CASAA petition August8th FDA Deeming regs

CASAA petition August8th FDA Deeming regs

 

CASAA’s May 2016 Newsletter is coming soon, but, we wanted to make sure our members had some important information and engagement opportunities at their fingertips while we work out the finishing touches.

 

Here’s what you need to know for Friday, May 20th, 2016:

 

A real petition that needs your participation:

Del. Larry Faircloth (R-WV) has proven himself as a valuable and effective advocate for vapor products in West Virginia. Now, in the wake of the FDA deeming regulations, he is taking his talent and legislative experience to lawmakers in D.C.

 

Please take action NOW by signing Del. Faircloth’s petition — which will be hand delivered to specific lawmakers — and support his effort to stand up to the FDA’s overreaching and disastrous regulations on vapor products.

 

Take Action – Sign the Petition

 

Survey – Centre for Substance Use Research

Last month, we alerted members to a survey produced by Dr. Christopher Russell, Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for Substance Use Research. The information gathered will help present to regulators, academics, and medical professionals a more accurate picture about how people are using vapor products and contribute to the conversation about how vaping can benefit public health. Dr. Russell is still collecting data and hopes to make this the largest survey of its kind — the more data the better!

 

Take Action – Complete the Survey

 

Change the predicate date for vapor products!

This week, CASAA updated our engagement in support of a change to the predicate date for products newly deemed to be tobacco by the FDA. We have made a slight adjustment to the letter we are asking members to send lawmakers to include support for both HR 2058 and the Cole-Bishop amendment. Please see our updated post here for more details. If you have not already taken action on this issue, please take a moment today to send a message to your lawmakers urging them to update the predicate date for vapor products.

 

Take Action – Send an Email

 

Update on the Deeming Regulations

Since the FDA deeming regulations were published for public inspection on May 5th, we’ve been reviewing multiple legislative and legal challenges to the rules. CASAA has joined with other groups in a coalition to explore all of these options as well as PR strategies. We are committed to combining our efforts to fight this battle on multiple fronts. This is an intensive process and, given the high stakes, we are thoroughly considering all viable pathways to challenging the FDA’s deeming regulations.

 

We are all aware of the desire for quick and decisive action in this matter. However, one hasty decision or poorly worded statement can create problems down the line. It is vital that any action is fully considered before being executed.  A well-crafted and focused effort has the best chance for success. It is time to act with purpose, not react emotionally.

 

Some Good News

On Wednesday, May 18th, Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI), chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, sent a letter to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Robert Califf raising concerns about the agency’s recent e-cigarette regulation, which could create undue burdens on small businesses and lead to negative unintended health consequences. We will continue to update you as this effort progresses. You can view the letter here.

 

If you are on Twitter, please also take a moment to retweet Sen. Johnson’s message to the FDA. Feel free to ask the @US_FDA and @FDAtobacco to respond in your own words — politely — and use the hashtag #AnswerRonJohnson

AbillionLivesFilm World Premiere a Huge Success!!!

AbillionLivesFilm World Premiere a Huge Success!!!

World Premiere Recap

What an amazing night. Wow.

Thank you to DocEdge for hosting us. Thank you to AlfaLiquid for the fantastic after-party & publicity help. Thank you to NZVapor.com for supporting the red carpet pre-party.

Wow.

Red Carpet Coverage

Reactions to the Movie
Ryan Jay (Syndicated Film Critic)
The Hits (#1 Top 40 Radio in NZ)

One angry lady emailed members of parliament to complain that we were up partying until 3AM and that a vapor liquid company (AlfaLiquid) sponsored a party.

Now that our film is done, we’ll celebrate with anyone…especially those using vapor technology to save their life. There is nothing wrong with celebrating our film bringing the truth to millions.

It’s time for “health leaders” to focus on the facts and stop diverting attention away from the truth.

Moving Forward
The world premiere went so well, we just got an invitation from the Melbourne Documentary Film Festival to host our Australian Premiere on July 10th. We’re thrilled! Contact MDFF for tickets.

Next stop on our premiere tour, we’ll be heading to Warsaw’s Palace of Culture on June 16th for our European Premiere before the Global Forum on Nicotine. We’re really honored to show the movie to leading scientists, policy makers, health leaders, and media. Contact GFN for tickets.

What about North America?

