What the Viewers of Smoke Swap had to say…

Smoke Smoke or Super Smoke Me as Current TV renamed it has now aired (It is still shown from time to time on Current.TV)

Posted below are a few comments and messages we received from viewers. We would like to thank you all for your messages of support.

We are still smoke free ex-smokers!!

There have been a lot of changes within the tobacco industry over the course of the Smoke Swap experiment and the life of this blog. And at the same time nothing has changed, the tobacco companies still agressively market their cancer sticks with beautiful promotional girls in shops and, clubs and bars in in the face of overwhelming evidence about the death and destruction they cause and public opinion.

There has been a ban from smoking in public areas for over two years now. There was a lot of noise at the time that it wouldn’t work and a lot of BS  flying around about defying the law to the end.

How silly and draconian that all seems now. How did we let them get away of polluting our air for so long?

This blog is now at an end but I will leave it up for anyone who drops by or finds it by accident and want to find out about anything from the history of the cigarette, to the harm tobocco causes farmers, their families and communities to the escalating death rate in Asia as the tobacco companies shift their focus to the new money.

I’ll also revisit the site every once and a while to reply to your comments or post a blog. Otherwise I will post some resources here for anyone who needs a litle help and support trying to kick cigarettes and to ultimately stop smoking.

If you are trying to stop smoking I’m sure you can find lots of useful information here, thing you probably haven’t heard anywhere before, certainly not coined in some of the phrases I’ve used.

I’m not a professional writer, never made a penny out of this blog. It’s been a labour of love and a way to purge my soul from working in the tobacco industry.

My you live a clean and healthy life without cigarettes.

All the best,

Stop Smoking Inside Man.

Date: 04 Jul 2007

Hey well done for giving up the cancer sticks I have been fighting cigarettes for years as a personal trainer and have also seen how hard it is to give up so if you managed it in 14 days then you are a legend.
The video should have shown a bit more of your journey of giving up because it couldn’t have been that easy.

And give your mate Perry a pat on the back he is a legend there is no way you could get me as a non-smoker to try smoking for a week it would kill me I have the lungs of a baby.

Anyway that’s my rant over I hope your well looking good as always. London’s good but bet your missing me harassing you at margarita’s every Sunday. lol

I haven’t been there for ages actually as I am not in Sutton anymore

Take care. Damaine x

Superking Me is ace!

Good work fella!

Paul Hodson – Virgin Media

Great work Perry- glad the smoking didn’t become a habit for you- they say do anything for 21 days (positive or negative) and it becomes a habit- consciously or unconsciously- so glad you stopped soon. – Justin Ellis -  Actor (LA)

I have been meaning to email you for the last couple of days. Listen, I saw
your film documentary about smoking on T.V. ( it was shown in ‘Current TV’
Channel ) last weekend. It was on at around 12:30am – and yes, you do look
good on camera LOL! Well done dude, I thought that the camera zoom on your
vommit was classic !!! urghhhhhh! LOL!

Sionara baby! Surianne x Singer/Songwriter

Hello Katie

In regards to your recent experiment, I have a few critical comments to make, however your video was very good.

I’ve been smoking since 22 (stupid but that’s what I do best) now I’m 25 and can honestly say with the smoking ban heavily inflicted in Jersey, it’s made no such difference at all. It’s actually worse because the smells you are picking up in clubs & clubs isn’t too pleasant I.E. BO, sick (some cases) farting…SHOCKING BEHAVIOUR and bad, bad, bad aftershave.

So the ban came in on January 2nd over here so I decided to give up… I was sound didn’t have one for a month but realised why am I giving up? as I enjoy it… in the time I was playing football I was shit when I wasn’t smoking, didn’t even feel any fitter… started smoking again and I actually picked up my game.

So my theory is… it’s all mind games…yes it’s bad for you but think how many times you go to work and get the tube? taking the tube to work every day for year is probably 10 times worse than smoking 15-20 a day for about 5 years… That’s what I think.

SMOKING IS BIG, CLEVER AND VERY, VERY COOL!!!

I must add furthermore that smoking isn’t for CHAVS missy. Don’t you just miss when you are having a stunning meal and you are so full at the end… so you pick up a cigarette and it tastes so nice! BEST EVER isn’t it?

