subject: Electronic Cigarette – Flight of Fancy or the Real Deal? [print this page] I read reports recently that some airlines now permit the usage (smoking or vaping) of electronic cigarettes during their flights, which depending on how accurate the reports are is either a major statement of intent by the airlines or a huge concession to its smoking passengers.
I have to admit that on recent flights to Greece with a fairly substantial airline, that I didn't see anyone light up' or vaping' on board. Perhaps this was not one of those airlines that permit their usage, perhaps none of the passengers were brave enough to remove their e cig from their hand luggage or perhaps I was on a plane full of non smokers! Another theory might be that nobody on the plane, apart from me had even heard of e cigarettes!
Considering that most distributors of the product would claim that vaping' the electronic cigarette can be significantly less expensive than smoking regular tobacco cigarettes and considering also the masses of publicity (especially across the internet) the device has received in the past couple of years, is it not surprising that there are still huge swathes, of the smoking community in particular, that seem unaware and oblivious to its presence and availability.
The controversy that the product has courted seems to have acted as both friend and foe for its manufacturers and distributors. Facing opposition at every turn, especially within the realms of how an e cigarette can or cannot be marketed, then there is little doubt that if more freedom had been allowed the explosion' would have been far greater.
Instead, word of mouth has been e cigs strongest ally, particularly amongst internet communities and forums, the ripples of support steadily gaining strength and momentum. Unless catastrophic restrictions are imposed, these ripples are likely to swell and eventually become a vast tidal wave of popularity.
Perhaps the greatest endorsement any product can receive in this MTV and movie generation is for high profile celebrities to be seen using the product in question. This has indeed been the case for the electronic cigarette, with actors such a Leonardo DiCaprio being spotted using an e cig. Perhaps the most high profile event of all took place just recently on the Late Show with David Letterman, when guest and actress Katherine Heigl began vaping away live on the show, with host, Letterman also trying out the device!
When the Governor of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger refused to block the sale and use of the electronic cigarette in the Hollywood state, citing freedom of choice, what better endorsement for the product do you need once you have the Terminator on side?
Electronic Cigarette Flight of Fancy or the Real Deal?
