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Notification of ArbCom Case Request

A case request has been submitted to ArbCom that concerns a regular contributor to this article and may be found here — Preceding unsigned comment added by Levelledout (talk • contribs) 14:05, 12 April 2015‎ (UTC)

The case request that was submitted here was declined 8 votes to 3 by the Arbitration Committee. --RexxS (talk) 21:53, 20 April 2015 (UTC)

Lightbulb Moment

I've worked out what's wrong with this page. This page reads like "A history of scientific studies on e-cigarettes" for the most part. I've started editing various sections so that they summarise the findings of the various studies rather than reporting every single study. This lightbulb moment has given me a significant second wind and I share it in the hopes of giving that second wind to you guys as well.

In terms of my actual edits. Can someone less enthused with e-cigs than me check that the first paragraph accurately summarises the position. What I'm trying to say with it (and what I interpret the sources to say) is that "There are studies that show very little cessation success for e-cigarettes, esp with dual users. There are other studies coming out that suggest e-cigs may actually help quitting smoking. There's a tiny suggestion they might be better than NRT. The data is not even in the ballpark of conclusive yet so no strong claim can be made and high caution should be exercised" SPACKlick (talk) 16:19, 13 April 2015 (UTC)

"Nevertheless, these data suggest that e-cigarettes may deliver nicotine at levels that are sufficient to substitute, at least partially, for cigarettes." Your deleting a lot of text that is not redundant. QuackGuru (talk) 16:53, 13 April 2015 (UTC)
I disagree and await eagerly input from other editors. SPACKlick (talk) 19:03, 13 April 2015 (UTC)
I find some edits remove chaff and some remove wheat :) E.g. this edit removes relevant material sourced to Pisinger2014 and WHO that is not redundant. this edit removes relevant material sourced to WHOJuly2013 which I do not see elsewhere. Cloudjpk (talk) 22:11, 13 April 2015 (UTC)
those edits remove information that is in the linked daughter articles. I thought the removed portions were chaff as they didn't add significant information. "They cannot be considered completely harmless" was removed because there is already significant discussion of potential harm so there's no suggestion they are harmless. Same reason for water

vapour. On reconsidering the ENDS posing risk to adolescents and fetuses should probably be re-inserted although I'm not sure where. The WHO 2013 was removed as out of date as there is more discussion of studies performed since on smoking cessation effectiveness. and the WHO position changed about the recommendation from "strongly advised not to use" to "mokers should be encouraged to use approved methods for help with quitting......e-cigarettes may have a role helping people quit who have failed using other methods." SPACKlick (talk) 22:19, 13 April 2015 (UTC)

User:Cloudjpk, thanks for spotting that. I partially restored some text for balance. QuackGuru (talk) 22:22, 13 April 2015 (UTC)
Very well then. User:Cloudjpk said the edit removed information from WHOJuly2013. No specific reason was given in this thread to delete it. Therefore, I am restoring it. QuackGuru (talk) 06:36, 15 April 2015 (UTC)
Quack, ONUS is on providing reasons for inclusion and reasons were given for deletion. the WHO changed its recommendation in 2014 as we say in the article. Also 1 editor does not consensus make. Giving these discussions a week or so is not unreasonable. SPACKlick (talk) 07:45, 15 April 2015 (UTC)
Another editor also disagreed with you. The text is part of a WP:SUMMARY of the safety lede. The safety section is only two short paragraphs. It can be expanded. QuackGuru (talk) 07:51, 15 April 2015 (UTC)

Specific edits for consensus

Lede Image

I'm not tied to this one, I'm just not a fan of an image at the top of the page with a reasonably prominent logo in it. SPACKlick (talk) 18:03, 13 April 2015 (UTC)

I think the current image is fine. It is an image of an e-cigarette resembling a tobacco cigarette. I didn't notice a logo. QuackGuru (talk) 19:04, 13 April 2015 (UTC)
The white bit clearly says volt. I'd also suggest a 2nd gen e-cig will be more recognisable but as I said, I'll await other editor input I'm not over-fussed either way SPACKlick (talk) 19:09, 13 April 2015 (UTC)
I'd suggest File:Lava_size_02.jpg which shows various forms of e-cig.—S Marshall T/C 21:07, 13 April 2015 (UTC)
We are already using that image. See Electronic_cigarette#Device_generations. QuackGuru (talk) 05:55, 14 April 2015 (UTC)
Yes, Quack, I'm well aware of that. This section is about what image to use in the lede.—S Marshall T/C 09:02, 17 April 2015 (UTC)
I'm not a fan of Lava_size in the lede because it doesn't have either of the two most common styles of e-cig in it so people who see it who aren't overly familiar might not recognise that as an e-cig. Cig-a-likes and Ce5-eGo's(pen style) are the two most common styles as far as I can tell from what shops sell. I think we should have an image of one or both of those. SPACKlick (talk) 09:25, 17 April 2015 (UTC)
I added a second image to the lede of a later-generation device. Most users start with a first generation device that looks like a cigarette. QuackGuru (talk) 23:22, 17 April 2015 (UTC)

Youth trying to quit

Electronic cigarettes were not regularly associated with trying to quit tobacco among young people.<ref name=Car2014/> I believe this sentence is specifically about motivation for use among young people, moreso than about the effect on cessation so I moved it there. Opinions? SPACKlick (talk) 18:03, 13 April 2015 (UTC)

I think it is about usage not motivation or cessation. QuackGuru (talk) 19:04, 13 April 2015 (UTC)
The quote is that the MOTIVATION for YOUTH was not TRYING TO QUIT. Care to reconsider? Also, that still means it oughtn't be in cessation section.SPACKlick (talk) 19:10, 13 April 2015 (UTC)
The quote from the source is "E-cigarette use was not consistently associated with attempting to quit tobacco among young adults." I don't think that is about motivation. The title is "E-cigarette prevalence and correlates of use among adolescents versus adults: a review and comparison." That is clearly about the usage. QuackGuru (talk) 19:31, 13 April 2015 (UTC)
"attempting to quit" is a purpose, reason or motivation for usage. Not attempting to quit is about the motivations for usage. It's plain as day in english Quack. SPACKlick (talk) 19:33, 13 April 2015 (UTC)
This is not about a motivation for starting or quitting the use of e-cigs. This is about the prevalence of attempting to quit. QuackGuru (talk) 19:39, 13 April 2015 (UTC)
E-cigarette use was not consistently associated with attempting to quit tobacco among young adults. The young adults were not consistently using the e-cigarettes in order to attempt to quit tobacco. Their motivation for using e-cigarettes was not consistently trying to quit tobacco. Honestly Quack I don't understand how you don't see this. The sentence is clearly about why the young adults were using e-cigarettes and draws the negative conclusion that it was not consistently to attempt to quit tobacco.
  • If you rephrase it into better English you get something to the effect that most young people aren't using e-cigarettes to help them quit. That information belongs in the section about young people.—S Marshall T/C 21:19, 13 April 2015 (UTC)
"not consistently associated with" could well mean that there is no established pattern, i.e. some studies show an association, but others don't. One thing that's problematic about this particular citation is that it appears to be sourced purely from the abstract which is bad practice and not recommended. I'd be interested to see what the full text actually says and also whether this sentence applies globally. In any case I would agree that Cessation would be an appropriate place but that it could also fit into the Motivation for Use section. I don't think we have a Young People section do we?Levelledout (talk) 21:37, 13 April 2015 (UTC)
Yeah, we don't have a youth section, but I prefer motivation to cessation because the cessation section is about the effectiveness of e-cigs not about whether or not people us them for cessation (except in as far as motivation impacts efficacy)SPACKlick (talk) 21:40, 13 April 2015 (UTC)
It is now it the young people section under usage. QuackGuru (talk) 21:43, 13 April 2015 (UTC)
Now we got information about appeals for young people in the motivation section. Would editors prefer I or another editor rewrite the text in WP voice or do editors prefer the quote. QuackGuru (talk) 04:26, 14 April 2015 (UTC)

