I posted the other day about the research evidence on snus (Swedish snuff) and what it might teach us about the costs and benefits of E-cigarettes. I reviewed some conflicting data and suggested that there was some complexity to the issue, and that I was optimistic about the future of safer forms of tobacco but cautiously so. I got a few intelligent emails, but the bulk of the reaction with which I was blessed fell into one of two types, which I summarize below.

(1) There is no doubt at all, no complexity, and no nuance, Dr. Humphreys. E-cigarettes would save hundreds of millions of lives if only shills and liars like you would get out of the way. You are in the pay of the nicotine patch industry aren’t you?

(2) There is no doubt at all, no complexity, and no nuance, Dr. Humphreys. E-cigarettes will claim hundreds of millions of lives because of shills and liars like you. You are in the pay of the tobacco industry, aren’t you?

Which brought to mind this prayer:

Lord, grant me the wisdom to seek the truth, and save me from those who think they have found it.

p.s. Simon Chapman has a well-written review up at BMJ about research on e-cigarettes. If nuance upsets you, save yourself some time and skip straight to his comment section to post your pro- or anti- E-cigarette screed.