The New York Times' City Room recently decided to test yet unregulated e-cigarette. In New York City, the laws on smoking are fairly strict so this was the place to try things out.
As the smoke released by this fake cigarette is fairly realistic it got some fairly negative reactions on the subway.
It seemed that only smokers themselves accepted the cigarette warmly. The e-cigarette seemed to be a way to start up some conversation, with smokers asking questions like, "Are you trying to quit smoking?" Most smokers recognize the product right from the start.
Many are curious about the price of the product and whether it contains real nicotine. There are also questions about how the smoke is created, and what to do when you run out of nicotine.
It was found that the best place to use this product is in bars as it is not all that visible, only the imitation embers can be seen when the smoker inhales. The smoke has no smell and just evaporates into the air, so if the bartender is not paying attention probably will not notice what you are doing.
But it is interesting to see the negative reactions of the average passerby, there is quite a stigma associated with smoking and even if one uses a prop like the e-cigarette (which is environment friendly) they will still be ostracized.
[Via: NY Times Blogs]
