The next generation of vapers

[Ryedan]

Many of us are getting hung up on the age thing. I am not trying to tell anybody what they can or cannot discuss but age doesn't have anything to do with the question. Just because somebody is a non smoker does not mean they are a teen. It has just be a bit discouraging to me lately that many of us seem to only see vaping as a way to quit smoking. I see vaping as so much more. I was hoping we could discuss this angle a bit. I want to understand the people that think that somebody that has never smoked should not vape. I see it as an excellent safer vice to help us relax at the end of the day or throughout the day, in place of or beside a number of other things people associate with stress relievers, like tea, coffee, a cold beer, or a nice bodied glass of wine. I want to welcome all interested in vaping (as long as ECF rules are followed) into the fold without feeling like I am drawing somebody into some hideous habit that they will later regret. I want that subohm crowd to be able to read abut their newest hobby so that they DO NOT blow themselves up. If we say, go away you never smoked, you should not vape, or you are a silly cloud chaser they will not feel welcome and that leads to not learning. Sure, some may be vaping because it is the "coolest" thing going right now, if they are here....they want to learn. Just because somebody wants to vape in a different way then the tootlepuffer, or for a different reason beside quitting doesn't mean they are 14 or whatever.

I see it the same way you do Jode.

On the age thing, I think Bob Chill nailed it in that most of us know that too many underage vapers is very likely a negative thing for vaping with the political climate as it is currently and that is why that's such a hot topic. It has actually settled down a lot on ECF in the last year or two. Depending on how legislating vaping goes, it may become less of an issue or more. It`s important that vape shops not sell anything to minors, it really should be up to parents to supply their children with vape gear if they feel that is appropriate.

Yes, vaping is more than just a way to stop smoking. People can use it as a safer way to consume nicotine for a variety of reasons (and there are some quite good reasons), lose weight, handle stress, blow a few clouds, or just be cool and sociable. I don`t have a problem with any of it and I don`t give people a hard time for it weather they use nic or not.

I smoked for almost 4 decades and was able to quit with vaping. I weaned myself off nicotine within a year and now vape nic sometimes when I feel like it. I am not addicted to nicotine anymore and that tells me that there is a whole lot more going on with smoking addiction than just the nic. It also means that if someone vapes nicotine for ten years they should have a much, much easier time to quit vaping if they ever chose to than to quit smoking if they had smoked all those years.

Then again addiction is complicated. We do not need to intake a substance to become addicted. Gambling, power, risk, sex, work all come to mind. If someone is prone to addiction there are many things they can get hooked on. If a susceptible person becomes addicted to vaping, with or without nic, and that keeps them from something higher risk it could be the best thing for them.

I try not to judge and to help people with their questions and also safety issues even if they didn`t ask when I see they don't understand them. It doesn't matter to me if someone doesn't vape the way I do or for the same reasons I vape. If I feel they are on the wrong track for their situation I try to gently let them know I feel that way. Some ECF members can become quite hostile in these situations and that does not generally work out well for anyone, least of all the person asking questions. That`s unfortunate and I hope that continues to change in the right direction. Time will tell

If I feel someone is trolling and I want to respond I do it carefully, but as kindly as possible. Trolls hate not being fed and kindness is a great tool to use against them . I also try not to give someone I don`t have a feel for anything to use against vaping.

Great thread Jode, it`s important to talk about this stuff and you`re doing a great job in keeping us focused. Keep up the good work

 

[Jode]

I see it the same way you do Jode.

On the age thing, I think Bob Chill nailed it in that most of us know that too many underage vapers is very likely a negative thing for vaping with the political climate as it is currently and that is why that's such a hot topic. It has actually settled down a lot on ECF in the last year or two. Depending on how legislating vaping goes, it may become less of an issue or more. It`s important that vape shops not sell anything to minors, it really should be up to parents to supply their children with vape gear if they feel that is appropriate.

Yes, vaping is more than just a way to stop smoking. People can use it as a safer way to consume nicotine for a variety of reasons (and there are some quite good reasons), lose weight, handle stress, blow a few clouds, or just be cool and sociable. I don`t have a problem with any of it and I don`t give people a hard time for it weather they use nic or not.

I smoked for almost 4 decades and was able to quit with vaping. I weaned myself off nicotine within a year and now vape nic sometimes when I feel like it. I am not addicted to nicotine anymore and that tells me that there is a whole lot more going on with smoking addiction than just the nic. It also means that if someone vapes nicotine for ten years they should have a much, much easier time to quit vaping if they ever chose to than to quit smoking if they had smoked all those years.

Then again addiction is complicated. We do not need to intake a substance to become addicted. Gambling, power, risk, sex, work all come to mind. If someone is prone to addiction there are many things they can get hooked on. If a susceptible person becomes addicted to vaping, with or without nic, and that keeps them from something higher risk it could be the best thing for them.

I try not to judge and to help people with their questions and also safety issues even if they didn`t ask when I see they don't understand them. It doesn't matter to me if someone doesn't vape the way I do or for the same reasons I vape. If I feel they are on the wrong track for their situation I try to gently let them know I feel that way. Some ECF members can become quite hostile in these situations and that does not generally work out well for anyone, least of all the person asking questions. That`s unfortunate and I hope that continues to change in the right direction. Time will tell

If I feel someone is trolling and I want to respond I do it carefully, but as kindly as possible. Trolls hate not being fed and kindness is a great tool to use against them . I also try not to give someone I don`t have a feel for anything to use against vaping.

