07-30-2006, 10:26 PM
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Engineering first
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Real Name: Bob
Location: Huntsville, AL
Hybrids: Prius Classic 03
Posts: 5,028
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Re: "Swift boating" applied to hybrid electrics
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Originally Posted by Tim
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by Tim
Here's the funny thing on Spinella. Google him and you'd be hard pressed to find any history on him other than his association with CNW. In fact, CNW's own site doesn't post his credentials, calling his resume "too long and too boring" to post. . . .
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He describes himself as having formerly worked for "Wards Automotive" and I believe him. His relationship with various writers for publications strongly suggests he has a lot of press contacts. As for his sources, I'm convenced he has a list of dealer phone numbers that he 'speed dials' for his surveys. But the 'Dust-to-dust' report remains a curious puzzle.
It is a curious accademic study that is released using 'dollars' instead of energy units per vehicle. In fact, the 'study' lacks a table equating the 'dollars' to ergs, joules or any functionally equivalent energy table. Yet he claims these studies typically use 'energy.'
The key is not just us discussing the problems with this report and CNW. What is more important is to make sure these flaws are publicly identified. Loss of credibility makes it difficult to get 'print time'.
Bob Wilson
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