NYS health Advisory Board Post Mortem and Lessons Learned

[n2xe]

I attended the vote today. Here's what I got out of it:

These politicians know the truth but don't care. I sense that lobbyist and other interests have gotten to them but who knows. They are also expert at PR so it is difficult to out-do them. The press will fire a million questions at you so you better know your message and stick to it. We need an organization like CASAA to prepare material and provide guidance. If you are not comfortable in front of a camera under high pressure situations, then stay away.

As far as I can tell, I was the only vaper there today and that is completely unacceptable. I think I got the message out OK, but it wasn't my best performance. It's been about 10 years since I've been in a situation like this and one forgets what it's like. My one word of advice for the next one put in this situation--know your message and stick to it. Reporters will fire a million questions at you so resist and say what you wanted to say.

We need much much more participation and support at these things--anti e-cig is very well organized and funded. We need to be 100 times better.

If anyone near Albany saw any news stories on this, let us know how it was portrayed please.

 

[Robin Macri]

Thanks for being there n2xe.

 

[Jiggity-J]

I'm sorry that you were the only vaper there. Props for fighting.

 

[ahardrain]

n2xe what news station were you interviewed on, I want to see it. Will give you my feedback. I wanted to be there but couldn't get away. I agree we need more participation and funding. I know the lobbyists are backing this BS. I also know NY will be the first to ban, that's why I been saying to anyone in NY to stock up and quickly. Thank you for being there, you're awesome!!!

 

[throatkick]

First, thank you for being there on our behalf.

Second, can you post something on youtube from local news?

Third, while you are correct about being nervous, this is all about being armed with the truth. You just have to think to yourself that they are the ones with the ridiculous positions. It is THEY who should be nervous and not you! It is natural to try and make you feel disconcerted. It's all they have amigo! Keep this in mind, and next time they will be surprised the sudden surge in self-confidence and strong delivery.

Fourth, I have expressed an interest in helping this cause as I believe in it very strongly. So far the outcome is mixed.

Thanks again!

EDIT: Hopefully this will be "bumped" so that the vaping presence will be strong no matter where the media event is.

 

[n2xe]

n2xe what news station were you interviewed on, I want to see it. Will give you my feedback. I wanted to be there but couldn't get away. I agree we need more participation and funding. I know the lobbyists are backing this BS. I also know NY will be the first to ban, that's why I been saying to anyone in NY to stock up and quickly. Thank you for being there, you're awesome!!!

I'm not sure as I don't live in Albany. There was a girl there with a Fox shirt, a guy with a channel 13 microphone and somebody else. It was a fun experience though!

 

[CoughingBad]

These politicians know the truth but don't care.

Did you mean all the emails we sent them basically went unread, or read but dont mean a thing?!? Sorry if i miss anything, what exactly was the result?

Yes thanks for attending, and speaking out!!

 

[techtony]

Thanks for going n2xe.

I hate politicians, if it's not about golf or lining their pockets they don't give a crap.

 

[Vermonster13]

They got just as many e-mails and phone calls from the other side and I am sure money too. Faces at these events go a long way toward garnering support.

 

[CoughingBad]

They got just as many e-mails and phone calls from the other side and I am sure money too. Faces at these events go a long way toward garnering support.

wait... but i thought i put in my two cents?!?

 

[BigChemMrTiem]

based on the fact that n2xe said we need to regroup and refocus our next attempt, im guessing it didnt go well today, and has taken a step closer to being bant

 

[Cassie]

I still think someone needs to hand the president a PV and he'll quit those analogs and we will all win LOL

 

[n2xe]

Here's the Albany Fox News Report. Pretty good all things considered.

Effort to ban e-cigs moves forward - FOX23 News - The 10 O'Clock News

 

[flagreekguy]

I've been looking all over for the out-come to the court ruling. So, essentially we lost in NY? they are no longer allowed to use e cigarettes or sell them in new york now? this is bad... i need to start stocking up.

 

[CGProg]

They're not banned yet. flagreekguy. This is step one in several.

Thanks n2xe for being there. I was listening last night on the VP broadcast.

We really need to step up our game. Leave comments to articles. Join CASAA. Write your local legislators now. Don't wait till this issue comes knocking at your door. Write a letter to any local media.

 

[flagreekguy]

They're not banned yet. flagreekguy. This is step one in several.

Thanks n2xe for being there. I was listening last night on the VP broadcast.

We really need to step up our game. Leave comments to articles. Join CASAA. Write your local legislators now. Don't wait till this issue comes knocking at your door. Write a letter to any local media.

Agreed, Educate you legislators now so when the bill comes to their desk they already have more knowledge then the ..... who proposed it to them and they can just throw it in the garbage.

 

[ScottinSoCal]

Just an FYI from an old political junkie: E-mails count for squat in these efforts. Find out when your rep will be in your local area and arrange a face-to-face meeting. It isn't that hard, just call the local office and schedule it. Say you want to discuss pending legislation. Have your information ready, in easily digestible format. They're not going to read a 20 page, badly punctuated screed filled with emotion. Bullet points are best, and one page.

If you absolutely can't do a face-to-face, write a letter - not an e-mail, a real, honest to goodness, paper letter, with an envelope and a stamp. Because e-mails are so easy, so fast, and can be done with an automated script, they're ignored except as maybe a tally in a total. And, again, concise, clear and to the point. One page, bullet points, be persuasive.

 

[Soonerfan]

It sounds like emails and letters are not enough. Bodies should be in attendance. Thanks for going n2xe. I'm not from NY but figure it's only a matter of time before the feds ban e-cigs or individual states. It's ridiculous to think analogs are fine but e-cigs are not??????? It is all about tax dollars and the lobbyists.

 

[ToneLic]

I'm going to try and see if i can try to do something with news channel 9 in syracuse. I know someone high up that works for them. I'll keep you guys posted because I'm thinking we can get a bunch of people from the area to get interviewed on there.

 

[JudgeVape]

Just an FYI from an old political junkie: E-mails count for squat in these efforts. Find out when your rep will be in your local area and arrange a face-to-face meeting. It isn't that hard, just call the local office and schedule it. Say you want to discuss pending legislation. Have your information ready, in easily digestible format. They're not going to read a 20 page, badly punctuated screed filled with emotion. Bullet points are best, and one page.

And if you are not a convincing speaker/presenter of information, take someone who is. Truthfully, you may only have just a few minutes of the legislator's undivided attention. They have to talk to a lot of crackpots who want silly things. Don't give him/her an easy excuse to categorize you as one of them.