Terminology: "analogs" vs. "cigarettes"

[vapoleon]

(Please excuse the length of this post; the point I'm making is subtle enough that I think it's worth the effort.)

It might seem like a non-issue, but I've been thinking about the term "analog" and wondering if it isn't a bit misleading.

The implication is that, when referring to "analogs", we're talking about cigarettes as opposed to "ecigs".

The problem: use of the term "analog" in this way creates a relationship between cigarettes and ecigs (let's just say vaping in general) that works against vaping at a time when it's very important that people understand the difference.

By presenting ecigs as an alternative to cigarettes, we automatically, implicitly, present cigarettes as an alternative to ecigs.

In other words, we're making them into two sides of the same coin. Although we don't refer to ecigs as "digitals", that is the implication being made every time we use the term "analogs".

Aren't we all concerned right now about laws and customs and general image issues that are rooted in the secular world's (non-vapers, that is) tendency to see smoking and vaping as the same thing?

When it's late and I'm blowing 0mg cola-flavored vape-rings, I'm doing something smokers *can't*. There simply isn't an "analog" way to blow 0mg cola-flavored smoke-rings.

If *we* use misleading terminology that, even in a subtle way, implies that smoking and vaping are alternatives to each other, do we really have the right to get upset about non-vapers treating them as being more or less the same?

Before dismissing this, also consider the possibility that there are probably many similar examples of our side unintentionally tying smoking to vaping.

It all adds up.

 

[WarHawk-AVG]

Welcome..head on over to the library and check out the wealth of knowledge there...many question answered!

The ECF Library

And calling them "analog" is about the same thing as comparing "analog tv" to "Digital"

analog is "old n' busted" digital is "the new hotness" - K...MIB

 

[Giant Squid]

I agree, and I think the name "e-cigarette" is bad in the same way. I call them "cigarettes" and "personal vaporizers" to make the difference clear.

BTW, mechanical mods using unprotected batteries are technically "analog" too.

 

[nicetucu]

First rule of ECF is don't listen to people from Oregon.... kidding of course. To most people the analog phrase just caught on. Nothing more or nothing less. Most people feel the same way as a vapor. We don't want to be known as smokers anymore. Hence from now on I will call my ecig equipment digital.

Smoking and Vaping is getting lumped together, so the fight is trying to educate so people aren't so naive anymore. Most of the people I know are thrilled I have given up smokes. I don't see too many vapors walking around here in Oregon. Would love to see more.

Welcome to the board.

 

[Nermal]

I have no idea what a cigarette is supposed to be analogous to. I call them cigarettes. Not analogs; not stinkeys.

 

[dice57]

Yeah kind of agree but disagree too. If it was commonly called a vaporizer, I would of thought is was just a mini vape system for when you had cold or the flu. The e-cigarette label at least got my curiosity about it, since I was a smoker of analogs for 37 years. And the analog term for cigarettes is only understood and used by fellow pvd users and owners. I find using the term analog in public only raises questions from others and allows me the opportunity to educate people about the benefits of vaping and not smoking analogs. To me, that's a win win situation.

Also, I now refer to my pvd more as and e-hookah and not an e-cig. Because this puppy hits more like a hookah than any analog I've ever smoked. lmao

 

[IMZed]

Welcome, Vapolean.

Just a thought: try pronouncing analogs as two words. Makes sense to me, anyway! GDR~! ;-{)

 

[RaceGun59]

I like the term Electronic vapor delivery device, Or EV2D or EVDD or EVD2. If I could remember the shortcut to get that 2 up there for the squared it would be cooler. I dislike anilog. In the world of electrical things anilog is a meter with a needle movement you read and digital is a meter that has numbers you read. Both do the same thing. Let's take the cigarette out of e-cig.

 

[Nermal]

I think we're out of luck, RaceGun. We got hit with e-cigarettes and it stuck. At this point, it's about the only thing that non-vapers are going to understand when they ask "Wot in heck is that thing?" I'm not crazy about the term either, but I can't think of another term that communicates an answer to the question.

 

[dice57]

Analog


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Look up analog or analogue in Wiktionary, the free dictionary.

Analog or analogue may refer to:
Analogue (literature), a literary work that shares motifs, characters or events with another, but is not directly derived from it
Analog, a thing from which an analogy is drawn

In technology:
Analog signal, a signal that contains information using non-quantized variations in frequency and amplitude: Analog device, apparatus that operates on analog signals Analog computer, a computer based on continuous electrical or mechanical phenomena
Analog television, television picture and sound information encoded and transmitted as an analog signal
Analog video, signal transferred by an analog signal

Analogue electronics, circuits which use analog signals
Analog photography, photography in which the image is recorded as an analog (as on film)
Analog recording, audio or video information recorded as an analog signal

Analog clock, a clock that represents (displays) time without changing numerals or symbols
Analog (program), a computer program that analyzes log files from web servers

In science:
Functional analog, a chemical compound with similar properties
Structural analog, a chemical compound with a slightly altered chemical structure
Substrate analog, a chemical compound that resembles the substrate in an enzymatic reaction
Transition state analog, a chemical compound that resembles the transition state of a substrate in an enzymatic reaction