Duplicate sentence about feel

The users of e-cigarettes disagree whether it was a benefit or a drawback regarding the way they feel or taste similar to traditional cigarettes.<ref name=Pepper20> was deleted as a direct duplication of half of Some traditional cigarette users and e-cigarette users liked that e-cigarettes resembled traditional cigarettes, whereas others thought this was a drawback.<ref name=Pepper2013/> I don't think we need to say it twice in the same paragraphSPACKlick (talk) 18:03, 13 April 2015 (UTC)

"The users of e-cigarettes disagree whether it was a benefit or a drawback regarding the way they feel or taste similar to traditional cigarettes." The current wording was shortened from the previous version to avoid duplication. The part feel or taste is different than resemble. QuackGuru (talk) 19:04, 13 April 2015 (UTC)
They need to be combined into 1 sentence, they're almost exact duplicates from the same source. SPACKlick (talk) 19:11, 13 April 2015 (UTC)
If you combine them it would be SYN because one says "Some traditional cigarette users..." while the other says "The users of e-cigarettes disagree..." The sentence are making different points. QuackGuru (talk) 19:51, 13 April 2015 (UTC)
It wouldn't be Syn quack because it says some of both. Get over yourself man. The users of e-cigarettes disagree = some users feel one way and some another. Also it's hardly controversial that cigarette smokers disagree over whether the similarity to cigarettes is good or bad and e-cig users disagree. I'll be honest, the sentence says several people disagree over an opinion and should likely be removed as irrelevant but I'm taking baby steps with you here. SPACKlick (talk) 19:55, 13 April 2015 (UTC)
I agree, the article is currently bloated and these sentences add almost nothing to inform the reader.Levelledout (talk) 21:39, 13 April 2015 (UTC)
User:SPACKlick, do you have a proposal that would not be considered SYN or OR. QuackGuru (talk) 22:33, 13 April 2015 (UTC)
Removal of both as uninformative bloat is my first choice. However following that Some traditional cigarette users and e-cigarette users liked that e-cigarettes resembled traditional cigarettes, others thought this was a drawback.<ref name=Pepper2013/> would do. SPACKlick (talk) 22:43, 13 April 2015 (UTC)
Current wording: "Some traditional cigarette users and e-cigarette users liked that e-cigarettes resembled traditional cigarettes, whereas others thought this was a drawback." The only difference with that one sentence would be the removal of the word "whereas". The other sentence is clearly different when it is saying the benefit or a drawback is in regard to the way they feel or taste. Resembled traditional cigarettes is about appearance. QuackGuru (talk) 22:54, 13 April 2015 (UTC)

resemble is not exclusive to looks and therefore covers the information in both. You still haven't justified including these sentences by the way. Because frankly "A group of people are not unanimous in whether a property of a thing is good or bad" is pretty useless info. SPACKlick (talk) 22:57, 13 April 2015 (UTC)

These are relevant to the section for motivations of users. It is interesting information for short stubby section. The sentence about resemble/looks is different than that of feel and taste. QuackGuru (talk) 23:07, 13 April 2015 (UTC)

Partially substitute

The evidence suggests that e-cigarettes can at least partially supply nicotine at concentrations that are enough to substitute for traditional cigarettes. (emphasis added) These three words were removed because the source says

these data suggest that e-cigarettes may deliver nicotine at levels that are sufficient to substitute, at least partially, for cigarettes.

Which is talking about partial substition of cigarettes for e-cigarette use not nicotine for nicotine but it also says

current e-cigarette smokers are able to achieve systemic nicotine and/or cotinine concentrations similar to those produced from traditional cigarettes.

I believe the removal more accurately reflects the source especially as the retention of dual use is also within the paragraphSPACKlick (talk) 18:03, 13 April 2015 (UTC)

I slightly changed the wording to make it more clear. QuackGuru (talk) 19:04, 13 April 2015 (UTC)
I still think it now highlights the less important point made. We have many sources and several sentences saying that they're used to replace or only partially replace cigarettes. That fact doesn't need to be in the article again. This source makes the claim that the e-cigarette can replicate the blood cotinine of the cigarette. That fact should be in the article. That fact is relevant to an intro to cessation. SPACKlick (talk) 19:13, 13 April 2015 (UTC)
Could replicate the blood cotinine of the cigarette is making a different point that is in the safety article. QuackGuru (talk) 21:41, 13 April 2015 (UTC)
If we already state the first bit in the article then no need to duplicate it, just add the reference as another source where appropriate. And yes I do think it is informative to the reader to remark that e-cigarettes deliver nicotine at similar levels to tobacco cigarettes.Levelledout (talk) 21:44, 13 April 2015 (UTC)
E-cigarettes deliver nicotine at similar levels to tobacco cigarettes in the blood is not smoking cessation. QuackGuru (talk) 21:46, 13 April 2015 (UTC)

Except it is, the reason that fact is relevant to the audience is that NRT is used for smoking cessation and this shows it can be used as an NRT because it can substitute for cigarettes at delivering blood nicotine. SPACKlick (talk) 21:48, 13 April 2015 (UTC)

I've never used an e-cigarette, but I do have experience with NRT. I gave up smoking about four years ago using patches and gum. The thing with NRT is that there are three letters for a reason. I'm sure e-cigs can deliver the nicotine replacement, but they aren't a therapy ---- or at least, not here in the UK. A therapy is a treatment recommended by a medical professional and as far as I know, there aren't any medical professionals who recommend e-cigarettes to their patients. I think it's absolutely essential that we don't describe e-cigarettes as NRT in the article. They aren't therapies: they're devices for delivering a nicotine hit which could potentially, if they get past NIHCE's careful scrutiny, form part of a therapy in future.—S Marshall T/C 22:19, 13 April 2015 (UTC)
True and I should have said "for nicotine replacement showing potential for future use as an NRT" rather than just "as an NRT" although sidebar: I always thought the t stood for treatment. That said I wouldn't use either phrasing in the articleSPACKlick (talk) 22:22, 13 April 2015 (UTC)