Do you miss it, do you? You do don’t you?

Hahahaha

Only joking well done if you give up for good. Impressed after 10 years and it’s easy for you.

With kindest regards, take care. Chris

Hey there Katie, I know am not a “real friend” but seen your bulletin on me page, an checked it out, also checked the Superking video, it’s very well produced, proud of yah, hope you’re keeping it up, well done. Levi x

Date: 10 Jul 2007, 12:33 

Katie

WHAT is going on…. I’ve decided to stop smoking as of tomorrow I’m gutted its an end of a beautiful relationship with Mrs. Silk Cut Red, just been to my first pre-season training session. 6 mile run in boiling heat followed by 1 hour and half hours of beach work (doggies… sprints and a game) I’m really hoofed… Can’t breath and I’ve fallen out of love with the nicotine, I never thought it would happen not after my rant to you the other day (however have four left so decided to honor them by forcing myself to smoke them.

I usually fall out with Charlie… sometimes we fall out big time but lately we’ve been getting on but Mrs. Silk Cut Red we were a match made in heaven.. not any more no… GONE!

BLAMING YOU hahaha

Is it easy to give up… are you using anything?

This is going to be hard isn’t it?

Oh well… at least I will be able to breath again. No day, right night I feel like I’m on my death bed, was going to make a chilli con carnie tonight… fuck that I’ll probably set my kitchen on fire.

Anyway…. wish I never seen your anti smoking video now

Hope you are still going strong.  Chris

Date: 10 Jul 2007, 11:30 

Hi Katie

Just watched the video. So were you using anything to help you quit (patches etc) or was it totally a cold turkey thing?

I would have been interested to see you take the test Perry did to see if having quit smoking, if and how quickly your CM level dropped. Mike

“Wow I love it! It’s a cool idea and well executed!! Definitely deserves a green light. But I must admit, it still makes me want to go out and have a smoke… Anon

“Hi there, thought this was a really good video … Showing how much smoking does make you feel like crap yipee. By the way Katie looks gorgeous and loved the belly part in the mirror was very funny. x” Anon

“G/L – Nice to see someone trying to quit on will power alone, good job. I quit more than 10yrs ago when I discovered I was going to be a mom. I may have had the right to pollute my body, but not my babies temporary apartment. I quit cold turkey too.” Anon

Hi katie.

I watched the video that you asked your friends to watch and I voted for it as well hope it gets shown on telly soon.

It was really interesting and well made. I thought you were a natural presenter it’ll not be long ‘til you get your big break on TV.

Also I’m glad you have given up smoking and hope you keep it up good luck. My mum gave up smoking last year, she was a smoker for 30 odd yrs. She found it tough but she managed it. She put on a little bit of weight but not 2 much, its probably ‘cos she started eating lots of sweets whenever she felt the craving for a ciggie. I think as long as you stick to eating sugar free sweets and maybe have some fruit when you feel a craving for a cig.

My mam also took up painting as a hobby, which helped her a lot as it took her mind of the craving. So maybe you could take up a new hobby, like hangliding or rock climbing just kiddin’. Lol, maybe a less dangerous hobby.

Hope this is of some help cya later, take care. Eric x

Super Smoke Me is a film brilliant I loved it and I felt for you dude. I wouldn’t of done it. Have you tried to hand it to channel 4 to see if they’ll show it? I think it has a great chance to make it onto TV especially at the moment. Linton Ried

Wow I love it! It’s a cool idea and well executed!! Definitely deserves a greenlight. But I must admit, it still makes me want to go out and have a smoke…  Jensen

Hi there, I have recently decided to quit smoking and I found this pod very interesting.  
nice production.  Shane Chapman

Really liked this. A few of the freeze-frame bits were a bit long, but that’s nothing major and it clearly wasn’t an issue for Current as it’s on air! Really good production, and a real eye-opener. Adam Hunt

As a recovering nicotine addict myself. I found this pod very interesting. Well put together and engaging. K Drew

Interesting and well made. Should make people think twice about starting smoking. Dippy

Great work documenting this issue. Your subjects made this piece extremely engaging. I also liked your titles and sepia tones on some of the footage. Hopemn

This is a very original concept, which was greatly executed. Congrats for taking it to TV so quickly, and for putting yourself through this experiment.

