All About and the EC Consumers Association

[CAM-VIP]

Hello Chrissie and Everyone,

Would the consumers who are also All About forum members like to be represented on the developing Consumers Association called ECCA?

If anyone has a desire to represent All About forum members, could they please post below

Cheers!

Rusty

[Chrissie]

Hi Rusty,

I would like to be involved but I'm not too well at the moment.

Should just add that I can't go along the route of vapers saying they are still smokers - I think that will just end up biting us in the bum & the FDA & MHRA turning the tables on us.

[CAM-VIP]

I hope you can get involved Chrissie.

The 'smokers' thread was intended to create a bit of controversy and get people interested in setting up the Consumers Association. Letting others do it for us will not give US what WE want. We (as in ALL interested parties) need to shape the CA.

Rusty

[Perpetua]

I wouldn't mind deputising for Chris Rusty . . . as I think it's important for Allabout's view to be part of the ECCA process . . . although similarly I couldn't go along with vapers still being classed as smokers.

May I ask, how much 'clout' do you actually think this CA will realistically wield . . . I'm a bit cynical, although not a defeatist after some years spent in the local government system.

[CAM-VIP]

Thanks perpetua

I'm not sure if the CA will have any real 'clout' as often clout comes with money. I personally do think that it is a good idea to have an 'umbrella' organisation where all interested consumers have a voice.

I think it is important for the consumers of all the large forums to be represented right at the start of the process. If this is the case, the representative of the forum can 'bring to the table' the issues that are important to their members.

For example, I want to represent CAM-VIP. My soul purpose of being active on a lot of fora is to try and get people back into pubs - especially those that were so cruelly 'outed' by the smoking ban. That is all I will pester the CA to help promote.

All about, is possibly more concerned with making sure that good, reliable information is available for 'newbies'. Maybe ECF or UKV are more concerned with 'politics', ECR with quality of products etc. etc.

Nobody knows where the CA is headed, because NOTHING has been decided yet. I hope that it will attract a cross-section of people with differing ideas of what a CA is all about

Rusty

[Perpetua]

Thanks for that straight answer Rusty . . . I'd certainly be interested in standing in Chris's stead if she is not feeling too good at times. . . . will there be a 'Chair' as such of the CA?

[CAM-VIP]

The first skype meeting last tuesday was chaired by Rolygate. The next one at 9.30pm on tuesday will be chaired by Jimbo (from ECR mainly, I think). Nothing more than that has been decided so far except the rather convoluted name!

Unfortunately I am on hols on tuesday and I am internet-free, so I will not be involved in the decision making process this coming week. I hope someone from each of the fora will be able to shape the CA.

Rusty

[Perpetua]

Ah, thanks for that Rusty . . . I fear the Skype element will exclude me . . . I don't have it . . . would this be what is required, is it a free service?

www.skype.com/intl/en-us/get-skype/

[CAM-VIP]

Skype is a free service,,,the conference hosting isn't BUT Hifi/DaveK at VTTV are using their accounts. All you need is headphones/microphone headset type thingy.

I haven't got one of those yet, so I am excluded from skype at the moment as well.

If you haven't got the headset thingy, you can take part via the skype chatroom and any points you wish to make will be seen.

I hope this helps.

Rusty

[Perpetua]

Thanks for your help Rusty, I don't have any of those doodahs either . . . but I'll downoad Skpe and see if I can figure it out.

Maybe someone else more technically clued up than me would be a better option . . . it's quiet in here today with the lovely weather, but tonight/tomorrow may see a few more members about.

[hifistud]

Skype only requires that you have the means of being heard and hearing - most laptops these days have both a mic and speakers, or you can even use your iPhone (and others) via either wifi or 3G. So, if you have speakers, and no mic, all you'll need is a mic. If you have neither, that's when there's a fair bit to do, or, alternatively, a headset with mic...

[Perpetua]

I'm afraid you're talking to a technical dinosaur here Dave . . . I've not got a IPhone . . . although my mobile has a internet connection, which I've never used . . . weeny screen, hopeless for me.

My laptop has a built in web cam, also never used :-[, so I'm not sure whether that means I have the gubbins to do this Skype thing already?

[hifistud]

If the lappy has a webcam, it is very likely also to have a mic and speakers - I'd say you're good to go...
Skype 5.x is what you'll need.

[Perpetua]

Sorry for delay in reply Dave, been working today . . . . I downloaded the Skype from the link I posted above . . . is that the right one?

One other question *whispers* will you be able to see me . . . as I normally resemble a bag of nails when at the computer. :-[

If you felt strong enough, I could PM you my Skype ID for a test run.

Edit to say . . . I've done a test run of the Skype thing and all seems to be working ok!

[Scylla]

Well I never Maybe I should have a go ???

(I studiously didn't say "If Perpy can do it" )

scylla