when can we expect to see some more action

[Surf Monkey]

The fact that they quoted two pharmaceutical reps (Kaiser and ALA) to offer a quote

That's where the core of my objection to the piece lies. Their on air interviews were with two biased sources and one "man on the street." It needed an authoritative source to speak on camera about the opposing viewpoint. However, you're correct that in comparison to a lot of the reporting we see, Ms. Tomlinson did a good job. The primary issue in the Oregon case is SE's specific health claims and the assertion by the AG that SE is targeting children in its marketing.

 

[LaceyUnderall]

That's where the core of my objection to the piece lies. Their on air interviews were with two biased sources and one "man on the street." It needed an authoritative source to speak on camera about the opposing viewpoint. However, you're correct that in comparison to a lot of the reporting we see, Ms. Tomlinson did a good job. The primary issue in the Oregon case is SE's specific health claims and the assertion by the AG that SE is targeting children in its marketing.

Your objection is completely warranted.

 

[LaceyUnderall]

Received this response from Matt re Oregon report: I called the reporter and left her a detailed message and my contact information........Matt

 

[dperino]

i'm new to the vaping world and love it, so i guess this makes me a vested in this issue as well. i have nothing but praise for anyone involved in this cause but don't see the eca as a pathway for the end user to be very involved in, except for the occasional donation--only if the ecf continues doing good works.

after visiting their website, and reading various posts here, i've concluded that, for right or wrong, ecf has chosen a specifically narrow method of advocacy. it isn't that they're necessarily wrong, after all it is how most things get done from the standpoint of politics.

but personally, their chosen method--while perhaps needing to be done--is an element of the system that i abhor, and as an end user would most likely not donate towards.

and i'm an end user, not a supplier. in reading some of the threads pertaining to the issue of membership it occurred to me that the present ecf bylaws weren't meant for the consumer and the ecf didn't see it's function as an advocate of end users. nothing wrong with that.

in another reading, a point was raised that there are far more end users than suppliers. this is a significant fact because volume does have its advantages and instead of donating the occasional "nickle and dime" stuff to the ecf it might best be served through the creation of an association for end users; an entity i see that would and could be far more fluid, and creative, than the ecf or like associations. thanks.

 

[dperino]

sorry, i don't know how eca became ecf, just a prolonged brain fart i suppose

 

[Surf Monkey]

It certainly does seem to me that a more aggressive and broad spectrum approach is called for at this point. States, the FDA and the federal government have declared war on e-cigarettes. Either the ECA responds in kind or the battle is already lost.

 

[LaceyUnderall]

A battle of that magnitude costs dollars and right now, suppliers and manufacturers are signing up at a more consistent rate so hopefully, we are on the right track for such a battle!

 

[Surf Monkey]

A battle of that magnitude costs dollars and right now, suppliers and manufacturers are signing up at a more consistent rate so hopefully, we are on the right track for such a battle!

Good to know. A membership drive for consumers might be a good idea too.

 

[nycsublimegirl]

consumer memberships are in the works...just a matter of building in the programing into the site and setting up the back end should see it available in a few weeks.

 

[KreeL]

Is there a list anywhere of current ECA members?

 

[dperino]

i'd like to just pick up on where i left off in this thread. if ever there were a time for consumer, end user or "associate" eca memberships, it probably should have happened some while back. having made that statement, i would think the eca board, or whatever determining body, would want to implement this type of membership really, really soon.

not only will the eca require far more capital in order to address what appears to be a witch hunt on the part of the government and the anti-smoking lobby but they are also going to need the eyes, ears and activities of the end user; and as those inclined respond to local news outlets and others so sloppily releasing propaganda and disinformation. in this light, a larger association of suppliers, retailers and consumers brings a new, and dare i say more powerful player to this issue.

informing ecf members that end-user memberships are in the works, while kinda nice, doesn't necessarily inspire. realizing the eca wasn't formed to directly respond to end-user needs and concerns (it is afterall an industry-related association), i would think efforts to include these newer memberships would be expedited in the face of what's taking place. there is no luxury of time but there is a need to perhaps generate a more concerted effort on the fly.

i'm assuming there to be various individuals regionally, and more importantly, in urban areas that would be willing to mobilize activities quickly and cohesively. there are very astute, educated and experienced people here, it seems to me, that would be willing to give freely of themselves under the guise of an identified association.

don't get me wrong, i'm not trying to put the eca on the defensive. i'm far more concerned about my vaping days perhaps being numbered in whatever manner. i can't be as blithe as others in saying that i'll vape no matter what as i don't have the knowledge or resources to do so. i think many are like me. so i have to ask, are end-user memberships slow in coming because of the way the eca's articles are written, or the federal classification for an association under irs guidelines? if so, let us know so that we can not only understand but also we may be of some assistance. thanks.