Rahman 2015

This one I have the most strong feelings about A 2015 review found variable quality evidence that nicotine-containing e-cigarettes were associated with smoking cessation and reduction from a limited number of studies.<ref name=Rahman2015> The finding in Rahman not already discussed in the paragraph is

studies reported that the 12-month quit rate achieved using NRTs was approximately 10%, and would not exceed this level in the longer term. Our meta-analyses demonstrated a higher smoking cessation rate of 20% achieved with e-cigarettes

Hence I wrote a 2015 review found variable quality evidence that e-cigarette users had higher cessation rates than users of NRT. I also combined this sentence with the previous as they follow on about developing data on cessation. SPACKlick (talk) 18:03, 13 April 2015 (UTC)

The text was written according to the conclusions. I'm going to read the source again for comparing the difference with NRT. QuackGuru (talk) 19:04, 13 April 2015 (UTC)
The quote is right there from the conclusion. As I say, we have plenty of statements about e-cigarettes being used for cessation the fact in this review that's not replicated is the improved cessation over NRT. SPACKlick (talk) 19:15, 13 April 2015 (UTC)
The Conclusions begins with "This systematic review and meta-analyses assessed the findings of six studies which reported smoking cessation after using e-cigarettes. We found an association between nicotine-enriched e-cigarette use and smoking cessation, suggesting that the devices may be an effective alternative smoking cessation method." Where is the statement you are quoting? QuackGuru (talk) 20:02, 13 April 2015 (UTC)
My apologies it's in the discussions, not the conclusions. Which you'd know if you could use Ctrl-F. I don't see why I should have to do your digging for you as well as cleaning up your mess. SPACKlick (talk) 20:10, 13 April 2015 (UTC)
  • I've read this carefully and tried my best to understand what the objection is, but it just makes no sense to me at all. What's the problem with this proposal?—S Marshall T/C 21:27, 13 April 2015 (UTC)
The study reveals, among other things two conclusions. 1) e-cigs with nicotine may be an effective quitting method. 2) e-cigs are more effective for cessation than NRT's. I believe 2) is the more informative and relevant conclusion to put in especially as 1) is implied by it and stated elsewhere. SPACKlick (talk) 21:42, 13 April 2015 (UTC)
Yes, I get that part. I don't understand the objection to putting it in. Obviously it needs a dose of editorial judgment. Rahman is one isolated study and it shouldn't be given prominence over the scholarly views that say otherwise, but this conclusion is pertinent and should certainly appear in the article.—S Marshall T/C 21:52, 13 April 2015 (UTC)
I agree that 2) is indeed more informative and does indeed imply 1).Levelledout (talk) 21:48, 13 April 2015 (UTC)
I agree it doesn't need to be overstated however it's the most recent metaanalysis of more recent reviews and the numbers are pretty significant. I believe it is due a fair amount of weight over say the likes of Grana which is out of date and full of red flags. SPACKlick (talk) 21:56, 13 April 2015 (UTC)
I restored the NRTs. Grana 2014 is not outdated. Different sources say different things. QuackGuru (talk) 22:23, 13 April 2015 (UTC)
Current wording I restored: "A 2015 review found variable quality evidence that e-cigarette users had higher cessation rates than users of nicotine replacement products." QuackGuru (talk) 22:31, 13 April 2015 (UTC)

Grana was published before a significant number of tests had even been designed, before people realised that traditional autosmokers don't work with e-cigarettes. It concludes e-cigarette use in the real world is associated with significantly lower odds of quitting smoking cigarettes. which is clearly false now. I mean I have a laundry list of issues with that particular study, like it being based on 5 studies which don't study the rate of smoking cessation among smokers trying to quit with e-cigs and drawing conclusions about e-cig effectiveness for cessation. But thats all by the by. SPACKlick (talk) 22:41, 13 April 2015 (UTC)

According to who it is clearly false now? QuackGuru (talk) 22:54, 13 April 2015 (UTC)
note correction of quoted sentence, still had an old clipboard stored Pretty much every paper on cessation via e-cigs since and several before Grana came out. Pretty much every 2015 source in the article. General consensus among scientists studying e-cigarettes. SPACKlick (talk) 23:01, 13 April 2015 (UTC)
Sources that are just a year old are not dated because you think there is consensus among scientists that the one year old sources are wrong. QuackGuru (talk) 23:13, 13 April 2015 (UTC)
Actually, when scientific consensus is moving as quickly as it does with a new consumer product with a lot of interest sources can become outdated very quickly. When any paper draws conclusions which are now seen as not in line with current consensus it's appropriate to refer to them as dated or outdated. Grana is an example of that. Consensus is now against mosta lot of what is said in Grana. This is ignoring the fact that several people published responses calling it a hatchet job and tearing its methodology apart from the date of publication. SPACKlick (talk) 23:19, 13 April 2015 (UTC)
You have not shown the recent reviews are outdated or a minority view or even unreliable. QuackGuru (talk) 23:22, 13 April 2015 (UTC)

Yep, and I'm not going to try and convince you Quack, you're dogmtic with limited comprehension of english. I have better things to do with my time. I'll wait for competent editors to show up. SPACKlick (talk) 23:24, 13 April 2015 (UTC)

It is surprised you think the recent 2014 review is not reliable or is somehow wrong. It has not been withdrawn from pubmed. QuackGuru (talk) 23:27, 13 April 2015 (UTC)
It's quite simple Quack, I think it's outdated because many of its claims are contradicted by multiple studies with better methodologies published since. I think it's not reliable because the method was flawed and it reads like it was written with a preconceived conclusion. It's a bad paper. Now it's unreliability I wouldn't use to stop its inclusion on wikipedia, there isn't a general consensus among scientists that it's a bad paper (it's not Andrew Wakefield levels of bad) but the fact that more recent better sources disagree with it means any claim sourced to it needs thorough checking against a wider consensus prior to inclusion. Plenty of bad or outdated science stays on pubmed BMJ well beyond its time or even permanently, they have no incentive to remove things unless they are fraudulently bad. SPACKlick (talk) 23:37, 13 April 2015 (UTC)
According to WP:MEDRS and WP:MEDDATE the 2014 review is reliable. Your personal opinion of the review does not trump MEDRS. Sources often disagree. We don't pick and choose which source is "better". QuackGuru (talk) 23:58, 13 April 2015 (UTC)
And I quote it's unreliability I wouldn't use to stop its inclusion on wikipedia, there isn't a general consensus among scientists that it's a bad paper Did you miss that point? Now as to whether or not we pick and choose which point is better. WP:Weight, WP:redflag and WP:ONUS say we do. We decide how much weight the content deserves based on the consensus of sources. We need to check sources that make claims that go against consensus very carefully. We need to establish that the source and the contents warrant inclusion. That's how wiki works. SPACKlick (talk) 00:14, 14 April 2015 (UTC)

