Thats me in the corner

[Jean claude Vaaldamme]

I think Im developing an inferiority complex.

When I was smoking I could go and sit somewhere and have a smoke, staring out in the distance, with no care in the world. I felt like the Marlboro man(ok maybe a fat Elvis version of the Marlboro man). I could imagine myself sitting there, staring over the prairies, watching over my herds. I imagined myself as a man's man. Rof en onbeskof.

Now I vape. When I go stand in the smoking corner somewhere, I feel like the odd one. If I do see another vaper, they normally have tattoos or pants hanging halfway down their legs. Long gone is the Marlboro man, I now stand with a little nerdy computer in my hand where instead of flicking open my zippo like a pro, I press the button 5 times and then set the watts.

I feel I need to hook a coat hanger through my ear, or let my kids draw pictures with a Bic pen on my neck or hands, just to fit in.
I have turned from the Marboro man into the Vaping bogan, ooh the humanity!!!

 

[Carnival]

Who else immediately thought of the song Losing My Religion by R.E.M when they read the title of this post?

 

[Grand Guru]

When I think that 3 years ago, I used to pull 2 to 3 Marlboro Ice Menthols in a row for my smoking breaks and now I can’t even stand the smell of the stinkies anymore. I spend most of my time trying to convert the smokers around me. I honestly don’t give a sh... what the people think about my vape! Only one thing is certain. In a couple of years they’ll be either lying in a cancer ward or sitting on home oxygen while I’ll still be filling my lounge with thick vapor clouds and I think you should feel the same way too @Jean claude Vaaldamme bud

 

[RichJB]

I never defined myself as a smoker, I don't define myself as a vaper either. It's a small detail of what I am, just like the sports I play or music I listen to or car I drive. When you start defining yourself as a golfer, or a BMW driver, or a vaper, or an Eminem fan, that's when problems start imo. Because any negative comment on any of those things starts diminishing who you are rather than something you own or do. So there is a tendency to take it too personally. The public can say what it likes about vaping, and other vapers can look or act how they choose. None of these things influences who I am.

 

[RainstormZA]

Hahahahahahahaha that was a brilliant read.

The Vaping Bogan is not my cup of tea, let's just leave it at that. I've never been one to follow the mainstream crowd and I've always stood out so it's nothing new.

Embrace being different and learn to love it. You'll be surprised to find how many want to be like you - true to yourself...

 

[Silver]

Hi @Jean claude Vaaldamme , loved your post

But i dont see it as trying to be like the Marlboro man with the zippo and all

I am with @RichJB here, i dont see myself as being stereotyped as a "vaper" or a cool cloud blower etc. or anything else. I just see myself as me. Who successfully quit smoking 5 years ago and feel much better for it. And having lots of fun with the hobby side of vaping, learning a lot every week from other enthusiasts and enjoying the journey.

But i tell you what, in the mornings when i look out the window sipping my lekker cup of coffee and take a toot of my awesome Blackbird tobacco juice - i never recall smoking tasting that good. It feels great! And doesnt stink the place out nor does it make me cough or short of breath.

 

[Adephi]

You need to remember that you are vaping for yourself, nobody else. The stigma that vaping is a hipster thing is rubbish.

Just look at the South African reviewers. @KZOR @Daniel and @Cor are plain guys that you can go and have a braai and beer with. Theres no piercings, tattoos or excessive facial hair. And even if they did have, it doesnt mean they are any different from you or me. Some of the coolest, nicest people I know are covered in tats.

 

[Puff the Magic Dragon]

None of these things influences who I am.

I couldn't agree more. I always say that if two people meet on a deserted beach (dressed only in a swimming costume) the only thing that matters is what they have between their ears.

The car you drove to the beach in means nothing, the school/university you went to means nothing, your cloud chucking mod means nothing.

I feel sorry for those who make a point of referring to their car/university/mod/suburb they live in etc. If things like this come up naturally in the conversation or add to it, then it is totally acceptable. But to raise the topic to validate yourself is IMO somewhat pathetic.

 

[Raindance]

Who else immediately thought of the song Losing My Religion by R.E.M when they read the title of this post?

No jokes, thats me in the spot light.

Regards

 

[SmokeyJoe]

Who else immediately thought of the song Losing My Religion by R.E.M when they read the title of this post?

I actually thought of Dirty Dancing.

No one puts Baby in a corner!