Vaping at the park

[ScottP]

I have noticed lately with my obese Lava Tube that there is basically two kinds of people especially when it comes to cops and politically correct control freakaziods. They are either open for learning or closed for the duration of their life.

When I come across a 50's Baby boomer, staunch conservative born-again with a badge it's a disaster, most want to get on the cell phone and get me done!!!! Then the other types being more of an agnostice science mind with a high objective filter on full force are more then happy I am trying to quit tobacco witch is why I am allowed to vape at the college I work for [discreatly].

This fear of a podunk cop witch is nothing more then a procreative mistake from kissing cousins catching me puffin this "Billy Club" called a lava tube is getting old. I know I'm going to get whacked by one of these 9 dollar an hour ...... with a badge and a gun.

A small number of cops are cool they are the younger objective willing to learn types and I even spotted one vaping a blue cig. But after asking them if the department has educated the force about the vapor machines we use and the [censored buzz word] that the outlaws use and he said yes we are well informed.
Well how do explain this one cop that gave me the pat down, lecture and name calling not mentionable here [forum rules certain buzz words can't be used].
He simply said some older guys got their mind made up, if a battery is connected to a heating element you are a [buzzword removed].

So bigotry, stigma and narrow minds make vaping out loud a real challenge in a Barny Fife type town even if the cops have been educated to the facts, a mystic mind does not make decisions based on facts, they live in a mind created reality world full of anger and false misnomers about these things they try to create reality instead of perceiving it.


Witch is why I can't openly vape in a park or public.

[Why isn't spell checker working in advanced mode?]

While I do agree that people are either open minded or they are "closed for life", is there really anything in between?
As a "staunch conservative born-again" type that is also a vapor I think you have your stereotypes mixed up a bit. The ONLY person that I have ever had give me REAL grief over vaping and had zero interest in understand happened to have two bumper stickers on their car. One was a Pro-Choice sticker and the Other said Obama/Biden 2012 so I am seriously doubting this closed minded fool was either a conservative or a christian.

Most of the people I have come into contact with, I would describe as open minded skeptics. They had doubts and preconceived notions but were attentive to hearing the truth. I did NOT ask about their political or religious beliefs so I cannot comment on the make up of these people. Then again I live in Houston and not a 1 horse town.

 

[mcol]

Wonderful when this stuff happens.

 

[stormwench]

Education is SO important at this point and grassroots education is where it is right now although we have to work on mainstreaming it.

Vaping could be so regulated with the legislative pushed going on funded by tobacco companies before its even known that we would have less rights to vape then analog smokers do.

Your experiences with people never having heard or know about vaping , smokers and non smokers alike, shows you how important it is to analog smokers to get information that there is a "finally"a viable alternative for analogs. Non-smokers have been trained over the last several decade to panic at the sight of anything resembling 'smoke' admitted into the air someone's mouth.

Governing bodies made up of the same cross cut of the public are no more educated about it then these people you meet in any public place. This makes it very easy for those lobbying against vaping to use every devil known about analogs to apply to vaping and never equate that in the case of vaping its 'tobaccoless" or "4000+ chemicals and 60 known carcinogens-less' then an analog. Many places have banned vaping and access to vaping paraphernalia based on the information that has been eluded to that the 'e-cig' is just an electronic analog not a vapor producing alternative.

To make it harder there is paraphernalia that are also called 'e-cigs' (and look physically the same) used to combust tobacco and tobacco like substances electronically and/or vaporize illegal oils. So the drug paranoia gets started.

Calling the devices "E-Cigs" was/is great for a marketing campaign set up by manufacturers because it does attract the main customer - the analog smoker. It turns off the non-smoker (especially those that vote on permitting/banning vaping activities) because it makes it too easy for the lobbyists to simply point out its called the same thing. The discussions never get farther then its for 'nicotine' if it even gets past the given idea that what in an e-cig is the same as an analog and most people don't draw a line between nicotine and what are the more dangers additions to everyone in an analog.

Tobacco companies are not dolts and they spend millions every year fighting attacks anything that might hurt tobacco sales even before the idea is out of a R&D environment. Big Tobacco was armed and started campaigning against e-cigs before they even hit the market. E-cigs are the first analog tobacco alternative that really has the impact to hurt/kill their bottom line and they know it, have known it and have the plans and people in place to make sure it doesn't.

"Tobacco companies have never interfered with sales of nicotine replacement therapy" statements along with the idea that tobacco companies supported moving replacement therapies such as nicotine patches away from prescriptions to over the counter has lulled many analog users into thinking they don't fight these things and because of it many vapors thing they won't interfere with the availability if e-cigs any more then they do a nicotine patch.

