Like many, I've been closely following the legal and moral debates over e-cigarettes. Out of my own curiosity and a yearning to understand each participant's experience, I wanted to know more from people who have actually used the e-cig.

So, I conducted my own non-scientific poll about e-cigs. I know the findings are not scientific, the sample size was way too small, and definitely not random or unbiased (after all, the people I spoke with were calling in because they wanted to quit, unlike many people who use e-cigarettes). Keeping my mind as open as possible, I was willing to accept that maybe people would have positive things to share. My intention was not to affirm an existing belief that e-cigs are not necessarily healthy or helpful, but to instead hear honest feedback.

When participants disclosed, without prompting, experience using e-cigs, I asked for their opinion. "What was it like using the e-cig," is what I would usually ask. I didn't share my professional recommendation or information (not unless they asked) to avoid a biased response. The results, in some ways, surprised me.

Of the small sample, approximately 20 people who have shared their experience about e-cigs, only one or two were positive. For that small minority, the e-cig was less harsh than regular cigarettes, helped them reduce or eliminate the number of traditional cigarettes per day, and was somewhat enjoyable.

Those who disliked the e-cigs were equally as open when sharing their experiences. In addition to sheer disappointment with the product, most said the e-cigs were harsh, which led to more coughing and a sore throat. Users didn't like the taste, whether flavored or not, and described the e-cig as unpleasurable. "I'd rather smoke than use this awful thing," is a comment I heard frequently.

Cost is certainly a drawback with the e-cig, along with the usual "all sales final" policy. Start up costs for the unit, charger, and cartridges run between $75 to $285. Monthly maintenance costs (replacement charger, cartridges, and the occasional battery) vary widely. With the declining economy and rise in tobacco taxes, more people than ever are motivated to quit smoking to save money. If the average American can't afford cigarettes, how will they scrape together enough money for the e-cig?

E-cig manufacturers claim their product is for recreational purposes, and was never intended as a smoking cessation device. All of the e-cig users I talked to, however, had a different perception. Those who purchased e-cigs, whether at the mall kiosk or on the web, felt they were purchasing something that would help them quit smoking. What formed this impression, whether from sales representatives, early marketing tactics, or other e-cig users, is hard to say. But nonetheless, that is the general perception.

I guess what surprised me the most was not that some people had positive and others negative reactions; it was the profundity of negative experiences of e-cigs users. Of course there are many other variables that affect each user's experience, such as their confidence and motivation. None of the approved smoking cessation medications are 100% effective, but they are safe, well studied, and have proven success rates. The e-cig has not been independently well tested, hasn't been determined as "safe," and it sounds like consumers aren't thrilled with the product either.