[Mr Ramsbotham]

But Australian cigarette makers say the move will not alter smoking patterns, and one called it a desperate tactic.

I can't think of anyone who has ever been dissuaded from smoking through shock tactics. The fact is that the bad health effects of smoking are too-long term to impact the average person's behavior in the short-term. People are usually motivated to quit when or if they start to feel genuinely ill effects, or actually become sick; not sooner.

[Who dat?]

The fact is that the bad health effects of smoking are too-long term to impact the average person's behavior in the short-term.

It reminds me of an interesting observation made by a reader in the current issue of Forbes, in which he points out that “Japan, the world’s healthiest nation, has the highest smoking rate among rich countries.”

Anyway, someone here pointed out once that cigarette manufacturers should market a cigarette line called “Certain Death.” It’d come in a black pack with white skull and crossbones logo. The warning would state that “these cigarettes WILL absolutely kill you." Each pack would contain a small baseball card-like photo of a brain with tumors, or cancerous lung or whatever. They’d also cost a premium WRT other cigarettes.

That poster predicted that they’d be an instant hit and every kid in the nation would want to be seen smoking them.

[3catsanadog]

I work at a hospital and you wouldn't believe the number of health care workers here that smoke. And we all see the effects of smoking. And still puff away.

[SheLion]

I can't think of anyone who has ever been dissuaded from smoking through shock tactics. The fact is that the bad health effects of smoking are too-long term to impact the average person's behavior in the short-term. People are usually motivated to quit when or if they start to feel genuinely ill effects, or actually become sick; not sooner.

It's "for the kids" you know. Teens just LOVE to collect these gruesome photos. heh!