Removal of redundancies

Two 2014 reviews found no evidence that e-cigarettes are more effective than existing nicotine replacement treatments for smoking cessation. Previous paragraph mentions studies found no evidence although that phrasing could be strengthened. One of these reviews stated that to encourage e-cigarette use as a cessation aid in cigarette users is premature. This is not information about cessation, it's about legislative and medical-professional advice Studies have not shown that e-cigarettes are superior to regulated medications for smoking cessation. Ignoring the fact that this is no longer correct, it doesn't need repeating. SPACKlick (talk) 18:03, 13 April 2015 (UTC)

note: if I removed A 2014 review concluded that the adverse public health effects resulting from the widespread use of e-cigarettes could be significant, in part due to the possibility that they could undermine smoking cessation. This review therefore called for their use to be limited to smokers who are unwilling or unable to quit. I apologise, it was an accident. I had considered moving some more things around but had to leave the computer for a while. I don't have any strong feelings on these as yet.SPACKlick (talk) 18:03, 13 April 2015 (UTC)

I have to assume good faith it was an "accident". Previous paragraph are not comparing e-cigarettes to other products. Theretofore, it is not redundant. I deleted the premature sentence and I deleted another sentence from harm reduction that did not add much. I disagree with deleting the sentence because an editor may think the source is wrong or incorrect. QuackGuru (talk) 19:04, 13 April 2015 (UTC)
I'm not proposing deleting it because I believe it is incorrect although I can find dozens of sources since that one that show that there are studies comparing e-cigs to NRT and showing them similar or better several of which are already in the article. However the issue is that we ALREADY have sentences on e-cigs and NRT.SPACKlick (talk) 19:18, 13 April 2015 (UTC)
"Studies have not shown that e-cigarettes are superior to regulated medications for smoking cessation." What other statement repeats this? QuackGuru (talk) 19:52, 13 April 2015 (UTC)
A 2012 review found e-cigarettes could considerably reduce traditional cigarettes use and they likely could be used as a lower risk replacement for traditional cigarettes, but there is not enough data on the safety and efficacy to draw definite conclusions. for one. Besides which we also have, from a more recent review, Evidence that they are more effective. Hence why it would be better to use Rahman to compare e-cigs to NRT. SPACKlick (talk) 19:59, 13 April 2015 (UTC)
That statement is making a different conclusion and are contradicting each other somewhat. QuackGuru (talk) 20:02, 13 April 2015 (UTC)
  • This goes to the heart of the contentiousness around this article. I think we should present the best source for both sides of this one. Rahman: "E-cigarettes may have some potential as smoking cessation aids." This sentence should appear as an exact quote with in-text attribution. Drummond: " ...there are no data demonstrating the efficacy of electronic cigarettes as a tool to achieve cessation." This sentence should also appear as an exact quote with in-text attribution.—S Marshall T/C 21:42, 13 April 2015 (UTC)
It is better to try to avoid quotes. QuackGuru (talk) 22:26, 13 April 2015 (UTC)
Because...?—S Marshall T/C 22:41, 13 April 2015 (UTC)
Using quotes instead of paraphrasing the sources does not have an encyclopedic feel. QuackGuru (talk) 22:54, 13 April 2015 (UTC)
According to what or whom?Levelledout (talk) 23:17, 13 April 2015 (UTC)
According to how most articles on Misplaced Pages are written. QuackGuru (talk) 23:25, 13 April 2015 (UTC)
Misplaced Pages:Quotations#Recommended use of quotations: "In some instances, quotations are preferred to text. For example, when dealing with a controversial subject. As per the WP:ATTRIBUTEPOV policy, biased statements of opinion can only be presented with attribution. Quotations are the simplest form of attribution. Editors of controversial subject should quote the actual spoken or written words to refer to the most controversial ideas. Controversial ideas must never appear to be from Misplaced Pages."

It is good editorial judgment to make use of quotations in this case.—S Marshall T/C 23:40, 13 April 2015 (UTC)

There is in-text attribution. See "A 2014 review found e-cigarettes may have some potential for reducing smoking." That's how most of the sentences are written throughout the article without quotes. QuackGuru (talk) 23:46, 13 April 2015 (UTC)

That in itself is part of the problem. The article in places is 5 or six sentences in a row beginning "A 2014 review said..." "As of 2013 this group found..." so that needs to be reduced, quoting is a way to do that if used wisely. Direct contradictions in current findings is an appropriate situation for that. SPACKlick (talk) 23:49, 13 April 2015 (UTC)

You see it is possible to provide WP:PAG rationale and S Marshall's post is what it looks like. The fact that you have chosen to ignore that WP:PAG by asserting how "most of the sentences are written" QG, is irrelevant. WP:ATTRIBUTEPOV clearly states that we should use direct quotes for controversial ideas and subjects.Levelledout (talk) 23:54, 13 April 2015 (UTC)
When sources disagree such as in the lede we don't use quotes instead. Quoting decreases the quality of the article. A bunch of quotes is unnecessary when we are already using in-text attribution. I disagree with replacing summaries with quotes. QuackGuru (talk) 23:58, 13 April 2015 (UTC)
You're trying to vote to go against policy Quack. I'd be careful there. SPACKlick (talk) 00:10, 14 April 2015 (UTC)
(edit-conflict) Unfortunately your disagreements do not seem to be based on any WP:PAG, certainly once again you don't mention any, and WP:ATTRIBUTEPOV in fact instructs us to use direct quotes in this situation. I suggest that disagreements with this policy be raised at the WP:NPOV talk page and not here, we don't have the authority to over-rule it here.Levelledout (talk) 00:11, 14 April 2015 (UTC)
Are you suggesting the entire be replaced with quotes every time sources disagree? QuackGuru (talk) 07:17, 14 April 2015 (UTC)
No I am suggesting that you please stop being so obstructive, stop filibustering, stop trying to circumvent WP:NPOV and rejecting the guidance at WP:QUOTE and stop making objections that aren't based on WP:PAG.Levelledout (talk) 13:34, 14 April 2015 (UTC)
  • Okay, Quack, I need to correct a misapprehension here. In-text attribution is defined at WP:INTEXT. "A 2014 review found" is not in-text attribution, even if the reference is otherwise well-cited, because nothing in the text is attributed to anyone in particular. "According to Drummond and Upson (2014)" is in-text attribution. Therefore the article does not currently contain much in the way of in-text attribution.

    My proposal is not to introduce large numbers of quotes into the article. It is simply to deal with this extremely contentious point: Do e-cigarettes have a role in helping people to stop smoking? There are two opposing views. I propose to insert two specific quotes with in-text attribution, each giving a phrase from the conclusion of a recent scholarly study, with one phrase to support each view.—S Marshall T/C 14:04, 14 April 2015 (UTC)

We should not use large numbers of direct quotes. We should paraphrase. Doc James (talk · contribs · email) 16:37, 15 April 2015 (UTC)
We're not talking about using "large numbers of direct quotes". We're talking about doing it once and possibly occasionally at other times for the most controversial claims and counter-claims in the line with the guidance here. Regardless of that WP:ATTRIBUTEPOV demands that we detail both sides of the argument and use attribution to do so.Levelledout (talk) 18:17, 15 April 2015 (UTC)
Realised I've been staying out of this one for kind of WP:POINTy reasons. I agree with Quack that this isn't controversial enough to require quotes. A well balanced sentence (or two) could elaborate that some limited data shows it is possible that e-cigarettes could have significant benefit as a cessation aid while other data shows little to no benefit. under the header that most of this should go under of The overall picture is uncertain as there have been limited studies on this novel device particularly of the long term effects and efficacy. SPACKlick (talk) 20:51, 15 April 2015 (UTC)

