Mentor Network

[Shads]

So I was having a fairly vigorous discussion with my Doctor about the effectiveness and benefits of e-cigs. I ended up writing her a 15 page precis studies and statistics covering efficacy, safety/toxicology, Snus and the controversies around e-cigs. I figured if I could convince her then she might convince the other 20 doctors at her surgery and they might convince a few of their patients each.

I did write a fairly long section in that document about the barriers to entry. Mainly to do with the steep learning curve. I myself was put off my first attempt to use e-cigs because I could get the right combo of equipment and juice to get a satisfying vape. Made even harder due to the mail-order nature of the industry. At the time I remember wishing I knew an experienced vaper that could show me the ropes. Of course I found this forum and learned from eventually but there's a lot people that aren't net-savvy who could still benefit from a bit of mentoring.

So I thinking would it be a good idea to create some sort of mentoring network. Where new vapers could find an experienced vaper in their area who could spend a bit a time with them, showing them how to vape. Explaining the equipment and perhaps even letting them try out a few different bits of gear or juice to find what they want. I'd imagine it would only take one or two mentoring sessions to give a noob a flying start and I reckon that would vastly improve their chances of being able to get off the gaspers.

I'm a web programmer so I could easily write a 'mentor locator' type website. But there's probably many other ways it could be managed.

So what do people think? When you started vaping would you have liked to have had a mentor? Would you be willing to spend an hour or two every with a noob vaper who you didn't know every now and then? If it was properly organised I guess the 'network' hub could provide a printable info pack that directs people to places like ECF etc for more info after their initiation session so they don't hassle you constantly afterwards. That the only potential downside I can see.

 

[The Ocelot]

You have a valid suggestion. I have found it a lot easier to show people how to use the equipment than trying to explain it.

 

[KATM]

Most people are visual or auditory learners so right now the best way of learning the ropes would be watching video tutorials but still, it doesn't beat having an experienced vaper teaching it face to face. I'm sure that if given the chance, most newbies would want to have someone to guide them along as the learning curve might be pretty steep to some. Just my

 

[Shads]

Even I find it hard to navigate the millions of vaping videos on youtube and I've noticed a lot vapers like the sound of their own voices and make ridiculously looooong reviews etc... So I imagine there's a lot folks who would find even video tutorials a bit daunting.

Question is how would you feel about meeting a stranger to give them a lesson? I must admit I'm a bit introverted so the idea is a little uncomfortable but I think I'd feel it was worth getting over that if it raised someone's chance of successful switching significantly.

 

[tomf]

How about just doing an ECF-based online network? Kind of a personalized "Ask an expert" type of thing?

 

[Kanj.nguyen]

There needs to be more vaping lounges. Like hookah lounges with top class vaping devices.

 

[Shads]

How about just doing an ECF-based online network? Kind of a personalized "Ask an expert" type of thing?

Well I guess that kind of what this forum is already for. The trouble is when you're new you may not even know what questions to ask and that's assuming you even found ECF in the first place.

 

[tomf]

Agreed. But, posting a thread is different than having a go-to mentor. I'd feel much more comfortable speaking directly to one expert individual than asking the entire community.

If the vaping community was larger in my area I would absolutely share my knowledge, limited as it is, with anyone who asked.

 

[tomf]

Fantastic idea, either way.

 

[PeteC2]

I do like the idea. I think that it has to be kept extraordinarily simple and accessible in approach. I literally started out when I spoke with a worker at my office, in the elavator, on the way to a freezing-cold smoke break, and she told me that she went to an "electronic cigarette".

I never even asked what brand she used...thought that it was a one-of-a-kind device! Ran down to the first store that carried a kit (drug store), with no idea that there were good, and many bad choices! (and I tried some of both!) Frankly, I am now surprised that with my approach, I managed to do well-enough to get through the first week!

I think that to have a mentor, there has to be an approach where the individual who is entering vaping is given guidance based on his/her wants and needs. Sometimes, there is a tendency to recommend vaping solutions that are monochromatic...such as "THIS (name 'yer poison!) is the BEST vaping equipment to start with. There are a number of different, good, vaping solutions out there, based on the individual's needs, and to me, that is an important component of reaching success.

 

[Kanj.nguyen]

Depending on how many gears i end up hoarding, i may open a vaping lounge myself.

 

[Shads]

I think that to have a mentor, there has to be an approach where the individual who is entering vaping is given guidance based on his/her wants and needs. Sometimes, there is a tendency to recommend vaping solutions that are monochromatic...such as "THIS (name 'yer poison!) is the BEST vaping equipment to start with. There are a number of different, good, vaping solutions out there, based on the individual's needs, and to me, that is an important component of reaching success.

I agree about the individual approach. I guess this is where an experienced vaper could help a noob. Many of us end up with a few different kinds of PV's before settling on a favourite. If you weren't squeamish about hygiene part of the session could be getting them to try a few of your old bits and pieces and a few different juices. I wonder if there is any kind of disposable mouthpiece cover you could get if the hygiene part was a concern (I wouldn't want to be letting others stick my drip tips in their mouths).

