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From: "Richard K. Downer" <rkd7949@ballard.ca.boeing.com>
Subject: Re: Honda Robot "P2" press release translation
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Date: Mon, 4 Aug 1997 19:14:44 GMT
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Lee Kent Hempfling wrote:
> 
> On Sun, 03 Aug 1997 22:40:08 -0500, "D. Ross" <hmmm@escape.ca> wrote:
> 
> >I looked at Neutronics website, and said to myself
> > "GEE, I DIDN'T KNOW IT WAS APRIL FIRST!"
> 
> Same response, actually almost to the word, that was
> experienced 5 years ago by people who saw it then.
> Since then, many have come to realize that something
> they do not understand is not indicative of it being
> ficticious, but perhaps something worth learning.
> 
> Those who continue to hold the same attitude are welcome
> to stay away.  We are not in business to impress anyone.
> Nor are we in business to teach anyone something they can't
> get.
> 
> We are in business to replicate HOW the brain does what it
> does. It is not at all surprising that it is foreign to those who
> have spent their life's work replicating WHAT the brain does.
> 
> Now.... if you didn't get that, it is not my responsibility to
> make it more definitive.
> 
> Lee Kent Hempfling
> Neutronics Technologies Corporation (USA)
> admin@neutronicstechcorp.com
> Voice: 501-782-9999
> http://www.neutronicstechcorp.com
> A proud member of http://www.internetscipark.com

Please note that I'm not commenting on your technology (although you
explain it so poorly that I doubt anyone can comment on it, other than
to ask "Just how big is that 9 volt battery you claim powers your
robot's electronics _forever_?"). So please don't ask me to "stay away."
I really would like to know more, but your web page doesn't really say
anything. Since you claim "patent pending" on much of your technology,
why can't you explain it better? If you do get your patents the details
will be public.

But I'm not commenting on your technology. I am commenting on your
business (you said "We are in business to..."). I wonder how many
products you have actually sold, and who bought them, and if they were
at all happy with what you shipped.

You show photos of a prototype, but only a computer generated image of
the production model (LR2), which implys to me that you don't have a
production model to photograph. The LR2's price is $38,380.00; 66% down,
delivery in 90 days. That's a lot of money for what I can only call a
toy (I notice you don't make any claims as to its purpose or behaviour -
not even that it moves!), and I don't believe you can deliver one in 90
days if you can't even supply a photograph! If I had a spare $25,330.80
laying around I'd call your bluff. Of course, your statement
"Specifications and appearance are subject to change without notice
prior to order" sure covers a lot! What do I get for my $38,380, if
nothing is specified (and those specs may change) and no photograph is
provided (and the appearance may change)?

I don't think it's too much for customers to expect photos of production
units, as well as videos demonstrating the behavior you claim. Oh, you
don't actually claim _any_ behavior for the production units, do you?
They can sit there like a lump of clay and meet the "specifications" you
give. No wonder the 9 volt battery never needs replacing!

Since you promise nothing but "delivery in 90 days," and clearly say
"Specifications and appearance are subject to change without notice,"
then I guess you could ship a cardboard box and as long as it arrives
within 90 days you're legal! Cool! If I didn't have to tell my family
what I do for a living I'd start a company like this, too.

Can you say "snake oil," boys and girls? I knew you could.
-- 
Rick Downer
rkd7949@ballard.ca.boeing.com

These opinions are not mine, they're Boeing's. Boeing paid me while I 
opined them, so Boeing owns them. But Boeing might not agree with them.