In a nutshell

SPACKlick proposes various edits, and QuackGuru objects to every single one of them.—S Marshall T/C 19:42, 13 April 2015 (UTC)

I'll be fair to Quack, it wasn't all of them. Just most of them SPACKlick (talk) 19:44, 13 April 2015 (UTC)
Oh, I'm sorry. Were you able to make any edits without QG altering the wording?—S Marshall T/C 19:47, 13 April 2015 (UTC)
A couple of minor ones, however the edits are now proposed above, I'm sure most of them can acquire consensus and become part of the article. SPACKlick (talk) 19:48, 13 April 2015 (UTC)
Not everyone agrees with deleting the sentences. QuackGuru (talk) 22:28, 13 April 2015 (UTC)
A lot of people do, and you haven't justified the inclusion of any of them, But over time it will be trimmed. Hopefully some of the editors your wP:Tendentious editing has driven away will come back as well and then more eyes will see more things and the article will read much better. SPACKlick (talk) 22:30, 13 April 2015 (UTC)
The problem Quack is that as SPACKlick and S Marshall say you oppose and obstruct almost every single productive change that is attempted. You make proclamations and assertions but rarely WP:PAG based detailed explanations. You revert in the middle of discussions trying to work towards consensus. This drives many editors away and the article remains in its current state. Worst of all, no matter how many other editors tell you this, you won't listen and take on board what's said.Levelledout (talk) 22:42, 13 April 2015 (UTC)
Cloudjpk wrote "I find some edits remove chaff and some remove wheat :) E.g. this edit removes relevant material sourced to Pisinger2014 and WHO that is not redundant. this edit removes relevant material sourced to WHOJuly2013 which I do not see elsewhere." I must agree. QuackGuru (talk) 23:01, 13 April 2015 (UTC)
Yes those later edits removed some information which is properly included in the daughter articles to neten up the stubs. The information removed is in part duplicated, in part superceded and either way is in the daughter articles. And it has been partially restored with no reasonable justification. SPACKlick (talk) 23:03, 13 April 2015 (UTC)
The section does not need to be a stub according to WP:SUMMARY. QuackGuru (talk) 23:05, 13 April 2015 (UTC)

Stub/Summary Potato/Potahto. They were overlong, and contained excess non-applicable information. I trimmed them. Do you have any specific exceptions to the trimmed sentences beyond WP:OWN? SPACKlick (talk) 23:09, 13 April 2015 (UTC)

And that's exactly what I mean QG. You have completely ignored and likely disregarded what I said and quoted a single editor who made a single point about a single edit, which barely has any relevance to what I said.Levelledout (talk) 23:09, 13 April 2015 (UTC)
User:Cloudjpk disagreed with the edits to two different sections and gave reasonable explanations. QuackGuru (talk) 23:23, 13 April 2015 (UTC)
Actually, he made a comment on the removal and saw fit to discuss it rather than revert it because cloudjpk is an editor here to improve wikipedia. SPACKlick (talk) 23:28, 13 April 2015 (UTC)
You deleting it without discussion for a section that is already short. QuackGuru (talk) 23:30, 13 April 2015 (UTC)
I'm sure that comment relates to something Quack but it sure as hell isn't a reply to any of the comments above.

To circumvent smoke-free laws

Not sure about this change. How was it a correction? QuackGuru (talk) 22:39, 13 April 2015 (UTC)

Vaping isn't banned in areas covered by smoke free laws. No law is being circumvented. It is therefore false to imply people use e-cigarettes to dishonestly avoid being stopped smoking. SPACKlick (talk) 22:46, 13 April 2015 (UTC)
1. The source says "circumvent". 2. boy oh boy have we had this discussion Talk:Electronic_cigarette/Archive_20#Proposed_removal_of_POV_text The result: "circumvent" as accurate to the source and not implying dishonesty, just a way around. Cloudjpk (talk) 23:56, 13 April 2015 (UTC)
There are significant WP:NPOV issues here. Whether somebody is "circumventing" smoke-free laws or "obeying" them by using an e-cigarette where smoking is outlawed is entirely a matter of opinion. I have no objections to using the words that a source uses, but if we are going to do that then as of WP:ATTRIBUTEPOV it should be a direct quote of the source and not stated as fact in Misplaced Pages's voice.Levelledout (talk) 00:00, 14 April 2015 (UTC)
This is a non-controversial claim. They are even advertised to e-cig users as away to circumvent smoke-free laws. QuackGuru (talk) 00:05, 14 April 2015 (UTC)
Quack, Citation fucking needed. SPACKlick (talk) 00:07, 14 April 2015 (UTC)
But if QG says it's true then it must be. Seriously, "circumvent" is judgemental and/or has negative connotations to any reasonable person, therefore it should not be stated in Misplaced Pages's voice as fact. WP:NPOV is a core non-negotiable policy that we should not be trying to circumvent (!) in any way shape or form, so even to be on the safe side it can't do any harm not to quote something in Misplaced Pages's voice and to quote it directly. In this instance I think it's pretty clear cut that needs to happen.Levelledout (talk) 00:37, 14 April 2015 (UTC)
Citation provided for mundane claim. See my last edits. I have other sources that say a lot more. Would you like me to provide more citations to confirm it is a mundane claim? The word "circumvent" is clearly accurate. QuackGuru (talk) 01:09, 14 April 2015 (UTC)

Yes Quack, given that the content is clearly controversial, please provide several sources on the talk page before re-inserting. Await consensus before re-inserting. You know, follow SOP for wikipedia. SPACKlick (talk) 01:10, 14 April 2015 (UTC)

(edit conflict)Had missed that previous discussion. I do think there is a legitimate claim of impartial here. Since other sources use other words like Publich health england "replace cigarettes in places where smoking is prohibited", and I disagree that the previous discussion reached the consensus you claim and nor did the NPOV notice board. Both conversations were leaning to finding a more neutral term when they petered out. There were several calls for more neutral wording than either circumvent or comply. (i also agree that comply puts a wrong spin on it) I'm open to suggestions but I do think circumvent, even if not always implying negative connotations, does have a slightly negative slant to it. SPACKlick (talk) 00:07, 14 April 2015 (UTC)
Manufacturers are heavily marketing "use anywhere" in the face of smokefree laws and policies; a way to get around those policies. "Circumvent" is "get around" (just in fancy latinized form :) The previous discussion had many other terms proposed, but none gained consensus. Cloudjpk (talk) 01:21, 14 April 2015 (UTC)
I fully agree that "smoke anywhere" and "avoid smoking ban restrictions" are reasons why users use and that marketers sell on. That is uncontroversial. The only controversy with the original text was the language. Several users (at least 6) felt that circumvent was a POV term before. Add me and levelled and that's 8. Surely we can find a different word which doesn't even slightly suggest nefarious/deceptive connotations? I've made my suggestions in the article by using the longer phrasing.SPACKlick (talk) 01:26, 14 April 2015 (UTC)
The sources can't be POV. QuackGuru (talk) 01:28, 14 April 2015 (UTC)

sources can indeed be pov and biased in language. There are about 5 policies that apply. Wording in WP voice needs to be careful of POV. Since there are several ways of phrasing the content desired to be included and the term clearly carries some POV connotations the sensible thing to do is discuss a paraphrase. SPACKlick (talk) 01:31, 14 April 2015 (UTC)