The production was well done overall, and the story had just the right pace to keep the viewer entertained throughout the entire piece. Pantazonia

Well Done Katie, I’m Impressed… You were always a terrible smoker anyway, Lol. Nick

It’s a very well documented video, I think it will be very useful for smokers an non smokers to watch. Well done Katie. Levi

I think people should see this! GL Myself? Quit smoking 1 month ago. Smoker for 10 years. Will not start back. I can breath again. Within that 10 years, smoking gave me asthma and COPD! I am only 36 yo. Simplicity1971

Another great production from you here. Very informative and well put together. I totally agree with the other comment by SIMPLICITY1971, that this piece should have gotten more attention by now. Pantazonia

Hi Perry

I particularly enjoyed The Smoking Man video which was journalistically-credible and puts forward a well-researched / informative argument about the environmental dangers/implications of people putting their (cigarette) butts out on the street… this documentary is the kind that would fit into the niche of Trevor Mc Donald’s news programmes.

I also watched SuperKing me and I realise that you are trying to show the physical effects of smoking for 2 weeks. However, I think that the film needed to be longer to show the progression of the cigarettes effects in more depth… however well done on it given the time restraints.

Siane xX

Dear Perry,

Wow wee you’ve been busy! I really liked the Smoking Man, what is happening
with it? Lots of love, C
PS You smoke a cigarette like a joint!  xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

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I can stop smoking anytime I want!

I like smoking!

Smoking is cool!

Smoking makes me feel like a man!

If I stop smoking I’ll gain weight!

Smoking is part of my lifestyle!

Smoking is no more harmful than crossing the road!

I’m not addicted to cigarette smoke!

This is the last time I’m ever going to smoke!

I only smoke joints they’re not as bad as cigarettes!

I only smoke when I’m stressed!

I’ll stop smoking when they get to £4, £5 a pack!

I only smoke because my friends do!

Smoking a cigarette gives me confidence!

I could give up smoking anytime I want!

I’ll smoke until I’m thirty then I’ll stop!

I’ve always had this cough, it’s nothing to do with smoking!

I’ll stop smoking when I have a baby!

I’ll stop smoking before it kills me!

I’ll stop smoking before it kills me!

I’ll stop smoking…

Don’t Fool Yourself… Stop Smoking before it Stops You.

Happy April 1st.

Stop Smoking Now Store

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Day 13 – Katie

Woo-hoo! Day thirteen of Smoke Swap already! I can’t believe it’s gone by so fast. I’ve had my moments of doubt and the obvious pangs for cigarettes but this has been an incredible journey for me. I know I’m still at the beginning stages. I’ve smoked for ten years but Smoke Swap has allowed me to revaluate my life and break the strangle hold that cigarettes have had on me. I feel more confident and free without cigarettes. I can’t believe how I was subtly seduced by cigarettes until I was a slave to the nicotine.

Today I met Perry at King’s Cross; he was looking very tan having just returned from Barcelona. We went to BUPA Wellbeing were he had a Carbon Monoxide test.

After Perry had his first blow into the machine and while he went outside to have a cigarette, I had time to talk with the doctor about my journey to stop smoking.

I didn’t have to go today but just having a chat with the doctor has clarified a few thoughts for me and reinforced my new beliefs to stop smoking forever. I’m not giving anything up but I’m claiming back what is rightly mine. My life, free of addiction, yep I’ve got a healthy new me.

I would encourage and recommend everyone to stop smoking. If you are thinking of smoking for the first time or if you are under a lot of pressure to start smoking I would say resist it at all costs. It just isn’t worth it. Only chavs smoke! It’s dumb, and you’re better than that.

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DAY 12 Perry – Barcelona to Bermondsey

Listening to: Amaury Perez -- Andes Lo Que Andes

Emotion: Excited

I’m heading back to Barcelona airport, a fifteen Km drive from my hotel. I open a pack of Consulate Menthol cigarettes and my colleague riding shotgun beside me tells me that these are really bad for me. Mind you, it doesn’t stop her from smoking one of mine though.

