I Vape Everywhere

[ozrick]

So after getting my first e-cig and buying quite a few others, I'm proud to vape in public. I even vape at my clients (I own an IT consulting firm). I normally start the process asking if someone has seen the device. When they ask what it is, I vape up and show them. Once they understand what it is the questions start flowing and it becomes pretty accepted.

I vape in every bar I've been at and several restaurants. They key is educating people about e-cigs. As with any other unknown:

Ignorance breeds fear

Fear breeds hate

Education helps break down those walls and put the power into the hands of the people who once feared it. They can now walk around informed and talk to their friends about it as well.

I've spent hours and hours speaking to people about e-cigs, trying to make sure they understand why I use them and what their benefits are. I do not tout it as a healthier alternative, but an alternative.

Educate the people around you. If you find yourself in a sticky spot, say it's used to help you quit smoking. Otherwise be as honest as possible!

 

[ed_bollix]

and hate is the path to the dark side.
-Yoda-

 

[chainy]

I've been vaping for 6 days now and I don't have too much of a problem vaping in public. I vaped at my school library with several students around me and none of them said a word. I was however asked to stop at Olive Garden last weekend. I tried to explain it to the waiter but he just said he'd have to ask his manager. He never got back to me. I was vaping in the grocery store the other day, holding it like a pen with my hand over the LED and nobody said a word. I really don't think most people notice.

 

[prezli]

I vaped at the hospital. In a hospital bed. The nurse came in, I showed her what it was and they did not bother me again about it.

 

[Jim Davis]

I vape in public too, but I'm a firm believer in asking permission when in someone else's environment. I've never been refused, and it creates a lot of interest. On my return visits, I'm welcomed, and have no problems. I look ar it as good public relations.

 

[Avid]

I went to a casino with my PV last week, the "non smoking" floor where the bar was to meet my brother. I asked the bartender if it was OK - he had no problem with it and neither did his manager, BUT, the casino manager did She had never seen one before.

Rather than push the "not subject to smoking ban" issue (which I did politely get around to mentioning at one point), I showed her how it worked, what it did, let her see for herself that she couldn't smell it when I exhaled, took it apart, etc etc. She doesn't smoke but was *very* interested in it.

After speaking with her about 15 minutes or so, she still "preferred" that I didn't use it in the non-smoking area (because it would freak out the non-smokers) and I told her that I would respect that, but also told her that the casino will start to see more and more people with these. She said she would look it up online and also get together with the 'powers that be' once she had more information because they would need to make a policy on it.

Hopefully next time I go, it won't be an issue. But in the area where I live, there are no "big cities" close by and I have not seen even one person with a PV around here yet. Before I got mine, I had never seen one, either! Luckily I found this site because I found all the info I needed here... I had no one around that I could ask!

*sigh* I've got a lot of educational work ahead of me... Just hope I'm the right person for the job.

 

[Caesarea]

it would freak out the non-smokers

That is the major problem with this. They have got sooooo used to being dominant.

 

[Jim Davis]

I went to a casino with my PV last week, the "non smoking" floor where the bar was to meet my brother. I asked the bartender if it was OK - he had no problem with it and neither did his manager, BUT, the casino manager did She had never seen one before.

I think you lost the battle, but will win the war. That casino manager is probably researching e-cigs as we speak. I truly believe she'll have no problem with you when you return.

 

[Jim Davis]

it would freak out the non-smokers

That is the major problem with this. They have got sooooo used to being dominant.

Non-smokers usually are not the major problem, if you show a little respect, and meet them 1/2 way.

It's the X-SMOKERS that are total SOB's.

 

[rejoice]

I would not vap in a nonsmoking place. This causes confusion. Any place smoking is not allowed,I would not vap. I would get my stonewall java tablets out.

 

[Avid]

I think you lost the battle, but will win the war. That casino manager is probably researching e-cigs as we speak. I truly believe she'll have no problem with you when you return.

Thanks, I'm hopeful

I had a feeling it had not been seen there yet (and was right) and I didn't want their first introduction to vaping to be a negative one. That closes people's minds to the idea, I think, regardless or whether or not you have the 'right to vape', they're already going to view it as a bad thing that shouldn't be allowed. I felt it better to be polite than pushy - they would have pushed back, closed their minds and that's exactly what vapers do NOT want.

...but if I go back and they still insist I can't, I may have to push a bit. Their opinion does, at some point, need to change about this. While I'd like their approval, I will settle for their acceptance. I still feel though that a respectful approach is the best way.

 

[falstorm]

Holy Moly someone close to me. Hehe I live in Millbury, MA and I hear ya on the "no one I have seen uses one but me" deal. Happens to me all the time and I usually get weird stares from people when I'm even in my car doing it.

 

[Sar]

... they're already going to view it as a bad thing that shouldn't be allowed.

I am afraid that will probably happen. I can imagine that the casino manager will go online and learn that the liquid you are using is... HORROR!!!... NICOTINE!!! Imagine that! Of course, you will not be able to vape because other people would be breathing second-hand nicotine vapor.

 

[Avid]

Holy Moly someone close to me. Hehe I live in Millbury, MA and I hear ya on the "no one I have seen uses one but me" deal. Happens to me all the time and I usually get weird stares from people when I'm even in my car doing it.

We've really got to educate this state