So you think editors can override what the sources says? QuackGuru (talk) 01:32, 14 April 2015 (UTC)
So you think paraphrasing in neutral language is over-riding? Quack, have a discussion or move on. Misplaced Pages is not for you. SPACKlick (talk) 01:34, 14 April 2015 (UTC)
I am sorry, but from some of this discussion you could get the idea that the source said "use in smokefree places" and an editor changed that to "circumvent". Which would indeed be NPOV. But that's not what happened. Cloudjpk (talk) 02:05, 14 April 2015 (UTC)
@Cloud: You mistyped your signature there, I left it for you to sign. However nobody is claiming the source doesn't say circumvent. Some sources say circumvent, some sources use other wording "Smoke Anywhere" is the one I see most often. circumvent has several negative connotations for many readers.SPACKlick (talk) 01:57, 14 April 2015 (UTC)
It's a high quality source. I see no reason to exclude it here, or to prefer other sources Cloudjpk (talk) 02:05, 14 April 2015 (UTC)
As has been stated by multiple editors, because "circumvent" does not read NPOV and there are paraphrases, as used in other sources, which do not suffer from the same issue. Do you feel the current wording misleads or misrepresents the claim in the original source? SPACKlick (talk) 02:11, 14 April 2015 (UTC)
Yes. Cloudjpk (talk) 02:18, 14 April 2015 (UTC)

If you could elaborate on how so, I'd happily try to offer some more accurate wording. SPACKlick (talk) 02:25, 14 April 2015 (UTC)

I'm fine with the source's word. Given how long this discussion has gone on without finding a better term, I doubt we are about to stumble across one now. Please restore the word the source uses. If you want to have a discussion after that and can gain consensus on an accurate paraphrase, fine. Cloudjpk

I'm not happy to give up that easily given that it violates NPOV, half or more editors in all three discussions have thought so and only 4 editors have seen this discussion. I note you still haven't elaborated on how you feel the current wording falls short. SPACKlick (talk) 02:55, 14 April 2015 (UTC)

I see now. You deleted this because you thought it was violating NPOV. At least you could of rewritten it. It is notable because almost all websites make the claims. The word "circumvent" is often used. I can add more information about it. QuackGuru (talk) 03:05, 14 April 2015 (UTC)
No you don't see, you are again conflating two discussions. The text I changed was changed over NPOV concerns. The text I removed was removed because it was not relevant to the section it was added to, not discussed for consensus and I didn't believe it was relevant. Please discuss that in the section below about it. SPACKlick (talk) 03:09, 14 April 2015 (UTC)
Editors disagreed with you the last time we has this discussion and long after the discussion you change it.
You deleted "circumvent".
You deleted "circumvention".
See Misplaced Pages:Neutral_point_of_view/Noticeboard/Archive_49#Electronic_Cigarette_-_.22circumvent_smoke-free_laws.22. Now you mentioned you missed those discussions? QuackGuru (talk) 03:35, 14 April 2015 (UTC)
I did forget that discussion ever happened and I don't remember making my one post in it. Analysing those two discussion numbers were slightly for on the talk page, numbers were overwhelmingly for change on the NPOV page, the contents still presented NPOV concerns and I didn't delete the content, I paraphrased. I'm still awaiting any specific objections to the paraphrase. SPACKlick (talk) 03:41, 14 April 2015 (UTC)
The appeal is to use them to "circumvent" the smoke-free bans. QuackGuru (talk) 03:57, 14 April 2015 (UTC)
The appeal is to use them to enjoy the recreation (partly nicotine, partly behavioural) where it is prohibited with cigarettes. Circumvent is not an NPOV word for that. I still await specific objections to the paraphrase. SPACKlick (talk) 04:10, 14 April 2015 (UTC)
Citations are needed. Do you still want more citations? QuackGuru (talk) 04:43, 14 April 2015 (UTC)

Did I say citations? No I said I wanted a reason the paraphrase was not considered to accurately reflect the source given we have sources using various different phrasings what is the justification for using the one that causes NPOV concerns? SPACKlick (talk) 07:42, 14 April 2015 (UTC)

I don't think it is a controversial word. I was discussing a possible compromise on your talk page but you reformatted the section. They are heavily advertised to "circumvent" smoking bans. This is one of the main reasons people are using them. Last time around editors tried to delete it. See Talk:Electronic_cigarette/Archive_20#Proposed_removal_of_POV_text. QuackGuru (talk) 09:00, 14 April 2015 (UTC)
I didn't reformat after discussion started. I paraphrased before any of this discussion started and didn't edit those two parts of the article again after. You're also now changing the claim. The users are motivated by a desire to engage in the recreation where smoking is banned is different from the users are motivated by being told they can engage in the recreation in areas where smoking is banned by advertisers. You seem to be conflating these two claims. SPACKlick (talk) 09:06, 14 April 2015 (UTC)
You reformatted the discussion on your talk page. I think one of the sources conflates these claims. I'm not making this up. QuackGuru (talk) 09:12, 14 April 2015 (UTC)
Quack you've been conflating it the whole time. And you weren't discussing a compromise, you were obstinately refusing to discuss anything. The discussion of what advertisers say and what people's reasons are were separate for everyone but you. It really smacks of a POV need to include a word the majority of editors who've commented feel is NPOV or raises some NPOV concerns. And you still have yet to give a concrete objection to the paraphrase. To explain what it doesn't say that it should or what it says that it shouldn't.SPACKlick (talk) 09:18, 14 April 2015 (UTC)
I was discussing a possible compromise. QuackGuru (talk) 09:23, 14 April 2015 (UTC)
You made that comment in an ENTIRELY unrelated section of the talk page. However in response to your "Compromise" one use of controversial wording isn't a compromise when the only objection is to the wording. That's making an unrelated, 'so-called' concession. I still await any actual objections to the paraphrase that aren't WP:DONTLIKEIT. SPACKlick (talk) 09:29, 14 April 2015 (UTC)
Actually I'm still waiting any objections to the source's word that aren't WP:DONTLIKEIT. One challenge to getting consensus for a paraphrase is likely the fact that there's nothing wrong with the source's word. C.f. What word does the reference use? It uses circumvent. "and as a way to circumvent smoke-free laws" Doc James (talk · contribs · email) 06:13, 20 December 2014 I'm not saying it's impossible to find an acceptable paraphrase, that retains the meaning. I am saying it's difficult, and there's little reason to take up the task. That effort might be better spent improving the page. Cloudjpk (talk) 17:32, 14 April 2015 (UTC)

