New Sherlock Holmes Makes Pipe Smoking Cool ... Again

[olderthandirt]

Pfft, I want to know the guts of it, cut to the chase, how many choof on a pipe simply because they're ADDICTED to nicotine?

I've said as much regarding myself in many posts.

I'm an unrepentant nicotine addict who uses the pipe as a means of reduced harm in getting what I crave.

As for the "looking cool" aspect of the article, this thread... what of it really?
I'd say a large component of the battle we all face with respect to regulations of our freedom to use tobacco, be it as a "hobby" or life choice, is the public image.
If the new Sherlock Holmes can add a cool factor to the pipe then GREAT! (-:

 

[admin]

@bigvan

An excellent question, aussielass. I'm not sure if anyone has had the guts to ask it before.
Personally, I don't smoke pipe tobacco for the nicotine. In fact, I seek out blends with as low a nicotine level as possible (virginias w/ latakia and orientals, no burley). I just don't like the buzz.
I've been smoking a pipe since 1988 and can go days, even weeks without lighting up.

Exactly the same for me, 100%. It's all about the taste, flavor, aroma, and relaxing.

 

[eaglerico]

I think this is another case of "If you don't like it leave." I really think the "irritation" expressed by some borders on the verge of pipe snobbery and does nothing but discourage the hobby/addiction.
I agree with Kevin and others here as this should not be taken so seriously. Who cares why someone picks up a pipe and who cares if when they do pick up a pipe it is only for a short while. Either way it helps the manufacturers of pipe products and in the end we all benefit.
Another point, I am all for differences of opinion, but it it Kevin's website and only he can say the direction of which he wants to go with his product. If you don't like what is on TV you change channel. What makes it any different with what is posted any where on the internet.
To address the actual article, I think it is a great article high lighting something positive in the media/Hollywood for a change. I thought that it was refreshing to see an article that was actually able to step away from having to defend the hobby or complain about the "Antis" and speak positively. I look forward to more from Ethan.

 

[thefoolish]

An article about whether "we are cool" may strongly suggest that we care to make pipe smoking "the next fad", and we certainly don't

Again, here is where the communication issue is found. This has nothing to do with proving that "we are cool" or anything of the sort, because, frankly, the majority of us could not care less whether some one thinks our pipe smoking is cool; we do it because we like it.
However, it cannot, simply cannot be denied that Sherlock Holmes has had a major impact upon how pipes are perceived. Almost every outside who sees someone with a pipe will certainly think of Sherlock Holmes, especially if one is smoking a calabash.
This article is simply an analysis about what impact this particular Sherlock Holmes will have, if any. Other gave pipes renown and a reputation of being intellectual, because of their intellectual quality. This Sherlock Holmes is different from older incarnations. He is rough, more eccentric, suave, disheveled. Frankly, he is a particular type of "cool". This article was simply meant to examine how his character might have an impact upon public perception of the pipe. It was in no way a "tooting of our own horn".
Anyway, the fact that this has sparked discussion makes me immensely happy!
Cheers,

Ethan

 

[frtimmyd]

Actually, I want someone thinking pipe smoking is cool. I've taken to bringing my pipes to the prison where I work and keeping them visible on my desk or in my mouth. As our institution is gearing up to go smoke free it's kind of my silent protest. I want people to begin associating pipe smoking with a wider range of personalities and ages. It helps with getting folks to think beyond cigarettes. I've had more conversations with staff members about pipe smoking over the last month than I can count on one hand. A few have even asked to be included in a "smoker" that I'm trying to put together for International Pipe Smoker's Day.
Can a grittier Sherlock Holmes break down a barrier? Not sure but I hope that someone somewhere will consider a pipe as a possibility for them because "hey, it didn't look totally weird when Robert Downey Jr. smoked one in Game of Shadows".

 

[bigvan]

Ethan,
I think I jumped into the debate without first commending you an an excellent article. My bad; well done!

 

[baronsamedi]

@ aussielass: Your question about nicotine is a good one. I was addicted to cigarettes for about 15 years. I quit smoking except for a once or twice a year cigar for about 9 years and took up the pipe just recently. I can tell you from my own point of view that there is a huge difference in feinding for a cigarette and enjoying my pipe. When I smoked butts, I could barely go an hour without a smoke or I'd be ready to knock someone's block off for looking at me funny. With the pipe, I've gone days or weeks without and merely missed it the way someone would miss a favorite comfort food, but it wouldn't make or break my day. Also forget about my lungs. Cigarettes tore 'em up. With the pipe, I can still do a 2 mile run better than I could in the Army! I know quitting cigs is tough, because I've been there too!

 

[lagavulin92]

Alright, I made a half-hearted attempt to introduce the question how we could present our passion and ourselves best in the open internet. I was inattentive and the action backfired. The best way to withdraw from this thread is to give the article's author his overdue recognition.
Welcome to the forum, Ethan! Your introduction with the article is truly admirable.

 

[olderthandirt]

And honorable mention must be made to lagavulin for embracing the idea of discussion.

I don't see your posts as half-hearted at all. Ill received by some p'raps but for me at any rate they are welcome contributions!
Don't stop brother and don't withdraw!
ETA: Oh damn. I'm another that neglected to say Thank You Ethan! Fun article!!

 

[thefoolish]

Alright, I made a half-hearted attempt to introduce the question how we could present our passion and ourselves best in the open internet. I was inattentive and the action backfired.

A conversation is never a bad thing. I always welcome them and think that it is those conversations that allow us to continue to grow as people and as a community.
Cheers,

Ethan