People have contacted us to support large-scale premieres in Los Angeles, Dallas, Milwaukee, Paris, Toronto, Washington DC, and St. Louis. A premiere event that will attract the attention of media and policy makers is very expensive, so we appreciate all the help. We don’t have the billions like Big Pharma.

We need to do this together…and we need to do it the right way.
Talk soon,
– Aaron Biebert & the team
 Like us on Facebook   Follow us on Twitter   View our videos on YouTube   View on Instagram

HR2058: Response From NV Rep. Joe Heck

HR2058: Response From NV Rep. Joe Heck

Not a bad response. Our last letter from Mr. Heck was not as helpful in it’s body text.

Where as this letter response to HR2058 is an improvement over our last communication.

We feel strongly, that the Republican party is fond of the Vaping Community.

As opposed to the obvious stanceby the democratic party to dismantle/destroy vaping .

This year our party agenda takes a backseat.

Regardless of our party, the party in favor, seemingly Republicans, will get VapeSling LLC support at the elections in November 2016.

KEEP GOING VapersArmy!!!

 

May 13, 2016

Dear Mr. Gonzalez,

 

Thank you for contacting me to share your concerns with new rules issued by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to regulate the e-cigarette industry. I share your concerns, which is why I cosponsored H.R. 2058, the FDA Deeming Authority Clarification Act, to prevent this rule from taking effect.

 

As you know, the FDA recently issued rules creating new regulatory authority over new tobacco products, including e-cigarettes. I share your concerns with these regulations and how they may affect electronic tobacco production. In recent years, electronic cigarettes have become increasingly popular alternatives to traditional tobacco products, especially for use related to smoking cessation.

 

I agree that we must strike a balance between improving market safety and maintaining access to a competitive and growing marketplace. That is why I cosponsored H.R. 2058, the FDA Deeming Authority Clarification Act. This bill will prevent the FDA’s new rules from impacting Nevadans’ access to e-cigarette products by amending the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to change the grandfather date for new tobacco products thereby exempting many e-cigarettes from this unnecessary regulation. H.R. 2058 will remove regulatory burdens and provide for a certain effective date with respect to deemed tobacco products. H.R. 2058 was referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. While I do not serve as a member of this committee, please be assured that I will support H.R. 2058 should it be considered by the full House of Representatives.

 

Again, I appreciate your thoughts and it is an honor to serve you in Congress. Your suggestions are always welcome, and if ever I may be of assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me.

          Sincerely,

DR. JOE HECK
Member of Congress

VapeSling at 2016 Vegas VPX in Las Vegas

English: Vector image of the Las Vegas sign. P...
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

VapeSling at 2016 Vegas VPX in Las Vegas

VapeSling

ECC2016
ECC2016

Join VapeSling LLC for a weekend of Vaping fun.

VapeSling LLC will be @ ECC/VPX booth #822. We can’t wait to meet all the IG #vapefam there. May 2oth – 22nd ?VSLLC @vpx ?Visit Vegas and come say hello while you’re there.

Craps
Craps (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

We will have the only free, lucky, Craps table in all of Vegas. Win a sling on snake eyes. See all our slings and try them on. Some Custom colored cradles will be available in all Sling types. We will have our apparel of Tees and Hats, plus the popular Juice Holders. Thank you to our loyal fam for visiting just to say hello. Every year we enjoy working a show to see our FAM and learn of any new updates for our Vaping Community. We hope you have a blast!!! This year should be as good if not better than last ECC/VPX. Great people, Great City, Great vape community!

 

ECC/VPX info

Event Description

Excitement for this event is off the charts! Do not miss this event that will draw attendance from all around the world including the HOT southern California market. VPX Las Vegas will also host round 2 of the ECC Vaping Academy, a heavily promoted private B2B event featuring seminars by industry experts and advocates followed by an industry mixer for networking. Also, consumer days will be filled with excitement as we draw in crowds of enthusiastic vapers and smokers that are beyond eager to meet you and try your products!

Friday, May 20, 2016 (B2B Only)

9:00 AM – 10:00 AM        B2B Breakfast Mixer

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM      “ECC Vaping Academy”

12:00 PM – 7:00 PM        B2B Session

Saturday, May 21, 2016 

11:00 AM – 2:00 PM        B2B Session

2:00 PM – 7:00 PM          B2C: OPEN TO PUBLIC

Sunday, May 22, 2016 (B2C Only)

12:00 PM – 5:00 PM         OPEN TO PUBLIC

WHENFriday, May 20, 2016 at 9:00 AM – Sunday, May 22, 2016 at 5:00 PM (PDT) – Add to CalendarWHERESands Expo and Convention Center – 201 Sands Ave., Las Vegas, NV 89169 – View Map

 

Watch A Billion Lives Film – LIVE!!!