Well then read the discussion. The word has negative connotations that raise NPOV concerns implying deceipt or illicit behaviour. A half dozen or so editors have said so, a couple of dictionary sources have said so. Many sources if not most refer to the "Vape anywhere" "Vape where smoking is banned" rather than this terminology. There is certainly reason to be cautious of using the word. SPACKlick (talk) 18:06, 14 April 2015 (UTC)

I've read the discussion. And not just this time, but also the discussion from months ago. So much discussion :) I seriously can't believe we're still discussing it. This is not complicated: the NPOV issue would apply if an editor had introduced the term. But the term is from the source. Cloudjpk (talk) 18:39, 14 April 2015 (UTC)

That doesn't stop NPOV from applying. If a source with generally good data calls mormons a cult WP would not call them a cult in WP voice. Also WP is international, and this sort of meaning variation could be regional</speculation>. Also on reading the passage again, why is that picture there? It doesn't demonstrate anything relevant? SPACKlick (talk) 11:46, 17 April 2015 (UTC)

Agree with SPACKlick, I do not have an objection on principle to saying "such a such a source claims that e-cigarettes are used to circumvent smoke-free laws". My only problem with that though would be that not all sources use the term circumvent, so if you really want to describe in the article the disagreement over the language used between sources then we could do that. But a simpler way would be to simply use a neutral term. The picture is obviously there to add to the impression created by the passage, that people use e-cigarettes to evade or circumvent the law. It serves no useful purpose as far as I can see other than that and is therefore also a breach of NPOV. With respect to the caption for the picture it is unsourced and if legislators wished to add e-cigarettes to smoke-free laws then they could very easily do that and apparently have in some parts of the US. And at that point it becomes a bit like saying a common reason people use bicycles is to evade road tax.Levelledout (talk) 12:15, 17 April 2015 (UTC)

Mundane claim deleted

https://en.wikipedia.org/search/?title=Electronic_cigarette&curid=11996885&diff=656362456&oldid=656362329 Most websites make these claims. This is fact. QuackGuru (talk) 01:13, 14 April 2015 (UTC)

The use of the word circumvent is controversial, please seek consensus before including. It's almost like you're not competent to edit this page... huh. Just because a source has convince YOU doesn't mean it overrides the need to seek consensus.SPACKlick (talk) 01:16, 14 April 2015 (UTC)
No attempt was made to change the wording. You just deleted it. QuackGuru (talk) 01:18, 14 April 2015 (UTC)
Yes per BRD I removed your ridiculous addition. Because you added the claim and edit marked it as a response to the ongoing discussion above about circumvention and you added it where circumvention was previously (making a ridiculously long caption by the way) I can only presume it was pointy, tendentious or ownership. The addition of a marketing claim in that caption was inappropriate and the re-addition of a claim about circumvention was downright inappropriate in the context. you do not own this article. Would you like to suggest a location for the given claim, and a wording? SPACKlick (talk) 01:21, 14 April 2015 (UTC)
If you think there is a better place for it you should not of deleted it. QuackGuru (talk) 01:27, 14 April 2015 (UTC)
WP:BRD. You arrogantly inserted without discussion which you've been warned about several times, the correct response was to revert and send you to talk. If you keep making undiscussed insertions, you'll find it happens a lot more often. SPACKlick (talk) 01:28, 14 April 2015 (UTC)
You have not made a proposal yet. You just reverted without attempting to improve anything. QuackGuru (talk) 01:30, 14 April 2015 (UTC)
Do not include it is a proposal. I'm awaiting your justification for inclusion. The onus is on the addition SPACKlick (talk) 01:32, 14 April 2015 (UTC)
This is a frequent claim by most websites. QuackGuru (talk) 01:34, 14 April 2015 (UTC)

please provide a justification for inclusion. This would be some form of argument based on WP policy and the goals of wikipedia rather than just blanket statements. SPACKlick (talk) 01:35, 14 April 2015 (UTC)

The source made this conclusion. QuackGuru (talk) 01:48, 14 April 2015 (UTC)
2 things, 1) verifiability is necessary but not sufficient for inclusion. 2) The wording of an inclusion is up to the cnsensus of editors as long as it is verifiable and doesn't misrepresent the source. Please make an argument and proposal for inclusion. SPACKlick (talk) 01:53, 14 April 2015 (UTC)
This is the main conclusion from the source. I propose we restore it. QuackGuru (talk) 01:55, 14 April 2015 (UTC)
You have as yet provided no justification for inclusion, certainly no justification for inclusion in that caption or even that section. SPACKlick (talk) 01:58, 14 April 2015 (UTC)
See "Eighty-nine percent of websites claimed that e-cigarettes could be smoked anywhere, including smoke-free environments..." That is a high number which makes it interesting. The source discussed it in detail. The experts believe it is notable. See "Marketing that emphasizes using the product “anywhere,” especially where tobacco smoking is restricted, could lead smokers to add on e-cigarettes and potentially increase the amount of nicotine consumed." QuackGuru (talk) 03:13, 14 April 2015 (UTC)
Yeah, that's probably notable somewhere in the economics section. Second or third paragraph maybe? And we need wording that fits.SPACKlick (talk) 03:16, 14 April 2015 (UTC)
Just add anything and editors can improve it. I am not stuck on any wording. QuackGuru (talk) 03:20, 14 April 2015 (UTC)
Just say use in smoke-free areas? Nobody can disagree with that (can they...?) and it has none of the negative implications of circumvention or positive ones of compliance. Barnabypage (talk) 07:03, 14 April 2015 (UTC)

I changed the wording to "circumvent" the text from being deleted. Lol. QuackGuru (talk) 09:16, 15 April 2015 (UTC)

Contradictory content and lack of explanation?

The article currently states, "E-cigarette use has become increasingly common; up to 10% of American high school students reported having ever used them at least once as of 2012, and around 3.4% of American adults as of 2011." How exactly is 10% and 3.4% "common"? 10% and 3.4% are small minorities. Also, it says "increasingly". Increasingly compared to what? A Quest For Knowledge (talk) 07:59, 15 April 2015 (UTC)

OR removed. QuackGuru (talk) 09:48, 15 April 2015 (UTC)
This has been in the article for some time, and consists of weasel words followed by a breach of WP:NPOV. Basically it cherry-picks some of the highest usage figures available and tries to give a vague impression of as bigger increases as possible.
  • It says "E-cigarette use has increased" but it doesn't say when it started increasing, by definition you can't have an increase with an indefinite start date therefore it's meaningless weasel words. We should be saying "E-cigarette increased since 2010" or at the very least "E-cigarette use has increased in the past few years leading up to 2014" for example.
  • In true tabloid newspaper style it then cherry-picks the highest available figure for child use of e-cigarettes available from any source. This happens to be an ever-use figure that only applies to American high school students and is 10%. In the UK "Among non-smokers' children, 1% reported having tried e-cigarettes "once or twice", and there was no evidence of continued use" but we don't put that in the lead alongside the 10% figure because it's not convenient and would actually mean we might comply with WP:NPOV.Levelledout (talk) 14:26, 15 April 2015 (UTC)
I see that child ever-use is also 10% in the UK amongst the general population and apologise for not realising that. I still maintain ever-use is the least-most useful statistic and we should be quoting other statistics in order not to create a distorted impression, for instance "In 2014 child regular users was at 1.8%".
I don't think it's necessarily wrong to include ever use it is definitely weasely to tie increased Ever Use to increased prevalence of Use. SPACKlick (talk) 14:42, 15 April 2015 (UTC)
To clarify I don't think it wrong to include ever-use, but I think it's wrong to only include ever-use in the lead or any other statistic that creates a lies, damned lies and statistics distortion.Levelledout (talk) 14:54, 15 April 2015 (UTC)
The issue there levelled is that there's better data on ever use because more studies for a longer time have been asking that question or collecting all levels of use into one presented statistic. As long as it is clear when the figure is quoted that ever use includes everything from "tried my friends once to see what the fuss was about" to "Blow huge clouds 12 hours a day" then there's nothing wrong with including the one statistic. Like most of the information in the article the issue would be how it was presented, not that it was presented. SPACKlick (talk) 20:43, 15 April 2015 (UTC)

What's the point of e-cigarettes?

