Oprah Show

[KevinD872]

Some people love her, some people don't. But the bottom line is that she has greatly influenced numbers of people in the past. I propose that we need to flood her "show suggestion box" with emails to do a show on the e-cig, regular cigarettes, lousy NRT, BT, BP, ASH & the FDA.

We need to state the FACTS (good and bad) about e-cigs. We need to state the facts about the dangers about regular cigarettes and how they compare. We need to state the facts about organizations like ASH spreading lies. We need to state the facts about the FDA now taking money from big tobacco. We need to state the facts on REAL unbiased studies of the "hazards" of e-cigs. The scare tactics by the FDA.... the REALITY of the supposed dangers of the miniscule "bad" things found in SOME juices.

What I think we should do is have someone with some good writing skills (Kristin perhaps?) compile all of this information. I think we should all be able to read it as it progresses to make sure it is as complete and factual as possible. Then post it somewhere on an unbiased, open blog.

We also should elect a person or persons who would be willing to appear on her show should she agree to do the story.

Then we all bombard her with our emails containing the link to said story.

If some of you want to jump the gun, here is the link to her show idea form:
https://www.oprah.com/ord/plugform.jsp?plugId=216


But I really think we should do this is an organized fashion. Let's face it. When Oprah talks, many people listen.

Another idea might be Dr. Oz.

My thought is this: It is great to contact congress people, the FDA, etc. But one of our biggest hurdles is the fact that non-smokers do not like smokers. They do not understand e-cigarettes and they do not know the difference. They do not understand the impact they could have on everyone's future (health, healthcare expenses, etc). The PUBLIC needs to know the facts about all of the things mentioned above. And Oprah is quite well at getting public attention on things.

Any thought?

 

[Vocalek]

I see that there are 2000 characters maximum for each message. It makes good sense to organize all of the information, chop it into smaller pieces, and then have different people submit the various pieces. I suggest we do this in a private forum away from trolls and spammers.

I notice that you do have to provide personal contact information. So, if anyone else is up for participating in this endeavor, leave a response here. You could elect to participate strictly as a reviewer if you do not want to be one of the folks who actually puts in a plug at the Oprah site.

We will contact you via PM regarding where to access the information.

Sound like a plan?

 

[KevinD872]

Yes, there is a 2000 char limit, which is why it needs to be written and posted elsewhere then linked. But it would have to be a neutral blog or forum, otherwise it will "look" biased even if it isn't (and as I said, it needs to be factual.... all things good and bad). Actually, I have a small website that I run that has NOTHING to do with e-cigs, smoking, or anything and would be happy to host the article there if we can't find a suitable unbiased home for it. However, it would be better to be in a place where people might look for such an article. We would just have to be sure the site isn't biased towards e-cigs or anything like that and more importantly, with no ads for e-cigs which could make it look like a marketing attempt.

I agree it should probably be 'worked on' in private, but I don't know how critical that would be. I suppose they could "arm" themselves if they saw it coming, but the facts are the facts. And if our article IS factual with PROOF about ASH & FDA getting money from BT & BP, which I have read about on legit news sites, along with all the other lies, then I can't see how Oprah couldn't see our side.

We should even throw in the proof about ASH's latest fiasco of them linking to a story sneakily promoting e-cigs.... which as said, proves he doesn't really read or research anything, he just throws it out there.

I really, really think this is a good idea. People DO listen to Oprah. And if this idea becomes a reality, I also have to thank my wife. After showing her the deal over ASH and that sarcastic article, along with some other realities of money going around between BT, BP, ASH and the FDA, the first thing she said was, "Has anyone on the forum thought about going to Oprah?".

She's singlehandedly boosted book sales overnight, once caused a major drop in beef sales over one comment on one show, and countless other things. People DO listen to her. And the facts of all things involved with us (e-cigs and smokers in general) do not look good for BT, BP, ASH & the FDA.

If we want to keep its progress private, perhaps this can be worked on in that new forum on that other site that requires strict permission for access for certain areas? I don't want to get TOO specific here (in case of trolls), but I would guess most of us know what I am talking about.

