What The News! : Facebook Against Vaping?

  Catchy title, right? Since other news outlets like to catch your eye with outrageous claims, I thought I'd give it a try. Did it work? Are you reading this thinking that Facebook hates vapers?

  Sadly, there is no actual evidence to support that. However, the news has been filled lately with talk of banning any mention of "tobacco products including e-cigarettes" across Facebook and Instagram. I bet none of the journalists actually read the updated Community Standards.

  Facebook has long since disabled the ability for alcohol and tobacco advertising due to the inability to regulate minors access online. The new changes only seek to make it a little more difficult for teens to get their hands on things they shouldn't through the sites Facebook is responsible for.

  Buy, sell, trade pages and groups are the biggest target for the change it seems. Facebook did carefully word their update to include private profiles and the most recent update distinguishes between businesses and personal profiles not affiliated with a business, but we will get into that in the hard facts section.


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  After scouring the updated standards, there wasn't a single excerpt to be found stating that we can't talk about vapes or show pictures or even have a business page for vapes. It seems they are simply trying to get people off their backs about this so-called "teen vape epidemic".

  My opinion? What's the harm? With the ability to use vaping as an out from cigarette addiction being threatened and the possible prohibition of using these devices on the table, I have no problem with finding compromise after compromise if it makes people feel better.

  Decisions today seem to be one way or the other. No one is looking for compromise and no one appears interested. It is sad that people make assumptions without proper studies or knowledge. They think they are making their own choice about whether something is good or bad and never think about getting the facts.

Here's the thing though.... THEY CAN!
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The whole point of being a free people (speaking of America here) is that we can make our opinions based on whatever we want to. That just means that the opposing side is entitled as well.

Somewhere along the way we as a people (speaking of every human on Earth) have to learn that any situation can find a compromise. That is what Facebook is doing here! They are choosing to compromise between and be neutral in the whole "epidemic" that we are fighting over.
 People can still talk about vapes, businesses can still have pages, and groups of vapers can still discuss their favored devices and e-liquid.

On the flip side, parents can feel safer knowing that it has become a bit harder for their minor to be tempted into breaking the law. No matter how anyone feels about teen vaping or supposed marketing to minors, if a person under the legal age of use seeks out and obtains a device and liquid, they are breaking the law. Now if the person they received it from knew the other was under aged, then they would have broken a different law with different punishments. Those would be the two responsible parties in any teen vaping situation: the teen them self and the one who supplied them knowingly.

   Rant Over

           

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But opinions aside, the facts are that Facebook is not waging a war against vapes at this moment and they are attempting to find ways to make their platform a safe place for minors to be. This blog may hold opinions but no one can argue with facts.

Here are the hard facts about the changes to Facebook's community standards:

• Content related to the following is to be restricted to those younger than 18 years old. 
• Anything posted by or promoting a legitimate business or brand that sells tobacco products. 
• This includes prices, links, giveaways, trade etc..

• The following content in not allowed at all. 
• Anything posted by or between private profiles (meaning not businesses) attempting to sell, exchange, trade, or gift tobacco products,
• This section does NOT mention anything about asking for or talking about the same products.     

                 
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To conclude . . NO Facebook isn't banning anyone from mentioning vapes or vape related topics, YES Facebook is banning all private exchange of these products, and finally it is NOT something to run around freaking out over. Instead, support your local vape shops and online stores. 

                                 
Considering in the advertising rules Facebook clarified that tobacco products included vapes and e-cigs, their update to standards only said tobacco products. I planned on including a whole tangent  about how vapes shouldn't be grouped in with tobacco products but given that I already had a rant I will save that for another post.

If you question my hard facts, feel free to look into the updated standards and fact check me. Leave a comment if I got anything wrong. It is never a bad idea to question what you may find on the internet and seek out further information. Other media outlets may make a topic sound outrageous or attempt to incite certain feelings from the readers and that is why I decided to start this new Wednesday segment.

What The News! is designed to find vape news that is crazy or needs some further investigation and set the record straight. Once vaping isn't a heavy topic of discussion, maybe we will go on to other topics. I don't think today's media will disappoint on the amount of limited-fact claims and questionable titles.

As always, stay up to date on future posts and fun memes on the Facebook page! (Yes! This blog just talked about Facebook and is including a shameless plug to it's page) The Cloud Mermaid @ Facebook

How to avoid explosions: 101 (Regulated mods)

     In light of multiple news stories about vape related explosions, it is important to know that 100% of these incidents could have been avoided. Since there are different precautions to remember with the different styles of devices, stay tuned for safety posts regarding internal batteries and mechanical mods. This will be a beginner guide to external battery safety in regulated mods.

