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From: keith@seismo.UUCP (Keith Bostic)
Newsgroups: net.misc
Subject: Re: Re: Why Smoke?
Message-ID: <1694@seismo.UUCP>
Date: Fri, 29-Jun-84 18:09:07 EDT
Article-I.D.: seismo.1694
Posted: Fri Jun 29 18:09:07 1984
Date-Received: Fri, 27-Jul-84 05:32:04 EDT
References: <1546@zehntel.UUCP>
Organization: Center for Seismic Studies, Arlington, VA
Lines: 35


>> "As for the matter of interaction with nonsmokers, I try to avoid making
>> other people get involved in my habit. If a nonsmoker informs me *politely*
>> that my smoke is bothering him, then I will either move out of his area
>> or put my cigarette out."

> Why don't you just assume as a default that smoke bothers most people,
> and not subject them to have to request that you not smoke near them?

> Performing a known offensive act with the intent of continuing
> until someone asks you to please not do it is a poor excuse for
> civility.  Perhaps you should wait until everybody around you explicitly
> asks you to smoke before you light up.

I don't like either approach.  Number one, yes, people feel uncomfortable 
saying "Put that out!" especially since you just blew how ever much money it 
cost and some time etc. not to mention you were *really* getting into a
nicotine high.  On the other hand, assuming that by default people don't
want you to smoke (by the way, known offensive act, known to whom?  certainly
not me!) is denying yourself something you want for no reason.  Why not just
say, "Pardon me, would it bother you if I smoke?"  and if the answer is "No"
or "Go right ahead" then fire that Camel up.  Other answers may lead to 
you leaving to find a place or not lighting up for the moment.  If the 
respondent is too lily-livered to admit that it bothers them, well, since
the smoke is damaging to their lungs too, you've just done your bit for
evolution.  (Remember, the meek inherit the earth, but it's usually small
sections, about 6 by 3.)  Anyway, by asking, you've been fair.  Forcing
it on someone is obnoxious.  Assuming it will bother them may mean the loss
of a pleasure in what is already a short life.  (And getting shorter, the
more you smoke.)

		Puff the magic dragon was in an elevator next to me,
		Keith 
			ARPA: keith@seismo 
			UUCP: seismo!keith