As for personal info on the Oprah site: Believe me, if we get an article put together and a spokesperson or two (I know I couldn't "do TV". I'm not a public speaker type), I will gladly give them all my personal contact info along with a few personal thoughts and of course a link to the article.

 

[frankie1]

This is a great idea. I am happy to help however I can. I think we need someone who has commercial appeal and able to think on their feet to appear on the show if asked. I am not the one to do that! LOL I will help any way that I can!

 

[C2Girl]

I agree. This is a great idea.
I did an interview as many others in the forum has with their local TV and radio stations. I did mine back in April/May and plan on contacting them again to see if they want to do a 6 month follow-up.

So much has happened in that short period of time FDA/ASH/SE/NJOY. You would not believe the folks that knew I vaped and gave up smokes that contacted me with their worries after the FDA's "findings" in July. I was, after all going to die from this device...it has antifreeze in it. They saw first hand my health improve and still believed all of the rubbish.

We also need stats as far as members (oldies and newbs) that have given up this nasty analog habit. We number in the 1000's now and still going strong. Poor BT, look at all the money you are losing out on.

Let's get this going guys

Steph

 

[KevinD872]

No other interest?

I think contacting the FDA and congress people has gotten to the point of being moot and falling on deaf ears. I feel that educating the public on a larger scale might help our case in the future.

 

[TheScrye]

I'm all in, I'll do whatever I can to help. I've contacted all my local news stations and radio stations. I'll be willing to interview and do what it takes. I'm not shy, and I believe in this cause.

I'm new to vaping, but it's the only thing out there that looks like it'll work, and it has worked for so many damn people. This is all a tragedy, and to let it go unchecked... it would break my heart.

 

[ritalin]

As I have stated before. I think personal opinions and politics should be set aside when dealing with this issues. That is to say that even if you do not like Oprah, as I do not, it should not matter. This message needs to reach the PUBLIC at large for there to be any headway made.

My suggesting is to try and have Joel L. Nitzkin attempt to make direct contact in request of the show. Its one thing to have a bunch of "smokers/vapers" request an audience, its quite another to have a chair member of the AAPHP Tobacco Control Task Force request it. If you do not know Joels email, here you go jln@jln-md.com

He has spoken out on our behalf already, I say we request he continue.

 

[ritalin]

Here is my letter to Mr Nitzkin

Hello Mr. Nitzkin,

My name is ***. There was a post the other day at the e-cigarette forum suggesting that we contact contact Oprah with a request for a show centering around smoking and e-cigarettes. For some time now we have been trying to write our congress men/women and other members of state to get our word out. The general feeling is that it is falling on deaf ears and we should be trying to reach the public who by and large do not even know the issue exists. Those that do only seem to know what the FDA informed them of back in July.

I made the point that while a group of former smokers turned vapers requesting an audience might get a response, a chair member of the AAPHP Tobacco Control Task Force would surly garner more attention. You can visit said link here: http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/campaigning-discussions/41620-oprah-show.html#post630286

I would also like to take this chance to thank you for all of your work so far and hope to continue hearing of it in the future.

Thank you

 

[C2Girl]

Send it ritalin!!!!!!

 

[unknwn]

Good outline, needs further proof reading i.e. "contact" is included twice in first line, "surly" at the end is in need of spelling check, "members of state" should be something like "members of our State legislatures" .

Not trying to knock your efforts, but, constructive criticism is in order.

 

[ritalin]

Send it ritalin!!!!!!

I already did.

Good outline, needs further proof reading i.e. "contact" is included twice in first line, "surly" at the end is in need of spelling check, "members of state" should be something like "members of our State legislatures" .

Not trying to knock your efforts, but, constructive criticism is in order.

Thanks already taken care of.

So lets get busy with the rest of you sending letters to him.

 

[ritalin]

Ok here is my letter to the show. Its the same letter I used to write Mr. Moore. We need as many people as we can to write in, or its pretty much useless.

Also don't forget to write Dr.Nitzkin at jln@jln-md.com suggesting he request time with Oprah.

BTW I wont believe that you actually wrote in unless you post your letter.