     A regulated mod (if you don't already know) is a device with built in precautions to make the entire experience easier and safer. They use a circuit board to regulate the electrical current and allow variable wattage (sub-ohm tanks usually offer the appropriate wattage range for the coil). Not only does this make it simpler to operate, but it also makes it easier to navigate the settings and pin point the best hit for the tank. Some mods even let you change the color of the digital menu, but they are always looking to improve and have the safest vapes imaginable.
 
    Some regulated mods use an internal battery. Other mods use between one and three batteries. The most common regulated mod design holds two 18650 batteries.

    While the device is made to optimize safety and prevent overheating, there are other things to be aware of when using external batteries of any kind. These batteries use the same popular rechargeable battery technology found in numerous things: cellphones, laptops, vehicles, medical devices, etc.. Lithium ion was created as a high energy density option as opposed to nickle-metal hydride or lead-acid that require more power to put out less energy. Science aside, here are some tips to make sure these high power batteries don't cause tragedy for you or those around you.




      *Beware of extreme temperatures!

         
               

Most vape batteries recommend keeping them in temperatures between 50 and 115 degrees Fahrenheit. If you live somewhere that exceeds these temperatures, certain precautions are essential. For example, use a small insulated lunchbox and never leave a mod or batteries left unattended. Hot temperatures can cause unnecessary strain, aging, or even venting which usually ends with fire. Cold temperatures can lower the overall capacity available. Avoiding these extreme temperatures help make sure you are getting the most out of your device and batteries.

      * Use battery cases!

A few explosion stories I have read occurred when batteries were stored in pockets or purses with loose change, keys, jewelry, etc.. The best way to make sure your batteries don't come into contact with other metals (or create a dangerous circuit) is to put them in a case.

                               *Don't over drain!

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Many cellphones recommend charging when the battery reaches 25%. This concept also applies to vape batteries. The more you let your batteries reach 0%, the less life your battery will have. It can also lessen the capacity your batteries posses as well.





     *Never intermingle!

When using a dual battery mod, make sure to get two of the same battery. A common practice among vapers is to have a few sets of batteries to ensure that you always have a charged set. It is important not to mix even if they are the same type of battery. Different manufactures can tweak aspects of the battery the average consumer isn't aware of. Using two different 18650s (or any type of battery) can cause imbalance. You are essentially making sure that your batteries aren't performing at different life stages.

     *Keep the wraps intact!

This may be the one of the most important aspects of battery safety. A battery that is improperly wrapped or has dings and scratches can cause venting when put to work. Regulated mods typically have protective lining to ensure metal won't touch metal in the battery compartment, but it is a risk you do NOT want to take. The pictures included above show an instance of damaged wrapping causing a frustration headache for the vaper. ALWAYS INSPECT YOUR WRAPPING!


                                      
*Replace and recycle!
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    Just like any other rechargeable battery, vape batteries do have a life span. They are never expected to function properly forever. The average life span is 6 to 12 months depending of usage and care. Once you begin to notice your batteries going dead faster and maybe even not performing as well as when you first got them.... it's time so say goodbye and get a new pair. Just do the environment a favor (and your garbage guy because old batteries can still vent and cause a dumpster fire) RECYCLE! Many vape shops offer safe disposal, but if you are unsure of where to take them a quick Google search can help.


     *Use a dedicated charger!

You may notice that regulated mods have a micro USB port and include a chord (some newer models are even using type-C). That isn't for charging your batteries. Whether it's on the go or at home, charging your batteries in your mod isn't safe practice. Instead, invest in a charger. They are available in 2-8 bay designs and range from simple light indicators to full screen diagnostics.


*Beware of counterfeits!        
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You might grab the off-brand cereal and see that it tastes the same as the main brand, but this isn't a safe practice with batteries. It can be tempting to check discount sites when your wallet is suffering, but you want to make sure that you are using well-tested and reliable batteries if you are putting them that close to your face. Hohm Tech, Blackcell, and Samsung are generally used and widely approved by the vape community.



As long as you keep these guidelines in mind, you can avoid a fiery problem. Really though, please make sure you are taking these precautions so you don't become another headline. It all boils down to simple common sense. You wouldn't play chicken with a lightning bolt, so don't mistreat your batteries. In future posts, we will go over battery safety in internal battery mods as well as mechanical mods for the more advanced vaper.

 Don't forget to check out my Facebook page for more vape news and funny pictures!
The Cloud Mermaid