I'm really trying not to be a troll here.
To clarify: my concern is that it's labeled as a documentary, yet clearly made by and funded by
persons who have a strong bias concerning the subject matter. I understand that bias
is king in the land of documentaries....these days. However, they're not really motion picture
documents; they're in fact persuasive discourse presented as film. The fine line between
the latter and propaganda is up to the audience to decide.
Thus, I suggest being prepared for scrutiny, or, pre-emptively tackle any possible negative
criticisms by being publicly "self-aware" when presenting the film.
I'm pretty certain the guy directing this won't be confused by what I'm saying here.
Sidenote:
I have not seen this Addiction Incorporated, and am not commenting on it directly.
While I'm aware of the research involving the use of nicotine to help stroke recovery,
I'd, personally, be weary of tersely wording that "Nicotine does not cause heart attacks and strokes".
True, it's the smoke causing most heart disease with smokers. However: a.) vasoconstriction
b.) norepinephrine
Yes I'm nitpicking. However, since you are so concerned about these things; consider it preparation.
Your perspective is interesting. Documentaries can be focused on one or more points of view/perspectives. Yes, it is certainly possible that some people will raise speculative and/or counter points of view and opinions. This is always the case with pretty much any issue open to public discussion, legislative consideration and even more so when it involves matters of health and safety. This only reinforces the NEED for more accurate information and education to facilitate these discussions. In this case, the goals of
We Are Vapers are in the directions of illuminating many facets of
tobacco Harm Reduction which are not getting much light.
As we have seen, various regulatory agencies are openly admitting they do not know many/most of the facts and are often attempting (and in some cases enacting) legislation directly aimed at
vaping without information. In some cases it may be outright bans attempts, partial bans, unsubstantiated tax rates, etc. Irresponsible media use sensationalism and scare tactics, often avoiding and/or blatantly omitting relatively easily obtainable facts, to boost ratings and further propagate misinformation and fear.
Some form of regulation will come eventually. We can sit back and wait to see what gets enacted/imposed or we can get involved, educate and try to facilitate the process.
We Are Vapors plans to shed light on accuracy of information and hopefully educate the public (including those who might be involved in such regulation processes). In the continued absence of accurate information to consider, we face the likelihood of more regulatory efforts based on fear, misinformation, and/or simple lack of any accurate information. Additionally, this film might be able to offer (proactively) ideas towards reasonable regulation.
As a "community" we can (and will) continue to fight bans and/or anti legislation AND we can reach out with MORE accurate information which is so far rarely reaching the public. Bringing greater public awareness to profound improvements in peoples' health (and lives overall) from
Tobacco Harm Reduction, viable/less-harmful alternatives to smoking, statistics, research, etc. can only help to expand the discussions and flush out information.
Most importantly, there are still millions and millions of people smoking tobacco. These millions have no idea that vaping is a viable alternative and/or that we have an ever growing supportive community of people ready and willing to help them learn and experience the benefits of
Tobacco Harm Reduction.
As for "funded by persons who have a strong bias concerning the subject matter" - we are extremely open about the funding only going towards the most basic of expenses. Projects of this scale and substance usually have budgets in excess of $300,000 with most of that money paying for salaries in production, post production, etc. In this case,
We Are Vapers already has pretty much all the directing, production and post production talent and equipment needed and we are working on a volunteer basis. This modest fund raising is merely to cover things like transporting people and equipment to various filming locations, etc.
Tobacco Harm is a worldwide phenomenon and
Tobacco Harm Reduction is an extremely valid and worthwhile worldwide goal.
Okay well id like to donate but im not so sure since the goal is still so far away. How will my little donation help if the goal is not reached? Is someone going to step up and donate the remainder to make this happen? If so I will click the link and do the good deed. But it makes me nervous otherwise. Im sure other people would like to know this also. Thanks.
DC2 is correct, we ARE dedicated to this project and plan to proceed. As I wrote above, this modest (overstatement in that term) budget is truly an insubstantial amount for a project of this magnitude. EVERY dollar, and/or other contribution, helps the production team make the project happen and it can only benefit us all (including vapers, venders, smokers who do not yet know about
Tobacco Harm Reduction as well as help educate those who may be involved in future regulatory discussions). This is a huge effort/project and each and every dollar donated helps make it happen bigger, better and be more effective.
If it were not for the generosity and dedication of our Director and production team, volunteered time and resources, equipment donations, etc. (all of which are already substantial with so much more yet to come) that meager amount could not fund such a project. The Indiegogo campaign will close in a few days but
We Are Vapers will not. That campaign has a limited time span it can run and we certainly hope we will fulfill the meager campaign goal. So, please DO contribute whatever you can, encourage others to contribute, encourage your venders to contribute and get involved!! We have free downloadable website banners that can be clickable links to our main webpage and free downloadable flyers venders can print and include with their outgoing orders. There are donation levels for which individuals and venders can receive acknowledgement in the film's credits. More importantly, each donor (individuals and venders alike) will have the satisfaction and pride in knowing they participated in helping make this project become a reality. Personally, I consider being involved in this project a wonderful honor.
The filming will begin in earnest next weekend in Chicago. Updates will be posted and also discussed regularly on The
VapeTeam shows. And, DC2 is also correct, ALL proceeds and/or any un-used donation dollars are already pledged to CASAA:
CASAA - The Consumer Advocates for Smoke-free Alternatives Association
We openly invite and welcome everyone to come to
VapeTeam shows on Wednesday nights at 9:30 eastern
http://vapersplace.com/vp-live-vape-team/ and meet the people involved, receive updates on the project, get vaping news updates, see and hear about new products coming to vaping, and HAVE SOME FUN. Bring your friends who still smoke as there are often starter kit give-aways and support for new vapers too.
I encourage any/every-one to come to
VapeTeam shows on Wednesday nights and get a chance to see the people involved in the
We Are Vapers film project. You will find we are all 100% dedicated to vaping, accuracy in information, helping others, following and informing those involved the legislative process, researching to find more and more information, etc. all with the aim towards
Tobacco Harm Reduction.
To all those going to Vape Bash and Vape Fest in Chicago this weekend - we hope you will have a great time, meet new people, find new gear, learn more about vaping and hopefully come meet many of the
We Are Vapers Team in person.
.