Hello Mr Winfrey

I would like to bring your attention to an issue that is currently being fought.

E-cigarettes, a smokeless tobacco alternative originally created in China three years ago has been a blessing to hundreds of thousands of cigarette smokers in the US. The e-cigarette is, basically, a personal vaporizer that uses nicotine diluted in either propylene glycol or glycerin, both common food additives.When a user inhales through the device, air flow is detected by a sensor, which activates a heating element that vaporizes a nicotine solution stored in the mouthpiece. This not only delivers the nicotine that smokers are now addicted to but also mimics the ACT of smoking as vaporized propylene glycol turns to a visible vapor that looks much like smoke. If you would like to find more information about the e-cigarette please have a see the following page where some of the information above was provided from. Electronic cigarette - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Enter the FDA. I , like many users of this product are now fearful that we will not be able to continue this fight as the FDA tightens the noose around the collective neck of the fledgling e-cigarette business in the US. We are now awaiting a verdict in the case of Smoke Everywhere vs FDA. From what I know of the case, the FDA began holding up shipments of their products at customs. Smoke Everywhere, in turn, sued the FDA stating that they do not have jurisdiction over the product. The FDA's claim is that the product is an untested drug, a farce in the mind of most of my fellow e-cigarette users, when you find that ALL of the components in the liquid used to create the vapor are ALREADY FDA approved for human consumption, not to mention we are all well aware of how readily available the most common form of delivery for this "drug" is. So now we wait to see if the product will be deemed a "new drug" or a "tobacco product" .

In this year alone, we have seen several politicians attempt to ban e-cigarettes on the grounds of "Saving the Children". Yep, that old gag. They are stating that the flavors being added to e-cigarette liquids in the form of chocolate, strawberry, cherry and even coffee are all meant to directly influence children. Once they are hooked on these delicious flavored tobacco alternatives, the logical next move is for them to become full fledged traditional cigarette smokers. I wonder what these same politicians thoughts are on rum cake?

In May, 2009, the US FDA's Division of Pharmaceutical Analysis tested the contents of cartridges by two vendors. These are the same two vendors that are currently suing the FDA, Smoke Everywhere and Njoy. Trace amounts (detectable, but not measurable) of diethylene glycol was found in one of the seventeen cartridges. In addition, tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNAs) were detected in some of the cartridges tested which used tobacco flavoring. Further, concerns were raised over inconsistent amounts of nicotine delivered when drawing on the device. In July, 2009, the FDA issued a press release discouraging the use of electronic cigarettes.

You may remember this press release. This is when the FDA stated that the same chemicals used in anti-freeze are used in e-cigarette liquid. What they failed to mention is that diethylene glycol, which again was found only in trace amounts in one of the 17 cartridges tested, can also be found in traditional tobacco cigarettes as it is commonly used as a humectant for tobacco. The fact that nicotine in liquid form is derived from tobacco also explains the presence of tobacco-specific nitrosamines. Nitrosamines can also be found in FDA approved cessation tools, such as the NicoDerm CQ and Nicorette. These facts were curiously absent in the press release.

There are many theories as to the motivation of the FDA in this matter. Some state that Big Tobacco feels threatened. Some state that Big Pharma is feeling the pressure of a product that many claim far exceeds the 6% quit rate of their sanctioned cessation tools. The one I would throw my dollar behind, however, is that at present they are not considered a tobacco product and thus, are not able to be taxed. After all, death and taxes is the only real truth we know, so if it can not be taxed then it better be dead.

I am an e-cigarette user and former smoker. As of one month ago I kicked a 1-pack a day, 16-year habit. I have tried all manner of quit-smoking tools and have never found it as easy to walk away from cigarettes as I have with this product. In 3 days of use, I had my last tobacco cigarette and have not looked back. Currently, I am weening myself off of nicotine with lower strength cartridges. In the months time that I have used an e-cigarette in replacement of traditional cigarettes I can now breath better, I no longer have any congestion in my chest, I have more energy and my sense of smell and taste is returning.

