Originally Posted by
dawhoo
It's not the same thing, but it's similar in a way to a toy gun. We know they're way safer than the real thing, but when in public, you don't pull out a toy gun and act like it's a real gun. It freaks people out.
Convincing, but way off. What reason would someone need to have a toy gun in public?
If you vape out by the smokers, you are sending a clear message: "Vaping is as dangerous and deadly as smoking and that is why I am out here with the smokers."
Is that really the message you want to send?
Vapers today are trailblazers and have a responsibility to be advocates for vaping for those who follow behind us. Remember - thousands of teens pic up an analog for the first time every day.
1. An offense is the best defense. If you show the server and manager your ecig and explain it, you show them respect and they will most likely defend you if anyone else complains. If you just start vaping and wait until someone complains, you will be on the defense with management and they most likely won't support you.
2. Use a device that doesn't look like an analog. The less it does, the greater your chance of acceptance. I chuckle at the newbies talking about how they want it to look as much like an analog as possible - talk to me in a month, lol!
3. Take every situation on it's own merit. If you've been requested by the OWNER/MANAGEMENT not to vape, respect that decision. But explain that you will be leaving (don't go vape outside) and that they may want to consider allowing it in the future, especially with the indoor bans on smoking. It could be a plus for their business. Tell them that you, and the other thousands of people who will switch to vaping, will take your business to vape-friendly establishments. (This is, of course, if your municipality hasn't already banned indoor vaping.)
On that same note, consider your location. If you are surrounded by kids, you may want to think twice. Not because of the vapor, but because you are a role model. A bunch of kids don't need to see you inhaling a foreign substance into your body. As much as it is better than smoking, it's not exactly a positive message and they don't know the difference. So, be considerate about it. Same if you are in a small, closed space. Just as you wouldn't want to smell someone's BO or perfume, they shouldn't have to be exposed to your vapor. Don't invade other people's personal space.
Vapers need to be seen as considerate and acceptable. If we are on our best behavior, yet attempting to educate those around us, we all win. So, don't just resign yourself to hiding out with the smokers, but don't be obnoxiously assertive. Be proactive and get permission - it's the best way for acceptance. It's a fine line, but we need to do it to forward the cause.