Last night or should I say the early hours of the morning, while returning to our hotel she confided to me she was quitting smoking as she had developed a bad cough and smoked too many cigarettes that night. But that’s what I found with a lot of smokers, they are always just about to quit. As the Spanish say ‘manana, manana, manana’. That or they’ve quit many times before. As Mark Twain once quipped ‘It’s easy to quit smoking. I’ve done it dozens of times before’.

I don’t want to sound pious but where is their back bone, the will power or the strength of character in these people? Are there that many people so insecure and weak who can’t stand by their own convictions?

Reading that back now, I that it sounds harsh but really the easy option is just to carry on and blame everyone and everything around them for their problems. If change is going to come it has to come from within. That can be a scary place to look for some people. It’s easier to loose yourself in drugs, shopping and celebrity bullshit than start a journey of the self. But I believe the journey is worth starting. You owe it to yourself. You owe it to your self to stop smoking! Not your kids, not your partner or your boss. You owe it to yourself to stop smoking. You are a beautiful person.

Rant over -- The menthol cigarettes taste minty fresh, like toothpaste and are more pleasant than the other brands I’ve been smoking. The mint flavour comes from an application of menthol essence in the form of a spray to the silver foil in the pack of cigarettes not buy adding sprigs of mint leaf to the tobacco as many people believe. This odour seeps into the cigarette, adding a few more chemicals to the already heady mix.

I know of people who started smoking menthol cigarettes when they were children because firstly they are very smooth to smoke and secondly they thought their breaths would smell of Polos. Of course their breath didn’t smell of Polos and their parents busted them for smoking. The truth is because they are easier to take the smoke down, they are more harmful than ‘normal’ cigarettes.

I remember being told at Philip Morris that sales of Marlboro Menthol would rise during the winter months as some people were under the illusion these cigarettes were healthy cigarettes! Hello -- there is No such thing as a healthy cigarette!

I’m sure many children start smoking Menthol, the alcho-pop of cigarettes as their first cigarettes. Perhaps the tobacco companies could also manufacture chocolate, strawberry, vanilla or even Mc.Chicken Nugget flavoured cigarettes to get the kids hooked early. Sounds far fetched? I wish it was as this has already been done.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=aHvXjgk8PSk

Now I’m really finding it easy to smoke ten cigarettes a day. It’s quite frightening how easy it is in from my first experiences to twelve days down the line.

I’ve got two days left now in this experiment and it would be easy to carry on smoking as the worst of the side effects are over but I know this would lead me down the road to addiction and I don’t won’t to be dependent on these little things that kill. I could even smoke more than ten a day now, I’ve hit the groove, I’m thinking like a smoker. But ten is more than enough for me, thank you very much.

I must admit, I like the social aspect of this anti-social action. Hanging about, having a chat, a cup of tea and a cigarette is fun but the reality is I can do all that without cigarettes in my life.

SMOKES TODAY – 10 out of 10

One Thousand Americans Stop Smoking every Day -- By Dying!

Read more here…

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DAY 11 Perry -- Barcelona

Listening to: U2 – Crumbs from your Table

Emotion: Exhaulted

I’m now into day 11 of smoke Swap or as I now like to think of it as 3 days to go until I stop smoking. Just three days from now, (not that I’m counting down the days… but I am) and I’ll be a non-smoker or an ex-smoker.

I’m in with the in crowd. The whole team have now excepted me as a smoker and models and crew alike offer me cigarettes as they would anyone else they know who smokes.

I refuse to offer anyone a cigarette, not because I’m tight but because of my own moral justification and code. I simply don’t want to encourage anyone to smoke. If anyone asks for a smoke however, I do oblige.

One of the models today informs me she has just finished six years studying to be a doctor and is now about to start her first year as a general practitioner in Barcelona Hospital. She says she should be setting a good example as we share a cigarette but… The thing is, when we are young we think we are invincible. We blank out or refuse to acknowledge the consequences of our actions. Even doctors, with all their knowledge and first hand experience of the pain and suffering cigarettes cause to smokers and their families aren’t amune. The cigarette marketing propaganda that has been going on for decades warps our logical though processes.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=TBhWAvsLH6A

The Editors -- Smokers Outside the Hospital Doors

>>> Get back your life -- Stop Smoking <<<

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