Right Idea, Wrong Approach

[epluribus_vapor]

We all know that writing to our lawmakers seems to have been to no avail (with the possible exception of CA? Go Arnold...) I received a reply from Governor Perdue of Georgia saying "Thanks for bringing this to my attention" and that is all I have heard.

Perhaps if enough of "us" start approaching our own local media/news providers, someone will at least do some real research and put out the facts. I've written all of our local news stations (some of which have put out copies of old e-cigarette news stories in the past) and asked them to review the facts, and consider the 50+ people that I personally know of in one workplace that haven't smoked in a month, and do a real report.

I don't know if this will grab their attention alone so I need help, and I assure you, if you put your local news stations email address here, I will send them an email asking for their honest research and time to put out a decent story on the facts of electronic cigarettes, and not just blow smoke up our rears... Here's my local news stations. I already wrote them, so if you can, and have time, please share your opinion to them, and I'll do the same to yours when you post them... maybe someone will listen if they know enough of us are watching them:

enews@wfxg.com FOX, Augusta, Georgia

mrosen@wjbf.com ABC, Augusta, Georgia

producers@nbcaugusta.com NBC, Augusta, Georgia

onyourside@wrdw.com CBS, Augusta, Georgia


Media rules what the population believes; lets show them what they need to know and help educate our local public now, before our government gets the chance!

 

[epluribus_vapor]

Ok, so after sending an email to all of our local stations, our local CBS station (wrdw) actually responded. The link they had to the national CBS video on e-cigs had been taken down, but I found it anyway, and one of their reporters sent me this email today:

"If you are able to find the story and want to do an interview about your thoughts, we'd be able to set that up as well.

Bryan Baker
12 On Your Side Reporter
WRDW-TV
1301 Georgia Avenue
North Augusta, SC 29841
Office: 803-278-1212 ext. 3320"

I think this is a good thing... maybe some local exposure is a good start?

 

[TokenVapor]

That's Great!!

Be sure to set the record straight on the FDA's report.

 

[ladysolitary85]

Congrats!

You should do it! and when you get that interview let us know! maybe theres a linky for it!

 

[Posidon]

Hey ,

Do you think you can send your e-mail over to the NPR radio station? I've been trying to think of something to write to them to get them to take a look at it, but I don't know how to approach it.

Here are two direct links to the contact pages that I think the e-cigarette would fit into. There may be more, but I only listen to their podcasts.


Science Friday - I think it would be cool if they did a segment on it.
Science Friday: Contact Us

All Things Considered
Help Center

 

[Countryboy06bw]

I was just wondering, I am assuming that you used the same email fer each station, giver er take a few words, any chance u can PM me a copy of one or put it up on this thread?

also, another way to get attention is to try and email some of the bigger cable news stations and there personalities. Ive always heard if u ever wanna go this route, try CNN or Fox. Now i'm not trying nor do i want to start a political fight over stations, i just know those 2 mite send u a reply faster and enough emails to em would even get them to consider some air time.

 

[epluribus_vapor]

I did write a "blanket" email, and will post that when I get off of work tonight. I would consider the NPR idea, but I also know that they usually don't want to hear another side of a story, they want to ridicule and attack... (from my experience anyways).

 

[JoeMcPlumber]

(from my experience anyways).

Wow. That definitely says something about the nature of subjective experience, but i'm not sure what.

My wife has NPR going near 24/7 so i can't help hearing it
but i'd like to think i have an ear for bias and i just don't hear that
excepting when bias is inherent like e.g.
if we were to present our story it would surely be slanted to our interests.

Perhaps it's got something to do with locale?
What shows do you listen to?

- joe

 

[epluribus_vapor]

I think NPR's news is usually very factual and unbiased, but as far as interviews go, (Steve Inskeep specifically), it depends on the point that the reporter wants to draw out... although they do seem to do a "balanced" mix of right and left (more and more lately it seems), I still think a lot of interviewees are hammered without a real chance to defend their statements, and the conversation is left hanging when it becomes a true debate.

Just my $.02 though... I definitely listen to Car Talk when I have time

 

[epluribus_vapor]

So, the reporter (Bryan Baker) was quick to respond at first.. every day in fact. After I told him I was willing to do an interview, along with over 5 people at our workplace who were using e-cigarettes, I haven't heard back.... will post back when I hear from him!