Great thread Jode, it`s important to talk about this stuff and you`re doing a great job in keeping us focused. Keep up the good work

Thanks for your support and your POV on this issue. I so enjoy reading all the different thoughts from this community.

 

[caramel]

Lately I've been vaping unflavoured only. Would it be good form to start a crusade here against flavours, now that I don't need/use them?

 

[Jode]

Lately I've been vaping unflavoured only. Would it be good form to start a crusade here against flavours, now that I don't need/use them?

caramel, you can do/say anything you want here. Well almost!!!

 

[WilsonPhillips]

Content removed because it might breakz da rulez.

 

[caramel]

caramel, you can do/say anything you want here. Well almost!!!

Well, my opinion is that if someone already made it to ECF, then they already have access to a lot of factual information that can help them make an informed decision. Any prodding attempt from my part would be not only superfluous, but in many cases counter productive. See the wars against the "inconsiderate cloud chasers".

 

[Jode]

@WilsonPhillips You might want to read ECF's . Not trying to be a nag but don't want thread shut down either.

 

[Jode]

Well, my opinion is that if someone already made it to ECF, then they already have access to a lot of factual information that can help them make an informed decision. Any prodding attempt from my part would be not only superfluous, but in many cases counter productive. See the wars against the "inconsiderate cloud chasers".

You are correct, not that you need my approval. Oh and yes, I have been shown just how nasty some people can come off in the cloud chasing crowd. I have to say, however, that I have seen that nasty talk from both sides of that war. There is always going to be those that are inconsiderate to others and that is very sad. I am not necessarily saying anybody should advise anybody else, especially if they are uncomfortable with questions or topic. I just don't like to see people turned away or made to feel like they do not belong because their way to vape isn't for "old school" reasons or as tame. But yes, respecting each other should always be top on our lists.

 

[Nick N]

Lately I've been vaping unflavoured only. Would it be good form to start a crusade here against flavours, now that I don't need/use them?

Let's do it! I too enjoy the lack of added flavor.

Seriously though, what is your preferred VG/PG ratio and nic strength? I have tried high VG (80/20) and slightly higher PG (like a 60/40) and keep coming back to good 'ol 50/50 6mg.

Sorry, back on topic...

 

[Jode]

Is my thread boring you two?

 

[caramel]

Let's do it! I too enjoy the lack of added flavor.

Seriously though, what is your preferred VG/PG ratio and nic strength? I have tried high VG (80/20) and slightly higher PG (like a 60/40) and keep coming back to good 'ol 50/50 6mg.

Sorry, back on topic...

My choices are limited to local suppliers, I don't DIY, I eventually went for a 50/50 9mg based on the nic quality, I like higher PG but the supplier of that one started to use some foul ashtray smelling nic. I went down to 0mg at some time (with flavour) but between chain vaping flavours and taking a few puffs of about 8mg unflavoured, I think I'm better off with the later.

 

[caramel]

Is my thread boring you two?

Nope we just went through a small detour we're back on track now.

 

[Nick N]

Is my thread boring you two?

Being a "Have Not" (smoked in 10+ years), I have never felt unwelcome here. Folks will always want to offer their personal views but WilsonPhillips does have a point that you may not agree with the decision to do it, but make sure they do it safely. I guess at the end of the day the person asking "Should I" should expect the subsequent poster's personal opinion, like it or not. Hopefully they offer it in a polite and courteous manner...

 

[Jode]

Being a "Have Not" (smoked in 10+ years), I have never felt unwelcome here. Folks will always want to offer their personal views but WilsonPhillips does have a point that you may not agree with the decision to do it, but make sure they do it safely. I guess at the end of the day the person asking "Should I" should expect the subsequent poster's personal opinion, like it or not. Hopefully they offer it in a polite and courteous manner...

Oh I have no problem with WilsonPhillips thoughts or addition. I welcome all thoughts here. The drug mention is a no no here I thought. I agree with him and I hope he didn't take offense or think I was being unwelcoming. I am also glad you have felt welcome. I have seen others (many) that has not been invited to jump on the welcome wagon however, simply because they are not former smokers of cigarettes.

 

[Jode]

People of all ages tend to have self-destructive behaviors. I don't understand why someone would start shooting heroine, but they do. What can I say, we are our own worst enemies. Let's say a young person comes to you and says, I just shot up some smack, but I am worried about needle safety. I would not hesitate to slap them up side the head, but I would also not hesitate to instruct them on using clean needles and sanitary techniques for safety. How is this any different?

Let's say you walked in your house and found your child with a couple of new mech mods and RDAs, wrapping some coils and had no idea what an ohm meter was, or how to use it. You might go ballistic, but once you calmed down, you would want to teach them battery safety, Ohm's Law, etc. You would come to the realization that the kid made a choice and even though it was not the choice you wanted him or her to make, the choice had been made.

If someone comes here and says they want to vape, they have made a choice. Their choice. Not ours. There are safety issues and those should be taught. We should be here to help.

In case I gave you the impression that I am against your post I am not. I agree wholeheartedly. I was referring to the drug reference. Thought is was a no no here. Please accept my apology for the earlier nag patrol. I welcome all POV's here.

 

[KattMamma]

@WilsonPhillips yeah I was going to mention the drug thing - it's a pretty strict rule here, and for completely valid reasons which I totally understand. But it does inhibit free-flowing conversation at times. We get around it by saying things like "that other stuff"