What's the point of e-cigarettes? I read the first few paragraphs and the article doesn't seem to explain this. Why would anyone want to use these? Is it supposed to be fun? Is it supposed to be a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes? Is it supposed to help people quit smoking? What about second-hand vapor (or whatever it's called)? It seems like this should be explained early on. Perhaps it's buried somewhere in the article, but it seems to me that the basics should be covered first. A Quest For Knowledge (talk) 08:06, 15 April 2015 (UTC)

The section on why people use them is in the section "Motivations for use". Many people use them to quit or reduce smoking. For some people it is a recreation in addition to or instead of smoking. It is seen as a cheaper, healthier alternative to smoking. I think maybe some of that motivations section should be summarised in the lede. SPACKlick (talk) 09:20, 15 April 2015 (UTC)
Done. QuackGuru (talk) 09:48, 15 April 2015 (UTC)
QuackGuru, you should not keep "doing" things prematurely before a consensus has formed. The insertion of "Most users' reasons for using e-cigarettes are related to quitting, yet a considerable proportion of their use is recreational" is insufficient and A Quest For Knowledge has a good point. They also touch on the general point that the article in general has very poor readability, does not explain the basic essential facts adequately, is too technical, uses language that is too technical and generally is nowhere near as informative as it should be considering the shear size of it. I think that we should explain clearly, probably in the second paragraph of the lead, in no nonsense language why people use e-cigarettes, we should explain more clearly whether they are a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes (i.e. they are likely safer alternative, but it's not been proven exactly how much safer they are). In the lead we could also replace the terms "smoking cessation aid" with "help people stop smoking" and "tobacco harm reduction" with "reduce harm from smoking" whilst still maintaining Wikilinks to these concepts. Either way it clearly needs to be stated in clearer more understandable language how and if these things help people stop and reduce harm from smoking. At the end of the day the lead probably needs a rewrite to make it more comprehensible.Levelledout (talk) 13:31, 15 April 2015 (UTC)
While in general I agree with the above post I would caution about OVERsimplification of language this is not Simple English Misplaced Pages. While Tobacco Harm Reduction is not a common term outside of the relevant topic area and may want to be explained when first introduced or replaced in general Smoking Cessation is a reasonably common term that can probably stay without a significant reduction in readability. SPACKlick (talk) 13:38, 15 April 2015 (UTC)
I would agree that if we first introduce the terms by saying something like "Help people to stop smoking as a smoking cessation tool" it would be a lot better.Levelledout (talk) 13:43, 15 April 2015 (UTC)

It is unclear that they help people to stop smoking thus we should not say that. Doc James (talk · contribs · email) 16:31, 15 April 2015 (UTC)

I wasn't suggesting we should claim that they are an effective cessation aid, I was simply suggesting the type of language we could use to introduce a concept. We could say "It is unclear whether or not they help people to stop smoking by acting as a smoking cessation aid".Levelledout (talk) 17:19, 15 April 2015 (UTC)

Motivations for use

@Doc James: last edit,with my two grammar tweaks resulted in the following sentence.

Most peoples' reasons for using e-cigarettes are related to quitting, with a considerable proportion using them recreationally.

I have a small concern that this implies that users using them to quit use them recreationally. The original sentence implied more that some use them to quit and others use them recreationally. I can't work out from the source which is a more accurate implication and would appreciate thoughts. SPACKlick (talk) 16:36, 15 April 2015 (UTC)

That is why I used "reason" not "reasons" Doc James (talk · contribs · email) 16:38, 15 April 2015 (UTC)
Aah, because it was "reason for using are" I made the noun agree with the verb. Reasons is definitely better because i don't think it's controversial to say there are multiple reasons certainly across multiple users and generally within single users. I know it's a bit wordier but inserting "of vapers" makes it clear what the considerable proportion is a proportion of. Most peoples' reasons for using e-cigarettes are related to quitting, with a considerable proportion of vapers using them recreationally. I'm not a huge fan of it but I like it more.SPACKlick (talk) 16:54, 15 April 2015 (UTC)
The source did not verify the claim it was multiple reasons. I fixed the wording. QuackGuru (talk) 19:20, 15 April 2015 (UTC)
From the source Dawkins et al also found that motivations for using e-cigarettes were mixed. whilst most use is quit-related, a substantial proportion is recreational Fixed sentence.
There are different reasons but for each specific reason it is a singular reason. QuackGuru (talk) 19:58, 15 April 2015 (UTC)
Yes so across several USERS plural there are multiple REASONS plural. As for the fact that each individual USER singular usually has multiple REASONS plural I'll see if I can find an RS for that trivial claim. SPACKlick (talk) 20:06, 15 April 2015 (UTC)
>This study has useful information in this sort of area (but it is primary). SPACKlick (talk) 20:10, 15 April 2015 (UTC)
The link does not work. What do you think is missing from the section? I have a lot of PDF files. I might be able to expand the section if I knew what was missing. QuackGuru (talk) 21:24, 15 April 2015 (UTC)
It is a primary source (PMID 25286168). Using primary sources is discouraged on Misplaced Pages. Thoughts? See Electronic_cigarette#Motivation_for_use. QuackGuru (talk) 21:56, 15 April 2015 (UTC)
I know, hence why I noted next to it (but it is primary) and didn't suggest including it in the article. It was a note for me (and other editors if they want to) to follow the citation trail to see if it led to anything worthwhile. SPACKlick (talk) 22:03, 15 April 2015 (UTC)

Note

In the future there will be a review of the source (PMID 25814920). QuackGuru (talk) 21:24, 15 April 2015 (UTC)

Where? When? Found that source a very interesting read. SPACKlick (talk) 21:30, 15 April 2015 (UTC)

Sanctions

Hi all - I'm an uninvolved admin intending to start patrolling this page. Please pay special attention to the terms of the probation, comment on the content and not the contributor, etc. Given the historic state of this page I am probably going to be kind of harsh. I will not be taking action on past postings (although I could) unless they are really out of line. Kevin Gorman (talk) 15:53, 16 April 2015 (UTC)

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