I know I've had this discussion on ECF before, and realize chances of a change are slim to none.
But I come to this thread after reading that our opposition in CA has sole purpose of making this name (cigarette) stick. So, here's my updated thoughts on this unlikely-to-ever-change name topic.
Btw, I'm basing this on the "Why It's Called an 'E-Cigarette' and 'E-Smoking' " piece (specifically the a, b and c points.
a) I think in 2011, thru maybe 2013, the average smoker wouldn't have known what vaping is. Here in 2014, I think that has changed. And here in the political year of 2014, I think it needs to change from our end as it makes a huge statement, but one that is overdue. Not changing it says to opposition, "you are right, this is a cigarette." In the 2.5 years I've been vaping, my non-vaping friends and family have changed how they reference my device without me prompting them. They will say, "what flavor are you vaping?" Or even just say, "is that your new electronic thingy." Point being, they aren't going with default of eCig anymore, and while I think it is partially myself, I really think the lexicon is changing and thus no longer accurate to say non-vaper (or smoker) would have no idea what we are talking about if we went with vaporizer and/or vaping.
b) Regarding SEO sub-topic, there would be ways to keyword 'eCigs' and 'eSmoking' (or whatever) while the name is changed. Plus there would be so much content on the site that still uses those terms that it would come up in searches. You can test this out right now, and verify what I say. Plus, the goal is to rebrand the activity, and so it is likely for another decade, it is still searchable as 'cigarette' type data, while transition is occurring. Gradually, but assertively.
c) We now have survey data (of the scientific kind) that establishes high cessation rates for smokers through these devices. For vast majority of current users, this is the sole intention for getting into vaping, and sticking with it. Myself, I am proud dual user. I enjoy moderate smoking. But I highly prefer vaping, and because of what is said in a and b, I think we no longer live in a time where we are dealing with mass ignorance from smoking community. I run into smokers daily and it has been a long time since I've run into one that was unaware of what vaping is.
But main point here, as I think is main point of OP, is that by retaining 'cigarette' in the name, we done just helped opposition with choosing to be stuck, rather than innovate to help humanity liberate.
