, but don't allow yourself to be lumped in with the smokers without protest.

Yelling and screaming and blowing clouds into people's faces because it's not illegal does ANTZ job for them. I'm not suggesting you do that now of course.

 

[Kryyptyk]

Well. Since you asked for Solutions, not condolences: Crowdfunding

What about a Kickstart or similar for a professionally produced web series or youtube series of vape-oriented educational videos? Something derived from all the studies coming out?
It would have to be something that the layman could understand.
Then I could just make cards with the website or something to hand out whenever someone gives me an issue. It would definitely give my words more weight.
I think if we could do something like that, then it would be so much easier to combat the disinformation.
Thoughts?

 

[Kryyptyk]

The one thing to do is to not get confrontational. Educate where possible, knuckle under when someone with authority tells you what to do, be responsible and considerate, but don't allow yourself to be lumped in with the smokers without protest.

Yelling and screaming and blowing clouds into people's faces because it's not illegal does ANTZ job for them. I'm not suggesting you do that now of course.

LOL, yeah I'm not an "in your face" vaper, I'm always considerate and aware of how I'm affecting others while I'm vaping. My issue is when I follow all the already established bounderies for tobacco smoking, with the exception of standing in the midst of clouds of smoke in the smoking area, and I still get chastised for it.
I've only had a single conversation with a policeman about vaping, and he ended up pulling out his ego twist and puffing right along with me. He was really cool and aloof about the whole thing. (Apparently his department didn't mind vaping on duty).

 

[Rickajho]

Wow - I'm at a loss. Even living in Boston I have yet to be met with any of that for vaping outdoors. Or indoors perhaps where I shouldn't be vaping even.

 

[Ken_A]

What about a Kickstart or similar for a professionally produced web series or youtube series of vape-oriented educational videos? Something derived from all the studies coming out?
It would have to be something that the layman could understand.
Then I could just make cards with the website or something to hand out whenever someone gives me an issue. It would definitely give my words more weight.
I think if we could do something like that, then it would be so much easier to combat the disinformation.
Thoughts?

I would contribute! and if you sent a message to the MODS, they may allow you stickies to request help from the community.

 

[goodoleboy45]

I live in Ohio where he have smoking laws. I have never been asked to go outside or any other confrontation`s. People always ask about vaping and give positive remarks on how good my vape smells. The guys at work want me to vape in the break room because they enjoy the smell. So sorry to hear about your conflict. My advice is to stay positive and keep your chin up. Haters are going to hate and there`s NOTHING your going to do that will change it. GOOD LUCK

 

[Kryyptyk]

I would contribute! and if you sent a message to the MODS, they may allow you stickies to request help from the community.

A good idea!
I'm sure there are plenty of qualified individuals who can produce some quality learning materials. I will look into what it would take to organize such an endeavor.

 

[CBone8408]

I venture to Houston from time to time, but I have never been meet with the attitudes you have encountered. I know I get the dirty looks and such but I just ignore it. Just keep your head up, if some one asks you to leave then do so but don't be ashamed about not smoking. I think it's just people's ignorance to vaping. I have got lots of questions when in Houston about my set ups and I did vape after a brunch outside in the downtown area. Most of the people I was with gave me a very condensing look until I told them it was not a cig but just water vaper. They stopped giving me weird looks but I also didn't take huge hits anymore either.