From Robert

Dear Phil,

I’ll be looking back at 2017 as the year in which I
smoked my last cigarette. It was the year I decided to stick with
vaping, a far healthier and more interesting way of nicotine delivery as
I’m sure you’ll agree. I have tried the first cartos back in 2011/2012,
but that didn’t work for me. Then I got an eGo clearo three years ago,
which was much better and made it possible to seriously cut back on smoking.
This year I bought my first RTA and mod, and got into building. While it
was me stubbing out the last cigarette, binning the last carton and
lighter, and actually deciding to quit smoking, there is much I have to
thank you for.

For starters, I have to thank you for the many reviews, rants, laughs
and discussions that I watched and enjoyed. You fueled my curiosity. I
learned a lot from you about building coils, and wicking RTAs, and
understanding how to make things work on the mod. Of course, I also
received a lot of help from the vaping community and the forums that I
now participate in, but there’s a huge difference between a description,
and actually seeing someone doing what’s described.

Your reviews, along with reviews from many other vaping channels, also
allowed me to make a more informed decision about what to choose from a
myriad of other options. It helped me understand what to look for in
RTAs and devices, and what to expect from different ones.
My first mod was one you reviewed fairly positively. Same with my first
RTA, in fact, you used it in your review of that mod to illustrate how
the device performed in TC. It was just an inexpensive beginners setup,
but it allowed me to take the transition. I have to thank you for that
as well. For the small investment, the setup has been a life changer.

Compared to the first cartos and clearos, vaping equipment has really
improved a lot over the past years. There is so much choice in starter
kits, and other vaping gear these days, that probably any smoker will be
able to find something to suit their preference. Quitting smoking for
vaping has never been easier. It just takes some initial curiosity,
perhaps a little helpful push in the right direction, and a willingness
to try.

So, in the spirit of Christmas, I’ve bought a good starter kit for a
good friend who has been trying but failing to quit smoking for a long
time. Perhaps that is another way of saying, “Thank you, Phil” ?

Anyway, enough for now, apols for the long email. I hope you and your
family will have a great Christmas party, and an excellent New Year. And
I hope your father is recovering well from the knee operation, and
gradually getting back on his feet again.

Thanks for all the vids, the discussions, the trips, the expos, the fun,
and the clouds, and I’ll see you again in 2018.

Best wishes from the Netherlands,

Robert
(also known as Vikram)