A lot of people have had their views on smoking negatively biased by the world's suddenly fanatical crusade against smoking. It's gotten so bad that smoking is starting to be seen as something of a social disgrace, and those who smoke are looked down upon.
Here's what I know:
Cigarettes: the active ingredient is nicotine. In order to get the full effect of smoking, one needs to inhale the smoke into their lungs. It gives a sudden, powerful, relaxed sensation that lasts anywhere from twelve minutes to an hour, depending on the person. They're horribly, horribly addictive, but if a smoker can control their cravings and make a pack of cigarettes last, they're actually far more economical than cigars or cigarillos (they usually come in packs of about 20, and are priced somewhere between $3-8 a pack, depending on where in the US they are sold and what brand they are).
Cigarillos: small cigars that are usually flavored. Their small size and absence of nicotine gives the illusion that they're less unhealthy than cigars or cigarettes, though they often come in packs of 3-5. This coupled with the flavoring makes it an especially viable option for young smokers and children.
Cigars: usually smoked for the taste of the smoke alone; rarely inhaled. They're large, expensive, and give off an odor that some people find repulsive. Often used by non-smokers for celebratory purposes. Not nearly as addictive as cigarettes, but extremely unhealthy nonetheless. Cigar smoking, to some people, is a hobby, though cigar "hobbyists" tend to be a bit...let's say "snooty".
Generally: smoking is very romanticized, partially through tradition and partially through clever, subliminal advertisement by tobacco companies. It weakens the heart and decreases stamina, and may cause heart disease or lung cancer later in life. However, smoking does not guarantee cancer, and controlling one's habits and cravings should be left up to the smoker. Smoking may also irritate the lungs of people with respiratory conditions, but again, it should be left up to the smoker to be considerate to those around him or her, or not.
Me, I've been smoking for around 8 months now. I started with cigars, but now I've started with cigarettes. I've had the same pack for almost three weeks now, and I still have 7 cigarettes left. I'm being very careful, because I know how addictive they are.