Also I guess different people will have different idea's on how they want to transition. Some might want a sudden overnight switch. Some like me prefer a gradual transition. In either case there some key differences between NRT quitting and transitioning to vaping which would be helpful to hear about upfront instead of having to learn by trial and error.

 

[Fury83]

I agree about the individual approach. I guess this is where an experienced vaper could help a noob. Many of us end up with a few different kinds of PV's before settling on a favourite. If you weren't squeamish about hygiene part of the session could be getting them to try a few of your old bits and pieces and a few different juices. I wonder if there is any kind of disposable mouthpiece cover you could get if the hygiene part was a concern (I wouldn't want to be letting others stick my drip tips in their mouths).

Also I guess different people will have different idea's on how they want to transition. Some might want a sudden overnight switch. Some like me prefer a gradual transition. In either case there some key differences between NRT quitting and transitioning to vaping which would be helpful to hear about upfront instead of having to learn by trial and error.

Disposable mouthpiece cover

Friend Tip

I think we all have different preferences, the best mentoring is explaining the options along with fact based pro's and con's. Answering questions the best you can and noting your personal opinion when given.

 

[Vapoor eyes er]

I've converted a large # of people and also run a non profit vape prog. Face to face the converts get the opportunity to try diff PVs and juice/flavors/ nic levels and ask qusetions. I've found it makes a HUGE diff when they can see the gear, hold it in hand and actually experience vaping from a quality PV rather than a drug store disposable- so much easier but very time consuming.

 

[Shads]

I've converted a large # of people and also run a non profit vape prog. Face to face the converts get the opportunity to try diff PVs and juice/flavors/ nic levels and ask qusetions. I've found it makes a HUGE diff when they can see the gear, hold it in hand and actually experience vaping from a quality PV rather than a drug store disposable- so much easier but very time consuming.

That's great Vapoor!... Someone already doing it... Can I ask do you do in one on one sessions or do you organise scheduled group things?

 

[Vapoor eyes er]

That's great Vapoor!... Someone already doing it... Can I ask do you do in one on one sessions or do you organise scheduled group things?

Thanks. It's a non profit org that I've been heavily involved as a volunteer with over the years. We offer a number of services to those that want to help them selves. Our motto is "a hand up rather than a handout". We have so many people passing through the diff areas that it's generally a group thing once every 1- 4 weeks- a group of 4 and it's a go. I also go out when asked by a small group of Drs, Surgeons, Dentists and do a one on one. These are usually patients that are exhibiting smoking related health issues. Although it is very time consuming it has brought in a fair amount of donations from these Drs for our non profit vape prog and, more importantly, has made a number of Drs true believers of vaping as a viable smoking cessation prog.

 

[Shads]

Interesting... That was kind of what I had in mind... If I can convince my doctor and some of her colleagues I might try a 'just me' pilot mentoring program using them to generate referrals and see how it goes. If it works well and I can iron out the kinks then look to expand it and include other mentors.

 

[AdamJ]

Speaking from the perspective of a newer vaper myself, I'll say that these days it is extremely daunting to get into it. Personally I was interested in quitting the stinkies and had overheard a few people I know discussing the subject. I later asked one how I would go about getting information, he referred me to ECF. I lurked for about 2 weeks just reading posts and taking it all in. I realized then that I was just as confused...cartos, clearos, atomizers, tanks, rebuildables, mods, it was all very confusing. I ended up having the guy who put me on to ECF reccomend me a starter set and after I had equipment spent an hour with me on basics.....

Long story, point being that if I had not had a personal resource I would have gotten frustrated and not gotten into the world of vaping. I think a mentorship program is a very good idea in any form, and will help people who have the want but not the experence, drop the butts.

 

[Vapoor eyes er]

Interesting... That was kind of what I had in mind... If I can convince my doctor and some of her colleagues I might try a 'just me' pilot mentoring program using them to generate referrals and see how it goes. If it works well and I can iron out the kinks then look to expand it and include other mentors.

Sounds good. The non profit was first after benefactors noticed me vaping at meetings and asked about it. I then presented a proposal with the promise I would provide start up funds. The Drs thing happened after I was asked to give a presentation to a number (43) of them. A few are asking about another one. Prolly this Summer.
The Very Best of Luck.

 

[jfalbanese]

meeting total strangers, not a good idea. all kinds of thing can go wrong. first i think it's awesome that you are trying to educate your doctor. if everyone does that in public, we can lick this smoking thing. same for video site. as droll as the vids are on you tube, the site is already there. we just need some ECF certified people to make videos that cut to the chase, minus the rambling, and fancy credit sequences. but i do like the cut of your jib. very bold. i notice myself and alot of other people on here feeling the need to spread the word. i call on everyone to do the same. smokers biggest excuse for not quitting was always "give me something that actually works, and i will quit". i think we are all feeling it. this is the item that will get the job done.