Thank goodness my mom is not subscribed to my newsletter.

Otherwise, she would know that her son is a nicotine addict...

Anyway, I think she already knows.

What's important today is to answer one of the questions I've always had...

Why do people smoke?

Yes, I know it's addictive.

But it's funny because anyone who's ever smoked needs to accept that...

The first 100 cigarettes taste like shit.

Yet you keep going because it “looks cool”.

I sometimes imagine it makes me a better writer.

It's a load of crap, I know...

But sometimes it works.

Yep, that’s literally me 👆 right now.

Well, anyway, let’s get started.

A (REALLY) BRIEF HISTORY OF CIGARETTES IN ADVERTISING:

Back in the late 1800s, some guy named James Bonsack invented a machine that could roll cigarettes way faster than any person could.

This invention was a game-changer in the tobacco industry.

After that, smoking became like the "it" thing to do. 

And you'd see ads for cigarettes everywhere, in fancy magazines, making it seem super cool and sophisticated. 

A 1929 advert for Chesterfield cigarettes in Cosmopolitan magazine.

As you can see in the beginning these brands were selling a lifestyle.

Specifically, the person you wanted to become.

1957 calendar, an attractive, young couple experiences a "Lucky" year with the help of Lucky cigarettes.

But then, in the mid-1930s, cigarette brands began to use doctors in their ads. 

Even though there were no studies until the 1950s that proved cigarettes were bad for your health.

1930 ad for American Tobacco Company's Lucky Strike

1938 Let up - Before your nerves get tired

A 1939 newspaper advert for Piccadilly cigarettes

But of course, you can't cover the sun with a finger.

Cigarettes didn't make you feel that great. 

So brands used messaging around being "less irritating".

1943 Call for Philip Morris - How much are you smoking

1941 For your throat's sake, switch from 'hots' to Kools

Selling America, selling patriotism…

1941 - Pall Mall

Everyone smokes… For god sake!

 A 1950 advert for Chesterfield cigarettes featuring baseball player Bub McMillan

And of course! There was persona marketing:

1967 Come to where the flavor is Marlboro Country

SELLING QUITTING:

1974 Health Education Council

1999 campaign from the Health Education Authority 

2024 CDC