Nicotine replacement, for the most part is of no risk to tobacco sales as its kept expensive (even more so than analog smoking) and keeps quitters hooked on the nicotine while not giving them alternatives that help the rest of the addition process.

There was, for a while, a smoking cessation product that was by prescribed by doctors that was an 'inhaler' for nicotine. It was fought against and never allowed to graduate to an over the counter product and several touted against so much that it never stood beside patches and gums, etc. While you may have sen the short lived ad for the inhaler (guy in nice sports car showing off his ability to quit with the inhaler) is something you might have seen. The underlying cause was big tobacco support lobby.

Don't like legislatures look at these lobbyists and say "we know your fighting these cause they hurt you". They are lobbyists supported and paid for by the companies but that connection is well hidden, as well hidden as the link from biased anti-ecig studies.

Testimonies of ex-analog dependants and anecdotal information needs to be mainstreamed and no just the things vapers talk to other vapers about or maintain on devoted to them and basically them alone. Talking and planning with other e-cig users is one good way to get a movement going to protect e-cigs but not going beyond that community where everyone agrees with you won't help at all.

Grassroots education, which actually starts with being seen vaping and as a vapor where you can get the opportunity to explain what it really is and what is going on IS a step that can be very powerful. If ever vapor made it a point of working with analog smokers to get them the right information and help them transition as well as educating 3-4 non-smokers a week that its better for them if analog smokers switch and that its essentially better for them as it removes their exposure to analog second hand smoke can make a impact that will be heard.

It can and will make a difference. If the next city council meeting as a member of the public at it or 3 -6 , and the misinformation going around is what is pointed too to have a city vote against freedoms to vape, including sales of vaping products, then there is a chance that they will be heard and the governing body will not just get a one sided "its all bad - see it is even called a cigarette". If a local businessman know that 30 of the people using his store (not just a tobacco shop but other stores) and come there because they are welcome that can make a huge difference between whether a city council decides to lose that business in that down or not with an uninformed vote.

Don't shrug it off as a 'loss of a B&M store selling vaping supplies' because you spend less online anyway because somewhere that online place you buy from is in a city, or town that if made illegal won;t be in business for you, especially those who have to have 4 walls and a door to make custom products like e-juice and can't rely on shipping from a facility a long distance from their order center.

Vapors need to work with local business people , and not just the B&M that sells vaping supplies - but that is a start. These B&M have to stay in business, not selling tobacco products but selling vaping supplies. Sometimes you need to be willing to spend a few dollars more to keep them in business and make sure vaping becomes their important business. From that jumping off spot you start working to educate other businesses. STarbucks should not lump vapors with analog users so a vaper cannot enjoy their patio, for example. There is a benefit to them with a "vapers welcome" sign but they need to be educated as to why.

We also need to have an answer to vaping not being seen as the 'social activity' with a health risk. Many people have been brought to fear that these products too widely available without age limits will entice 'children' to pick them up as a source of nicotine. Or presented, in all adult groups, as the next socially cool things to do among those currently considered non-smokers. Vapers have to appear and actually should be responsible. Vaping is a healthier alternative to analog use for the analog user that should not be synonymous with "Vaping being a healthier activity." I think most of us disagree with no age restrictions although nicotine is already limited to age for purchase. Most of us disagree with promoting the idea that a person taking up "Vaping" is an answer to social acceptability or way to get extra breaks at work. On the other hand there are people that will support the those that want to start vaping for whatever reason even if the reason has 0 to do with getting away from the analog. Remember vaping is a new thing and while in comparison to inhaling 4000 known and unknown chemicals, 60 known carcinogens and tar and other particulate matter its obviously better we just don't have many studies on what a non-smoker is going to expose themselves too that is 'unhealthy' compared to a non-smoking state if they take up Vaping - even if they hold to a 0 nicotine state. And lets be honest, the best made promise of the non-smoker to always remain at a 0 mg nicotine level - well people have great intentions. these studies we don't have. Personally I would no more introduce a non-smoker to vaping or support their decision to try it any more then I would do so with a non-smoker picking up a pack of analogs -even though I love vaping. Even on this forum, people support non smokers, people who would never dreamed and have no urge they are fighting to pick up an analog, but are considering vaping solely for the social aspects of 'joining something cool' are told to 'go ahead'. There maybe a 'agre

Maybe some thought should be given to another name for e-cigs. "A Rose is a Rose" and to many so is a cigarette. I have gotten a much better response to "I Vape" or "I am Vaping" and "I use a PV" then I ever got with "This is an E-Cig". I have even had analog smokers turn off and start to walk away at the mention of 'e-cig' and comments like 'I don't need another cigarette product to be addicted too; many who have seen it from its name as a way to 'smoke' indoors. Something that is an addition to their analogs and not an alternative to be smoke/tobacco free.