Watch A Billion Lives Film – LIVE!!!

Thoughts before the World Premiere

Honestly, I’m nervous.
I know how much this movie means to you. I see all the tweets. I get all the messages.

It’s been a long year. We arrived in Peru one year ago. Now we’re in New Zealand for our world premiere. It’s been a roller coaster of emotions. So many people counting on this movie to tell their story, convince their mother, fight the corruption.

Now it’s time.

I hope you’ll love it.

If you’d like to join the festivities, Chantal TV presented by AlfaLiquid will be the official LIVE coverage of the entire evening.
Here are just some of the amazing people joining us tonight for the festivities:
Dr. Murray Laugesen – First to carry out in-depth research on safety of vapor technology in 2009.
Mark Weiss – Won lawsuit against FDA, saving vapor technology industry in the US. Founder of NJOY.
Dr. Attila Danko – Advocate for Australian smokers seeking to use vapor technology.
Arnaud Dumas de Rauly – Vapor Technology Association board member
 
Chantal TV – Social media livestream broadcaster from Paris who has over 250,000 subscribers.
Dr. Marewa Glover – Health advocate and internationall recognized authority on vapor technology.
Kurt Loeblich – Revolutionized the way manufacturers implemented airflow design for atomizers.
In total, we have seven people from the film at the premiere, as well as many policy-makers, members of the media, health advocates, film critics, and others.
It’s going to be a great evening.

Thanks to those helping make this possible:

AlfaLiquid – Presenting sponsor of the after-party, live broadcasts, and PR
DocEdge International Film Festival
NZVapor.com – Presenting sponsor of the red carpet
Hawke’s Bay Vapour & NVC – Sponsor of official event photography
End Smoking NZ & VAPE2SAVE – Support of the film festival

We are ready.

Thanks for all your support throughout the year. A new journey begins tonight.
Talk soon,
– Aaron Biebert & the team
 Like us on Facebook   Follow us on Twitter   View our videos on YouTube   View on Instagram
Copyright © 2016. All Rights Reserved.

FDA Vapor Deeming Regs – Contact the FDA

 FDA Vapor Deeming Regs – Contact the FDA
… and FDA operators are standing by to answer them.

 

CallFDA_DraftMeme.jpg

 

Today, Tuesday, May 10th, 2016, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is officially publishing its final tobacco deeming regulations in the federal register. This means the clock begins counting down on the various compliance periods within which e-cigarette manufacturers and retailers must implement certain practices.

 

CASAA has been receiving a high volume of calls and emails from consumers and small businesses regarding how the FDA Deeming regulations will affect them. Fortunately, the FDA has set up a hotline to answer your questions.

 

Please take a moment today

To reach out to FDA at:

1.877.287.1373

(Operators are standing by to assist you with your FDA Deeming clarification needs.)

 

Some of the questions that CASAA has received that might be more appropriately answered by FDA include:

 

  • Will I still be able to DIY at home or do I need to register as a tobacco manufacturer?

  • I have an e-liquid line coming out next week. Will I be able to sell it?

  • Will kanthal wire and cotton balls now be considered tobacco products?

  • Will I have to pay to sample e-liquid even it it’s zero nicotine?

  • Can I sell my device to a friend even if I’m not a shop owner?

  • Can I give my old equipment to a friend who wants to stop smoking?

  • Is my device a tobacco product even though I use it with zero nicotine?

  • If I buy vegetable glycerine from a vape store, is it a tobacco product? If yes, what about if I buy it at a Walmart?

  • And so on…

If you have ANY question, the responsible thing to do is ASK THE FDA! Even if you know an expert vaper, you should call the FDA to confirm their analysis of the deeming regulation.

 

People are going to die – ABillionLivesFilm Update

From our Vape Film Making Warriors – AbiilionlivesFilm

People are going to die

When I prepared my speech to the White House OMB and FDA, I thought they’d listen. When I presented it, they didn’t seem to care.

Today I know they didn’t.