I am not alone in this fight. Many e-cigarette users are currently petitioning their local and state representatives in an effort to demand more research be done on the product before it is banned. There are also many doctors that stand behind this product. Below is a link to a letter by Dr. Joel Nitzkin, Chair, AAPHP Tobacco Control Task Force and Dr. Kevin Sherin, MD, MPH, FACPM, FAAFP, President, American Association of Public Health Physicians, who are also urging the FDA to reconsider is stance towards e-cigarettes.
http://www.ecassoc.org/downloads/AAPHP.pdf

I , along with other current e-cigarette smokers, are soliciting your help in quashing the false information, and in some cases, flat out lies regarding this product. Please help us live a longer life.

Thank you for your time,

 

[KevinD872]

Here is my email to Dr. Nitzkin:
------------------------------------

For quite some time now, members of a forum for electronic cigarettes (www.e-cigarette-forum.com) have been trying to find ways of educating the public on electronic cigarettes as well as attempting to get members of congress to help us in our fight.

Recent actions by the FDA are disheartening to say the least. They released a report on these devices in such a manner as to imply they were more dangerous than conventional cigarettes which is preposterous.

I recently started a thread on the forum about the possibility of reaching out to Oprah for a chance at educating the public about electronic cigarettes. There are many smokers out there that probably don't even know they exist (and it seems as though the FDA would like to keep it that way). Some of those that may know about them know only what the FDA reported. Fortunately there are quite a number of people that know the realities of the FDA report, but that number needs to grow.

It was brought to my attention that you have made efforts in the past to urge the FDA to change its position on the electronic cigarette and for that, I thank you. It was also suggested that you yourself may be an ideal person to contact the Oprah Winfrey Show in an effort to get the real facts (good and bad) about electronic cigarettes out to the public.

It is this reason that I am writing to you. Would you please consider contacting the producers of the Oprah Winfrey Show in hopes of helping spread the truth about electronic cigarettes, tobacco cigarettes, as well as organizations like ASH and sadly even the FDA that seem to have confusing thoughts about these devices?

To read the original forum thread and get a broader idea of what we are trying to accomplish, please visit the following URL:
http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/campaigning-discussions/41620-oprah-show.html

Thank you for your time and consideration in this matter. Oprah has a way of getting information to the public and I feel this could be an eye opening show for a lot of people should her producers decide to do it.

Link for contacting the Oprah Winfrey Show:
https://www.oprah.com/ord/plugform.jsp?plugId=216

Sincerely,
xxxxxx

 

[ritalin]

Perfect! Good job with the letter.

NOW WE NEED ANOTHER.

 

[KevinD872]

Here is my submission to the Oprah Show:
--------------------------------------------


I am writing to request that you consider doing a show on electronic cigarettes, smoking in general, organizations like ASH, and even the FDA. The bottom line is that electronic cigarettes are changing lives and helping people to quit or reduce smoking cigarettes yet oddly enough some organizations that should look at this as a good thing seem to be demonizing them.

I feel that the public knows very little about these potentially life saving devices and unfortunately the FDA has reported misleading and alarmist-type findings. Most disturbing is that the few "bad" things they found in them are also found in traditional tobacco cigarettes and even FDA approved nicotine replacement therapy products.

I will not go on about the details, as I suspect you will be hearing from other people on this issue.

We appreciate your ability to reach out to the public on important matters and hope you will consider devoting a show to this topic. While I myself know I am not the public speaking type, I know there are many people who are and I suspect some of them may be contacting you as well.

One such person who may or may not contact you, but would likely be willing to participate is Dr. Joel Nitzkin. Below is a URL to a PDF file showing his position on e-cigarettes along with contact information.

http://www.ecassoc.org/downloads/AAPHP.pdf


Thank you,
xxxxxxxx

 

[KevinD872]

I got a reply from Dr. Nitzkin. While he "applauds our efforts to try to get the correct message out", he doesn't feel that he is "in a position to step forward as a spokesperson for the e-cigarette industry".

I thanked him for his fast response and consideration, and I would like to ask the other members of this forum to please not continue to ask for his help out of respect for his decision.

He did however suggest that we contact the e-cigarette association (Electronic Cigarette Association).

