Has vaping become an integral part of the maker movement?

When it comes to e-cigarettes, there’s vaping, and then there’s vaping. For some people, vaping is nothing more than an alternative to smoking cigarettes, and that’s fine (this is the primary goal of vaping, after all). But for others, vaping isn’t just a nicotine substitute, but a full-time hobby.

With the rise of social networks, enthusiasts from all walks of life are getting together to share their passions online. Vaping is no exception to this new phenomenon. Indeed, there has been an explosion in the number of Facebook groups dedicated to vaping, which can now be found in virtually all countries throughout the world.

Here at Blog-Vape, we have noticed a consistent meeting of the minds when it comes to vaping forums. Indeed, it is very common to find the same people in the same pro-vaping groups. And while vaping may be a relatively recent phenomenon, other comparable trends made popular by social networks have already seen tremendous success: drones, 3D printing (which can be used for vaping) and NVEI transportation devices (electronic scooters, skates, and single-wheel vehicles). The DIY field and other tech-savvy topics can also be added to this growing list of new technological trends. And the number of vapers is only growing among these trends.

 

A unified force

At first sight, there is one obvious shared trait amongst DIY enthusiasts: they’re mostly men. However, gender cannot be the only reason why these enthusiasts have banned together (thanks, Captain Obvious) … so why then? Here at Blog-Vape we believe that it has to do with the simple fact that most DIY enthusiasts are part of the maker movement.

The maker movement is an umbrella term that includes all aspects of the Do It Yourself (DIY) phenomenon that has been connected to the rise of online social networks. As the movement has grown, so too has the range of tools made available on e-commerce websites, inspiring and helping people to make their own creations.

Today, vaping has taken a big bite out of the DIY market, first foremost in regards to the modular and rebuildable nature of vaping devices, but also in terms of the manufacture of homemade e-liquids. Technical know-how is also a shared trait among maker movement members: DIY vaping requires some basic knowledge of physics, especially when it comes to mechanical mods, and it also requires a certain “artisanal” skill when it comes to the construction and replacement of coils (coilporn is a prime example).  Don’t forget the modders, either, those modern day goldsmiths who have made some truly incredible pieces, such as this piece designed by the talented French modder Le Plombier Volant:

When it comes to DIY vaping, it’s all there, from online communities to artisanal skills to technical know-how and innovative techniques, and much more.

Yes indeed, it is safe to say that the vaping industry is now a major player in the maker movement, and that DIY vaping is here to stay.