In entertainment:
Analog Science Fiction and Fact, a magazine originally named Astounding Stories
A.N.A.L.O.G. (Atari News and Lots of Games), a magazine about Atari computers
Analog (album), an album by Eureka Farm
The Analogs, a Polish street-punk band
Analogue (album), a 2005 album by a-ha
"Analog" (song), a song by Tyler, The Creator, featuring Hodgy Beats, from Tyler's album Goblin
Analogue (theatre company), a British theatre company
Analog (TV series), a Canadian television series (1971–1972)
Analogue: A Hate Story, a visual novel by Christine Love

In other uses:
Cheese analogue, any of several types of non-dairy cheese imitations or substitutes
Meat analogue, any of several types of non-meat meat imitations or substitutes

See also[edit source]

As you can see by just the few examples given "analog" can be referred to many things, but in most cases, it refers to something of older technology or production that is done digitally or electronically now. So it seems appropriate that cigarettes would fit into this category as related to pvd's

 

[bulldog63h]

We could call them electronic not-cigarettes.

 

[Jumpin' In...]

Hi vapoleon!

From what I understand, the e-cigarette was developed Chinese guy (a pharmacist?) as an alternative to cigarettes after his father, a long-time smoker, died of cancer and/or emphysema (I've read varying accounts). I don't see how you can separate them now.

Besides, it seems to me that the best argument in support of keeping PVs, e-cigarettes, or whatever else you want to call them readily available to people who *need* them -- is to argue that they are successfully used by people to quit smoking cigarettes, analogs or whatever you want to call them. Put another way, the best argument in support of PVs is that smokers successfully use them to become non-smokers. To make that argument, it seems best to capitalize on differences between the two activities - vaping and smoking - the former being clearly safer than the latter. To accentuate the differences, it's not a bad thing to refer to cigarettes, as "analogs", which implies that they are old and outdated and should be eliminated.

You present what you perceive to be a problem, but fail to propose a solution. What do you propose we do about the perceived problem? What terms would be better? What approach makes more sense to you?

 

[nmackan]

We are afraid of cigarettes. We fear to go back one day. We do not believe it would be that easy. So we fight with terms implies etc. What if they call my juice or whole set Camel, Marlboro Kent etc? It would not change a bit. Whats in a name, that which we call rose by any other name it smells as sweet. Now that we are out of cigarettes we can label them whatever we like on the revenging side it gets stinky. Analogs would remain scientific

 

[GranFumador]

I have no idea what a cigarette is supposed to be analogous to. I call them cigarettes. Not analogs; not stinkeys.

Same here.

Learning all about the huge variety of vaporizing gear is intimidating enough; I don't need lots of inward-looking jargon on top of it.
I like plain, direct, honest speech. A cigarette is a cigarette. It contains tobacco and users inhale smoke. That's not what I want.

An e-cig, by whatever name, is a battery (or pass-through) powered electric vaporizer, with or without lots of delightful, fancy controls.
It lets me take vapor into my mouth and/or lungs. That vapor may—in my case does—contain nicotine.

This morning somebody asked me if I was smoking. "No", I replied. "It's water vapor with some food additives and flavoring, and a touch of nicotine." To the best of my knowledge, that was an accurate statement. If not, someone here will, I hope, correct me.

 

[dice57]

It's my new hobby, it's a pocket rocket, it's a defensive weapon if attacked, heck if your vehicle is submerged in water, I can use it to shatter glass and save my azz. it's a mini e-hookah, it's a work or art, engineering and science. Heck there is even a micro computer inside mine, and an ohm meter too. It a device that allowed me and empowered me to not smoke. It's a taste of ganjas, a shot of whiskey, a slice of melon, Heck it's even a piece of American apple pie, ice cream too, if I so choose. Mine is American made, American built, it's a patriotic statement, and freedom from guilt. Call it what you like, name it what you will, but if you're not smoking cause of vapping, Then that's a pretty good Deal.

Vape On!

Vape the World.

 

[ggwljt]

We could call them electronic not-cigarettes.

though they are not traditional, they have same composition-nicotine and are just liquefied. So still called cigar

 

[Bill's Magic Vapor]

I love the term "Analogs" to refer to cigarettes. Every time I use it, I get instant reactions in the positive from smokers and non-smokers alike, who, somehow, are able to instantly grasp the difference. Unbelievable, but true...this subject has been discussed many times on the Forum. Personally, I do prefer anlalogs to either cigs, smokes, cigarettes, stinkies, etc. Others find instant differentiation with the concept. Give it a try and see for yourself how others react to it. A great icebreaker and conversation starter with a point of differentiation has been my experience, without overthinking it. I get quite a few laughs from the "concept." Best to you!

 

[suspectK]

What? You don't like being a ...ktard hipster? Wind-suits use to be the 'in' thing too..

Only things I will refer to analogs are: non-digital processing synthesizers and non-digital meters/tuners.

 

[UntamedRose]

Whats with all the newbies wanting to change up our names lately?? 0o

 

[RedNBlack]

Whats with all the newbies wanting to change up our names lately?? 0o

Hey Rose, they all seem to be in a hurry,... to get somewhere, and want to make sure everyone knows where they have gone,....
the description/location has to be "correct".
If they were asked what an "analog calculator" is/was, they would not know what a "slide rule" is/was...
Oh to be young again.......and knowing what we know now......