I smoked for 15 years, since I was a punk kid in middle school. I’ve always enjoyed smoking, so quitting was never a viable long term option. I tried cold turkey every couple of years. Every once in a while I’d throw in the patch or gum to make it easier. But give it 6 months to a year and I’d be right back where I started. No ifs ands or buts I have a short temper and am impatient without cigarettes even after months had passed without them. My insomnia would kick into overdrive when just cutting down. I heard about e-cigs years ago and thought they were another scam targeting naive smokers. It wasn’t until I tried one on a patio where smoking had been banned that I gave them a shot. I was skeptical at first and then found not only did it kind of hit the spot, but I enjoyed it. I wasn’t even looking to quit at the time. But having a good time vaping away on that patio changed my mind. I did my research, weighed the pros vs cons, ordered my starter kit and had a great time. Public acceptance is very important. That’s 90% the reason why I gave them a shot in the first place. I never would have bothered with it if it were banned. There’s no ash, litter or fire hazard. The vapor disappears in seconds. I only started last week. The first night I cut down from two packs a day to half a pack. One week later I am down to zero packs a day. I might have a traditional cigarette as a treat every now and again. Pros-No second hand smoke has been noticed by anybody in my household. I know what chemicals I am putting into my body. I don’t have to worry about messy ashes, butts or fire. Last but not least I no longer hack up half a lung in the morning. CONS-They do feel a little dry and harsh in the morning. I get a little cotton mouthed and my taste buds are effected by the flavor I am vaping. A nutty flavor will ruin lemonaide. Lastly the later it gets the more I vape.