Update: I have already contacted the ECA and he has already responded. See posts below.

 

[KevinD872]

This is my mesage to the ECA:
Contact form is located here: Contact The ECA | Electronic Cigarette Association
--------------------------------

At e-cigarette-forum.com, we have been trying to find ways of informing the public of the situation with the e-cigarette and how it has the potential to save lives. We would like to clear up confusion generated by the FDA's report, as well as educate the public on the lies (and truths) about e-cigarettes, smoking, ASH, and the FDA.

Attempts have been made to contact members of congress as well as the FDA itself but they seem to fall on deaf ears. We feel that Oprah's Show may be a perfect outlet at getting the word out about e-cigarettes, conventional cigarettes, ASH, and the FDA findings. Oprah has a huge following, and this could be an eye opener for millions of Americans.

We have attempted to contact Dr. Joel Nitzkin, which you no doubt have heard of as your site contains a PDF showing his efforts to get the FDA to change their stance on their unusually negative findings.

He suggested to contact your organization itself. Therefore, this is my request that you please consider contacting the producers of the Oprah Winfrey Show in hopes that they will consider an all-inclusive look at the e-cigarette, conventional cigarettes, as well as organizations such as ASH and the FDA. Would you please consider helping us, and possibly speak out on our behalf should they decide to do such a show?

Here is a link to the thread on the forum where we are discussing this particular idea:
http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/campaigning-discussions/41620-oprah-show.html

For your convenience, here is a link to contact the Oprah Show:
https://www.oprah.com/ord/plugform.jsp?plugId=216

Thank you very much for your efforts thus far, and it is our hope that through a larger outlet such as the Oprah Show, we can finally educate the public on a larger scale. Many people probably don't know about them (and apparently the FDA would like to keep it that way) and many that do know about them only know the negative report made by the FDA which neglects to mention that the "bad" things found in e-cigarettes are also found in conventional cigarettes and even FDA approved Nicotine Replacement Therapy products.

Thank you,
xxxxxxxx

 

[KevinD872]

My (very fast) response from the ECA:

-----------------------------------
Kevin,

Thank you for your ideas and support. We are working to increase our
public exposure through various media outlets. I will take the idea
of getting on Oprah to the other members and to our PR team. I can
guarantee you that we would all like to see mass exposure in this
manner and are working towards that goal.

James Watt
ECA Vice Chair
-----------------------------------

So, I don't know that we need to bombard the ECA with this idea, but hopefully they will have some success in getting onto her show should both parties decide to do so.

 

[Vocalek]

Researchers Balfour and Fagerstrom wrote “If nicotine preparations could he developed that were acceptable to smokers, there is the possibility of eliciting a substantial reduction in tobacco smoking, while not necessarily maintaining complete abstinence.”

In the US alone, hundreds of thousands of users have been able to totally give up tobacco cigarettes. Instead, using an “electronic cigarette” (e-cigarette), they inhale vaporized nicotine without taking in the tar, carbon monoxide, heavy metals, and thousands of toxic chemicals found in tobacco smoke. Users are reporting improved lung function, blood pressure, blood sugar and other health benefits, with no cravings, and no weight gain.

To the utter astonishment of e-cigarette users, anti-smoking groups and health organizations have asked the FDA to ban the products. In March, FDA seized incoming shipments from two companies, who then filed for an injunction. The case is still pending. In June, FDA held a press conference and announced that they had found carcinogens in the liquid of several of 18 cartridges they tested. FDA conveniently forgot to mention that the quantities were miniscule when compared with the same substances delivered by tobacco cigarettes, and that these same chemicals are found in approved NRT products.

This controversy would make an interesting show. You might want to invite the FDA, American Lung Association, American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, and Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids to send representatives to explain why they are opposed to the product. Speaking for the product I would suggest Bill Godshall, Director of Smokefree Pennsylvania; Dr. Michael Siegel, Boston University School of Public Health; Dr. Joel L. Nitzkin, President of AAPHP; and Mat Salmon, President of Electronic Cigarette Association. You might also want to include one or two people who have used e-cigarettes and are healthier for it.