Tornado - CF Revisted

[Donald T.]

I received my Corvette Fever in the mail today, and it has a follow up article on the Tornado. This is that miracle device that improves fuel economy and performance (yeah right). The initial article was discussed and refuted on this board, and that discussion is even mentioned in the follow up article.

Apparently, the testing done by CF involved taking similar trips with and without the Tornado installed, and that's where they came up with the results. Great job guys, that's real scientific. The follow up article is basically an email string that CF cherry picked, as the writer that challenged CF winds up becoming a believer. I promptly threw the magazine across the room. That's the last subscription renewal that they will receive from me.

[Zachary K.]

Re: Tornado - CF Revisted

I gave up on the Fever many years ago (mid to late 70's.) It seemed like I'd read a story about a cretain car and owner. Then, a year or two would go by and here was the same car and owner with the story written differently, also noticing that the pictures were the same of the car but were reversed as if the negative was flipped. I had mentioned it to another Corvette friend and he said he had noticed it also but just passed it off as a case of deja vu.

[Donald T.]

I Have Mail! CF Responds

I sent an email to Corvette Fever and I just received a response from Alan Colvin. His response was nothing more than a straw man argument, and not a very good one at that.

Here's the text of my original email, and then Alan's response.

__________________________________________________ __
"To Whom It May Concern:

I just read your follow up article on the fuel saving device called the Tornado. I am very disappointed that even after being challenged on your article, you stood behind the product. This product has been debunked numerous times in real scientific studies including Popular Mechanics, Consumer Reports, the EPA, ABC News among countless others. The results you obtained are meaningless as they failed to meet even the most basic research requirements. The manufacturers and sellers of these products defraud consumers with false claims, and your magazine is an active participant in that fraud. Corvette Fever no longer has any credibility with me. I will not be renewing my subscription."
__________________________________________________

Here's the response from Alan:
__________________________________________________

So you are calling Tom Benford a liar?

Alan Colvin
Editor
Corvette Fever Magazine
9036 Brittany Way
Tampa, FL 33619
(813)675-3523
(813)675-3556 fax
(863)581-5914 cell
alan.colvin@primedia.com
__________________________________________________ __

[Jim D.]

Re: I Have Mail! CF Responds

CF has to be the worst rag out there. I'll bet the reason they stand behind the Tornado is because of advertising dollars. Sam (Dip****) Memollo on "2 guys garage" also touts the advantages of using this POS product.

[John H.]

Re: I Have Mail! CF Responds

Our magazine staff ("Corvette Enthusiast") had the laugh of the century when that article hit the street; couldn't believe the "Tornado" folks had sucked in another writer . When they make something for 18 cents and sell it for $69.95, that creates lots of margin to pay for advertising....and for lawyers to sign consent decrees with the FTC, and to continue violating the decrees.

[Chuck S.]

Re: I Have Mail! CF Responds

Advertising usually includes entertainment expenses...You know dinner at a nice restraurant followed by a rollicking evening of entertainment filled with a free-flowing river of booze and numerous lap and/or table dances at a local topless club, all compliments of the geegaw manufacturer's sales or advertising manager.

Ole Tom ain't a liar...he probably woke up on his bed in his rumpled clothes the next afternoon with a hangover straight from hell, and the realization that he had sold his soul to the devil.

[Chris Patrick]

Re: I Have Mail! CF Responds

I sent an email to Corvette Fever and I just received a response from Alan Colvin. His response was nothing more than a straw man argument, and not a very good one at that. [quote]

I talked to him once. His condescending attitude turned me off immediately. The worse is that his "superiority" all comes from writing some books that are nothing but a collection of information in many other books.