I used to be naive about how government works. I still think most people are.

We’ve known for almost a year now that that this would happen, that the FDA would basically ban 99% of life-saving vapor products out there…leaving only those sold by Big Tobacco.

It’s time to wake up smokers. It’s time to wake up vapers. It’s time to wake up the public.We’re being lied to, and people are going to die.

How do we fight this?

It will be a combination of relationship building at the government level and public relations. You should join or start an association and give them money so they can fight.

However, we must also change the public’s perception of vaping. Right now they are cheering on the FDA.

Our film will help, but we need to make major noise.Here’s how you can help:

A) If you see an article about vaping, please mention our film.

B) If you get interviewed about vapor technology, please mention our movie.

If you help us get on the air, we will carry the message. We’re not smokers. We’re not vapers. We’re not in the vapor tech business.

Here’s a recent radio interview I did. With your help, there will be many more.

How are we launching this movie? 
That’s the question I get hundreds of times a day.

Here’s the plan so far:

1) A proper World Premiere at Oscar-qualifying DocEdge International Film Festival to gain media attention. 

This is going well. Alfaliquid just offered to sponsor the after-party to assist with costs and pump it up. NZVapor is sponsoring the red carpet festivities. Hawke’s Bay Vapour and NVC are sponsoring the event photography. I am extremely grateful and this support has allowed us to attract people (media, politicians, etc.) to the movie from many countries, including those who have banned vapor technology.
2) Show politicians, scientists, and doctors the truth at our European Premiere during GFN on June 16th.

Preparations are ongoing, but I’m very thankful for the help the Global Forum on Nicotine has provided. Not only did they help us land the Hon Lik interview last year, but they are also helping coordinate VIPs for the big event their hosting at the Palace of Culture in Warsaw.

Souvenir programs. Awards show. After-party.

It’s coming along nicely.

3) An epic North American Premiere in the US

We’re excited to bring the movie home. Many have asked us why we didn’t premiere in the US. The answer is money.

We didn’t have the money to throw a proper premiere by ourselves and we needed the help of a world-class film festival. DocEdge invited us and we were very excited to accept.

In order to keep momentum rolling and get the attention of the public/media/politicians, we need to keep the level of these events to the highest quality.

Few things capture the public’s attention like a red carpet and the festivities surrounding a movie premiere. We only get one chance to premiere a movie in each region, and we’re going to make the most of it.

We’ll set a date in the US once we’ve figured out a way to pay for it. Jesse is working on it.

4) A noise-making Canadian Premiere
Same as above for the US. Jesse does have one person who’s offered to help sponsor an after-party to cover our costs to throw a special premiere that will make noise.
We’ll let you know once that’s been figured out. Jesse is working on it.
5) Tour of North American regional premieres

We’re working on renting a bus and planning premiere events around North America. So far, we’re planning events at the IMAX below the Seattle Space Needle (thanks John Conner for the help), Los Angeles, New York City, Chicago, Washington DC, Milwaukee, Miami, Philadelphia, Tampa, Phoenix, Orlando, Salt Lake City, St. Louis, Calgary, Nashville, Santa Fe, and others.

Basically, we need two things to make it happen in your city:

1) someone to help guarantee tickets sold (we don’t have a huge marketing budget)

2) someone to sponsor the after-party to cover our costs (gas, banners, theater rentals, projection costs, food, etc.)
If you know anyone with either a large following or a large bank account, please have them contact [email protected].
6) Other film festivals

We are starting to get other film festivals contacting us now that the movie is done. If you have one in your area, please contact them.

It worked in Tampa and it worked for New Zealand. It took an organized group of people calling/emailing. It wasn’t easy.

7) Australian Premiere

We are getting closer to a plan for a proper Australian Premiere in July. We also have some discussions with distribution companies there.

We need New Zealand to go well first. Stay tuned.

8) German Premiere
Thanks to the work of Anja, Frank, Ira and a bunch of other really amazing Germans, we have interest in the movie from several theaters and distributors. Anja Jochem Skowronek is managing/translating the A Billion Lives German page and it’s up to almost 2000 people! It’s been mindblowing to see how organized and active they are in Germany.
If we keep at this, there will be a wide release throughout all of Germany, possibly Austria and Switzerland too. Our biggest hurdle now is preparing the movie for a German audience.
9) Norwegian Premiere

Lisbet Fjølstad has been helping/translating the A Billion Lives Norwegian page. We now have growing interest from movie distributors there.