As we are slowly and maybe more and more having personal interactions that give us a chance to 'explain' and often we do a great good in giving an analog use the right information to make an educated change, we are behind the curve in public education. I think we need to make a concerted effect to take those experiences and be proactive about them. Not wait for the person to come ask but explain what your doing to just the person who looks at you weird. SOmetime s little education goes a great way and can make all the difference.

And this is where we need it to make as much difference as it possibly can. Tobacco companies are already way ahead of each of us doing their best to make a e-cig not a matter of choice but something hard or even illegal to get so that analogs are your only option. I know the anecdotal surveies and information have shown vapers think they would go illegal to keep vaping to never go back to analogs but if 'illegal' turns in to impossible to get at some point many of us would have no choice, since our addition does not lend itself to quitting in face of a lack of non analog alternatives.

 

[ca_girl2tx_girl]

I have told my family and friends about it and they are all interested in the whole thing. Those who smoke are interested in learning more about it and possibly switching over and those who don't smoke are, I think, happy that at a young age, I found a better way and am slowly getting off nicotine, can be tough when your a full-time college student though lol. I still trying to learn about the different set ups and accessories ect. because it can get a bit overwhelming. My husband, Texasman2011, knows more than I do and when he tries to explain it, I feel I was dropped off in Germany and no one speaks English. This is why he told me to join the forum and start learning more so that I will have more information for my family and friends.

 

[Iffy]

Education is SO important...

...quitting in face of a lack of non analog alternatives.

In other words, vape proudly!

 

[Esharp]

Educating the mainstream really is the key. I find many non-smokers are keen to learn more about e-cigs as they have a good reason to. They all know someone who smokes, be it a friend or relative. Non- smoking co-workers always question me about them.
1) Does it help you quit?
2) How long have you been off cigarettes?
3) Is there nicotine in that?
4) Do you feel better?
ect....

Then they usually go on about someone in their life that smokes and how they wish they would quit. I arm them with enough information to get them going. Thankfully a few have gotten back to me stating that they got the person to try e-cigs.

The non smoking groups (ANTZ/Zealots) are missing the big picture here. E-cigs get people to quit smoking tobacco in far greater numbers than the approved methods like the gums, patches etc. Everytime that a smoker switches to e-cigs they score a victory. And what do we get in return, "well, thery're still on nicotine." Come on, give me a break, throw me a bone here.

Back to the park. I vape in public, walking down the street, in the park or walking the dog. I get strange looks sometimes, but I don't get strangers asking me about it. I wish they would. Changing the world, one smoker at a time.

 

[supermarket]

While I do agree that people are either open minded or they are "closed for life", is there really anything in between?
As a "staunch conservative born-again" type that is also a vapor I think you have your stereotypes mixed up a bit. The ONLY person that I have ever had give me REAL grief over vaping and had zero interest in understand happened to have two bumper stickers on their car. One was a Pro-Choice sticker and the Other said Obama/Biden 2012 so I am seriously doubting this closed minded fool was either a conservative or a christian.

Most of the people I have come into contact with, I would describe as open minded skeptics. They had doubts and preconceived notions but were attentive to hearing the truth. I did NOT ask about their political or religious beliefs so I cannot comment on the make up of these people. Then again I live in Houston and not a 1 horse town.

Just to confirm that the guys stereotypes aren't wrong.......I too have noticed the real conservative, religious types being the most judgemental, regarding ecigs and other stuff in general. They are the ones who often don't even want to hear what an ecig is....they consider a "drug device", or so I've been told by a few. Keep in mind these are the older ones.....not the ones in their 20s or 30s.


Stereotyping is kinda silly, but nonetheless, our brains naturally do it because of how our minds work. After so many encounters of person meeting A description, doing B activity, our brain connects the two.

In many of our cases, conservative christian types often are the ones most set in their beliefs, their patterns, their way of life, and they often offer the most resistance to outside thinking, critical non-religious thinking, change, other religions/beliefs, etc, etc.



