> Sure, this product clearly doesn't do what's claimed to those in the
> know. But where does personal responsibility start? Why is it
> unreasonable to think a consumer should research something before they
> buy it?

The claims being made here are blatantly untrue on several counts BUT
it would take a substantial amount of techmnical understanding to be
sure of finding the truth. Note that people with
random-electrical-certifcate 101 1st year are weighing in here and
saying that the principle is sound.

The seller claims that household meters do not account for power
factor. If you have no idea what power factor is there is no reason to
need to know for such claims to be illegal if incorrect and used for
selling snake oil.

The seller claims that said power factor measured by their agents [tm]
at customers houses was in the order of 0.5 (my wording). As above
applies.

What about magnetic bracelets?
WHAT ABOUT MAGNETIC BRACELETS !!!!! ?
:-(.
People here sell a combination wool underlay for beds 9which may work
quite well for all I know) plus it has magnets in it so it is named
"Woolrest Biomag". Has testimonials from famous people who should know
better and who help them exploit the gullible marks. Many satisfied
customers. Much $s made. Double blind crossover may be in their vocab
but, if it is, they would be sure to keep it locked tightly away.

How to deal with all such?
At a minimum, require technical claims of merit to pass a broad
factual filter if people who cannot reasonably be expected to be
experts in the field can be badly mislead.
Have good information available at a known source for products which
pass the broad hurdle but have about zero chance of working. S sort of
Snopes for advertising claims. People would get used to being able to
check such a site.

If it violates more than 1 "law of physics" it goes on the site with
no redress until the advertiser gets the law in question repealed.

etc

    R
--=20
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