10) French Premiere
We will have a premiere in France, a country that has been so wonderfully supportive. I’ve traveled there three times in the past year and their support has been amazing. Same as all the premieres, our goal will be to put together an event that will capture the attention of the media and public.
11) Swedish Premiere
We just launched an A Billion Lives Swedish page after Ubbe Strihagen offered to help translate. He’s also done a lot of work reaching out to movie distributors there as well. There are conversations happening and I’m confident that the Swedish people will get a chance to see A Billion Lives.

12) The United Kingdom

We’d really really really like to host a UK Premiere soon. Our friends in Scotland did their best to bring the movie to a film festival in Edinburgh, but we just found out the festival wasn’t interested in the topic.

Despite having several prominent UK thinkers in the movie, we are not seeing much other interest at this time from the UK. Hopefully that will change soon.

After we finish in theaters and have enough attention, we will release the film digitally, and then on DVD/BluRay in fall.

Closing Thoughts

I get about 100 requests a day for the movie. In different languages. In different cities.

Our message is needed.

Hopefully Hollywood will hear your voice, see the potential, and decide to back the film. Then it will be instantly everywhere.
Until then, we’re going to do this the best way we can. Step by step. Building an audience.

Building momentum.

Thanks for your help,

– Aaron Biebert & the team
 Like us on Facebook   Follow us on Twitter   View our videos on YouTube   View on Instagram
Copyright © 2016. All Rights Reserved.

The U.S. Army needs your Vape before Deployment

The U.S. Army needs your Vape before Deployment
VapeSling® is donating  Average Joe HP slings for the troops to not lose or break their vape while in IRAQ.
They are Army Regulation “Subdued Black” Stitched cradle, with Black and Camo cording. Army VapeSlingers!
SGTPaganDonation
SGTPaganDonation

SGTPagan

The U.S Army SGT (E-5) Contacted VSLLC via our website contact from. He wrote the following. When he provides the photos, we will post them.
POSTED 5/1/16

Comment: Hi, my name is SGT Adrian Pagan and I’m currently stationed at Ft Campbell, KY. My unit, 1/75 CAV, 1SBCT, 101 Airbone will be deploying to Iraq next month. I’m contacting you because I quit smoking and started to vape 13 November 2015 and it’s amazing what it has done for my physical fitness. I have 3 soldiers that would love to start to vape also but they’re very hesitant because stores around Ft Campbell are taking advantage of soldiers when it comes to Mod’s, tanks, RDA’s, coils, juice, etc… It will be extremely amazing if your company could sponsor our unit or my 3 soldiers with the hardware necessary to make the transition. It would mean the world to me if your company would be able to help us. Thank you very much.

SGT Pagan, Adrian
BTRP, 1/75 CAV, OPS NCO
101 AIRBONE, Ft CAMPBELL

POSTED 5/2/16
I requested a story and deployment date from the SGT. This is what he wrote:
SGT Adrian Pagan Comment: As you know in the Army…. I can’t give you a direct day on when we’ll be deploying. (OPSEC)…. But I can tell you that it’s going to be towards the end of this month. So no worries on me been overseas before the package gets here!!!!! So go ahead and send the package!!!!. I will be getting a picture of my entire Section to show you all the guys that will be benefiting from your sling products.
 
4636 A Kelly St,
Ft Campbell, KY, 42223 
 
SGT Pagan Adrian Story;
 
Well, On 13 November 2015, my daughter Cassie (14) told me that she wanted something from me for X-mas. She’s daddy’s girl so I said anything you want…? She said that she would hate for me not to be able to give her away on her wedding because I’ve been smoking for 14 yrs.  So her and I went to a shop here on Ft Campbell called Saturn and they explained to me how does vape works and how beneficial it’s compared to regular smoking. A Co-worker, SPC Inostrosa, happen to had an IPV2 and he let me borrow the mod with the tank that was there so I didn’t had to buy a new one. I replaced the coils and for  the pack of cigarettes that I was carrying, they exchanged my pack for a 30ml bottle of Cherry-Lemonade ICE 6mg. From then, I was hooked with my mod.
 