I don't really mind, because everyone has their own way of life. Just as the other person said, I've noticed either people are curious about the ecigs.....or they are against them, before even knowing anything about them, and have already made up their mind. I havent really found TOO many people in between ( Ihave met a few)

 

[ScottP]

Just to confirm that the guys stereotypes aren't wrong.......I too have noticed the real conservative, religious types being the most judgemental, regarding ecigs and other stuff in general. They are the ones who often don't even want to hear what an ecig is....they consider a "drug device", or so I've been told by a few. Keep in mind these are the older ones.....not the ones in their 20s or 30s.


Stereotyping is kinda silly, but nonetheless, our brains naturally do it because of how our minds work. After so many encounters of person meeting A description, doing B activity, our brain connects the two.

In many of our cases, conservative christian types often are the ones most set in their beliefs, their patterns, their way of life, and they often offer the most resistance to outside thinking, critical non-religious thinking, change, other religions/beliefs, etc, etc.



I don't really mind, because everyone has their own way of life. Just as the other person said, I've noticed either people are curious about the ecigs.....or they are against them, before even knowing anything about them, and have already made up their mind. I havent really found TOO many people in between ( Ihave met a few)

So how do you know a person's political or religious affiliation when you meet them randomly and talk about vaping? It's not like everyone walks around with a R or D tattooed on their forehead. In my case I saw the vehicle the person drove away in and noticed the bumper stickers. If I had not seen that I would have had no clue if they were liberal or conservative.

 

[aemafia15]

Believe it or not a lot of people have not even heard of vaping. I get questions all the time.

True not many know what vaping is .. Shoot I've barely found out months ago, bought my mom a ego she is slowly converting over

 

[Hotwire]

I let my Dad ands his mate try me ego-t with an 11mg tobacco juice and they were both very impressed. TBH had I been around longer (I lived in Korea at the time and was only visiting for a week at Xmas) I reckon I would've got my old man on to them. He'd need a real strong juice as he's a 2 pack a day man, but I'll be back for my master's degree soon so will get him one for Xmas.

Never saw another vaper in the UK.

Have seen a cpl in Seoul, South Korea and some of the expat bars there actually stock juice! Seen vapers in the Korean suburbs and countryside too, usually in PC rooms (net cafes) playing starcraft or whatever it's called.

In Shanghai where I've lived the past 14 months and go out a lot but only on Sunday and Monday nights due to my work schedule, I've met one vaper so far who was from Australia. I reckon if I went out on sat and sun nights I'd see a few more. I've heard there are 'vape bars' in China.

I let a few guys at my poker game try it and not only did one say my menthol (was in an ego xl carto) rig tasted just like his brand of cigs - another was like 'man that thing is awesome it looks really BLING too!'

I have another friend who bought a cheap cig-alike most basic ever e-cig and was so disappointed by it that he gave up on the idea. I don't blame him as I bought once the other day out of desperation and the batty died after 1 hour and the vape is next to nothing. We live in the same country again now and I will have my new ego-t tomorrow afternoon so will get him to try that and see the difference.

I think that's the main thing - making sure new potential vapers try a DECENT RIG at least an EGO or a RIO with a decent juice.

I was lucky my first kit (totally by accident, just liked the look of it) I ever bought was the Ovale Ego-T with JANTY juices (I praise Janty a lot on this site but sorry, their products just are top notch and worth the extra dough) - so once I learned about blowing out the primer form the atty - I was having a pretty damned great experience straight off the bat.

Companies should stop making those cruddy cig-lookalikes where the batty runs out after an hour and the carts last about ten decent puffs and you're left thinking 'what the hell is this _______________!! It sucks and is a gimmick just like I thought it would be "- because when you first start looking into vaping - IT DOES SEEM A BIT GIMMICKY AND DUBIOUS!'

But if everyone's first try was say an ego / rio / boge etc - with a good carto and a good flavored 11mg - 14mg juice - they'd be like 'Holy Moses, this is actually pretty good' just like my 2 pack a day for 50 years father and his likewise friend thought of my ego-t.

Am counting down the hours (and the cruddy carts) until my ego arrives tomorrow evening.....

 

[scalewiz]

Ha! This is turning into a thread about old people.

58 years old, vaping for 2 years. My out in public device is an MKB-TS, highly polished, with a Terminator tank on top. What's great is when I stand in front of my Baptist church using it with great interest from the few smoking church members.

Stereotypes.....seen a whole bunch of those. And them young whippersnappers wanna stereotype us..................

 

[Vaptor]

I never see anyone vaping. But when I watch faces of people that see me vaping I get the impression they think I'm burning crack.
When smokers see me vaping they make faces like "look at this idiot sucking on crappy e-cig". Little do they know........