 
Hope you enjoyed my story and I’ll try to get some of my soldiers to also share their stories.
Thanks for everything and thank you for your support.
Posted 5/13/16
SGT Adrian Pagan Comments: Sorry for the delayed e-mail. Not sure if you’re tracking but we got a lot of classes that we have to go thru and its hard to get all of them together at one time and also, 1 soldiers from 3rd BDE was killed at Ft Polk LA during a live range training. So they have us here doing a bunch of safety classes. Hope you like the pics, a little blurry but we all love your product. Thanks for everything.
The Slinging Brethren
The Slinging Brethren
SGTPaganDonation
SGTPaganDonation
Posted 5/16/16
SGT Adrian Pagan Comments: 3 weeks before we go. They pushed it back a week due to the accident in FT Polk, LA. So still got some time to receive some donation. Do you have some on standby? Would love to help my last 3 soldiers with starter kits… Thank for everything.
Please contact SGT Pagan Adrian to thank him for his service
Please wish him and his unit the best of luck next Month:  Email: [email protected]
We know your donations will keep them healthy and stealthy.
Stealth Reason: Cigarette lighting or just the glow, will give any soldiers position away. Mainly from the smell or sight in the night.

https://vapesling.com/

https://www.instagram.com/vapesling/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjgyopjWAaB8U-pAcbZx41w

https://plus.google.com/u/0/

email: [email protected][email protected]

Who Are The Vapers Film? Help them make Vape Gold

Who Are The Vapers Film? Help them make Vape Gold

Note from VapeSling® / VapersArmy about “Who Are The Vapers Film”

Please, Help non-vapers understand us and our purpose with Vaping by spreading the word about this film.

Help as well, by clicking here to donate for this much needed NON-PROFIT “vaper awareness” film.

Thank you for your support. VSLLC Founder, J.G.

IMG_8071

WhoAreTheVapersFilm

Ethnographic†Short†Documentary†¶†Social†Research†Study

By Tony Ottomanelli II

IMG_6552film and movement

As of recent, there have been numerous small towns as well as larger urban areas all across the U.S.

banning the public use of vaporizing products. On every level, whether at the local, state or national stage,

we have witnessed attempts at enforcing potential regulatory measures for restricting the use of Vaping

products, as if the very act of vaping were identical to a plague. In fact, during a time in April of 2015, I wrote

my first advocacy piece/published article for VAPE Magazine about the Vaporfree

ordinance/Smoking ban

that had been passed by City Council members in the naturally beautiful city of Golden, CO. This has

happened to almost every single neighboring city surrounding Denver, such as: Lakewood, Littleton, Arvada,

Edgewater, Boulder and these suburban cities are only a mere glimpse; the places I just listed have proudly

posted steel signs all over the civilized developed areas warning pedestrians that vaping in public indoors or

outdoors is strictly prohibited.

Taking this into account, I have been strategically planning and creatively pavingtheway

for the production

of a short ethnographic documentary film (approx. 3045min)

using sociological research methodology; an

observational study using academic techniques that can help guide and shape a better understanding for

the general public of how vapers truly feel and who they actually are which

is a group of individuals who

are ordinary people with extraordinary backstories.

IMG_9167

Vaping is undoubtedly one of the most influential phenomenons amongst 21st Century technological devices

with the ability to reduce harmful circumstances in the lives of human beings (from my viewpoint). Vaping

products have greatly influenced the high probability of improving harm reduction approaches for

cigarettesmokers

who are actively seeking for ways to quit. Vapers could be the “poster children” for Public

Health Reform, shining a bright light on the positive effects from social progress.

As members of the Vaping Community, we have a responsibility to take action. A Sociological study

executed through an ethnographic research approach within the process of documentary filmmaking could

be the most beneficial tool for producing accurate results when conducting social research. In the case of an

emotionstimulating

and alternativeeducating

film it can effectively serve as a tool allowing the ordinary

American citizen to hear some very real and extremely compelling stories from actual individual vapers.

These backstories will be told during the social research methods I plan to apply those

consist of indepth

interviewing, immersion, and ethnography.

Essentially, this type of filmmaking approach is indeed a powerful source of communicating information.

Ethnographic Films have proven their powerful influence within some of the most effective and more

prominent sociological research projects.

As a matter of fact, the Social Sciences Research Center at

DePaul University has successfully created an outlet for such academic studies. Out of this, the existence of

The Journal of Video Ethnography is now a peerreviewed

academic journal which publishes the data and

findings from selected ethnographic studies conducted by only exemplary researchers utilizing filmmaking.

All in all, this provides students and educators alike to consult these published studies as references for

reliable information with credibility. I need the Vape community’s support for ensuring this study becomes a

published academic reference, which could further stabilize the validity of Vaping.

It can be easily deduced into the conclusion that when reality is communicated through actualization via the

process of filmviewing,

another’s opinion may have been rattled, shook, and forever changed. It is the

quality of information being communicated along with the visually stimulating effects from absorbing a film’s

content on screen that makes up how exactly our minds process what we’re seeing and hearing,

respectively, if the film is so real that it is causing us to make sense of everything we’re learning, then it is

clear to see how effective documentaries are on the human psyche. Furthermore, it is most likely the

emotional response felt after viewing a film that can shake people out of apathy and then fill that void with

empathy.

It is my theory and belief that once the majority of American citizens, along with the other populations around

the world, can gain empathy towards those who are referred to as Vapers, simply from watching a collection

of individually recorded interviews discussing how exceptionally lifechanging

the act of Vaping can be for

other human lives, it is at that time that we will begin to see more acceptance from society.

Most Vapers I meet throughout my research are, more often than not, former tobaccocigaretteabusers.

In

fact, I have yet to meet a vaper who was not a former cigarette smoker. Yet, switching to a Vaping lifestyle

has deeply influenced their positive transformations into an exsmoker

previously plagued by the health

complications brought on by inhaling combustible tobacco. Clearly, the health complications caused by

smoking tobacco products are debilitating to a person’s overall wellbeing

As soon as skeptics realize Vapers are normal everyday American citizens with emotionallycharged

backstories, then skeptics feel a connection, compelling them to consequently help with rerouting the social

dialogue on Vaping towards a much safer pathway through the unpredictably dangerous crashcourse

of

popular opinion.

IMG_6587

Since I have experience with the completion of graduatelevel

courses in screenwriting, filmmaking,

education, ethnography, research methods and Sociology, it is my intention to use all these areas of study

as tools for researching the Vaping community by utilizing filmmaking during an observational study.

The individuals who make up the Vaping Community are so passionate, personable, curious, sociable,

helpful, knowledgeable and have garnered such a strong sense of unity, in which all of these valuable

qualities can become highly contagious. As I transitioned from tobaccocigarette

smoking into Vaporized

nicotinedelivery,

I slowly but surely became extremely passionate, due in large part to the fact that so many

other vapers I frequently encounter and interact with are indeed full of passion and more than willing to

assist me if Im experiencing any fm type of Vaping issue

Thus, I believe the passion for Vaping is so contagious that we, as the Vaping community, can allow our

passion to expand across the land and spread amongst the people. Furthermore, the people we need to

convince about the beneficial nature surrounding the act of Vaping are all the nonVapers.

Not necessarily

antivapers,

yet it is surely viable to suggest that nonvapers

could easily become much more understanding

of this new cultural phenomenon if Vapers had a chance to reach them with information that is filtered

through actualization.

Ultimately, due to my educational background, I’m approaching this project from an academic angle using

ethnography as our strategy of inquiry. Overall, my Master’s Degree in Sociology has allowed me to

transform this film into a social research project. Since this will technically be considered a qualitative study,

the fieldwork I want to conduct consists of facetoface

InDepth

Interviews with Vapers (from all walks of

life) inquiring about how and why they choose to Vape. Not to mention, capturing the social interactions and

general expressions Vapers have while filming them in a natural social setting (like a Vaping lounge or shop)

will serve as further evidence to all the greatness and potential Vaping can generate.

The goal is to inform and educate the average American citizen, making factual information easier for the

general public to access and assess in order to help develop unbiased viewpoints and a more accurate

comprehension since they may not truly understand what vaping is and what it eventually can grow to be.

Considering this, whenever nonVapers

inquire to me what it is I write about or which magazines publish my

work, when I reply by informing them that I write for two of the most influential and groundbreaking Vaping

magazines, their response back to me is s full, blank stare then

immediately admitting they have no idea

what the word “Vaping” means, symbolizes or represents. Only through the efforts of advocating the Vape

logic we know to be truthful, can situations like the one I continually experience cease to exist. Basically, we

need people who are not affiliated with Vaping in any way to become familiar with Vaping in every way. This

is a Health issue all must be made aware of.

It is vital to remember that this will be a project presented as an observational study strategized by

ethnographic techniques in hopes of capturing a truthful account of how the Vaping community members

express themselves in social settings. Adding a cherry on top of this equation is by conducting interviews

with participants sharing the personal journey they took to quit the single most preventative cause of death,

choosing a heap of Vape as their leap of faith. When measuring the statistics in qualitative research via

filmmaking, it can easily be done by allowing the visual evidence to represent observational data, creating

the opportunity for interpreting comprehensive results of pure validity.

Essentially filmed footage will be produced by following ethical guidelines for researchers and standard

methodological techniques of the social sciences. The interviews with individual Vapers will take place

primarily inside independent Vape shops or isolated environments where it will be a more natural discussion

rather than a relentless Q&A session.

CONCLUSION

All in all, I genuinely hope to see you support this film and this project’s overall “cause” in any way you see

fit: either by telling others all about it; follow “@WhoAreTheVapersFilm” on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn,

or Twitter; track the film’s progress through GoFundMe.com; perhaps entertain the idea of sponsoring us;

share the story behind your own Vaping lifestyle on film; point any persons of interest in our direction; try to

donate whatever you can spare for the production costs; ask us any question that you’re curious about;

contact us anytime via phone, email, or social media.

Basically, anything you may be able to do for this project will increase the chances that we, the Vape

Movement, could influence at least one person’s viewpoint about Vaping in a positive way (which can lead to

more education & acceptance via word of mouth) and eventually help Vapers’ in the longhaul,

thus

guaranteeing progressive societal change all while blazing trails towards a more efficient and continual

advanced feature of enhancement for Public Health and ensuring that all citizens of the world have a chance

at living a better quality of life.

In closing, I hope you decide to truly believe in this project b/c it will be the first of its kind in regards to

conducting experimentation with Vapes through ethnographic socially scientific research, a study that will

have great promise to become a published report in academic journals for higher education. Not to mention,

the filmmaking aspect will prove to be the most effective research tool as I guarantee a steady response in

online traffic as well as any other forms of fueling high distribution numbers. The point is, when people come

together, form a collective consensus, and approach these opportunities as a team, then who knows what

the future holds? Anything is possible and at the most, It is very promising.

Thank you for reading my lengthy synopsis. Most theorized notions emphasized in qualitative research

studies become a challenge to convince those who may oppose the topic of interest, so it is crucial to apply

basic logic, critical reasoning and moral judgment throughout the process of legitimizing the theoretical

framework that is being tested. Even if all these qualities seem to take a long duration of time to formulate a

viable explanation. So, the details are extremely relevant because small things make big things happen.

Best Regards,

Tony Ottomanelli II

@WhoAreTheVapersFilm

[email protected]

(419) 3048240

www.whoarethevapers.com (indevelopment)

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OTHER

MISSION STATEMENT

To expose the emotionallycharged,

riveting backstories of individual former smokers now turned fulltime

Vapers in hope of

influencing public opinion, shining a brighter light on the act of Vaping as a harm reduction approach for improving Public

Health Reform. Simultaneously creating a sense of empathy among skeptics for the vaping community, thus stirring up a

surge of more overall social acceptance and uncontested approval due to the overwhelming support received by the general

public who will have their doubts undone.

TAGLINE OPTION : Sociology, Research, Filmmaking & Vaping are all interchangeable concepts of Education, Actualization,

Expression, & Artistry.

RESOURCES :

If you have any desire for looking into the first article I wrote on the outdoor Vaping ban in Golden, CO, check it out here at

VAPEMagazine’s site. CLICK LINK:

http://vapenewsmagazine.com/april2015/

thenotsogreatvapeescapesociologicallyreflectingontheantivapingmove

ment

Additionally, I will be posting all of the articles I’ve had published in VAPEmz & Vapouround Magazine that discuss

“WhoAreTheVapers?” as a short ethnographic documentary film project.

Yet, please feel free to examine www.vapouround.co.uk and find my articles about the “Sociology of Vaping” in the table of

contents. Both of these magazines are masters of their craft and the leading Vaperelated

publications in the entire industry.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & LinkedIn!

Visit our GoFundMe Campaign: www.gofundme.com/WhoAreTheVapers

https://www.gofundme.com/WhoAreTheVapers