Props
to this week’s contributor, Jason, who saved the following email from way back
in 1999. We’ll let Jason set the stage. Register your constructive criticism at
inbox@rochester-citynews.com.

—
Michael Neault

“Years
ago I bought a brand new Honda that was advertised with a special
high-efficiency engine. However, there was a huge difference between the gas
mileage I was getting and the gas mileage I was supposed to get, and after
getting no help from the dealership (either in mechanical tests or with advice
on how to drive better) I put up a website to document my complaint.

During
the four years I ran the site, I got a lot of e-mail. Almost all of it was
intelligent, but I kept a folder I labeled ‘Dear Crackpot’ and stored some of
the most insane responses.”

 ---------------------------------------

    From: Paulie

    Date: Thu Apr 22, 1999

    To: Jason

    Subject: poor gas milage


    I happen to be a Honda salesperson and the things that you are talking about are

    childish and make you sound like a little baby. Maybe you should get a real life not

    cry about how many miles per gallon your getting. If you would have read the window

    sticker at the bottom it say's that, actual mileage will vary depending on driving

    habits conditions and stuff of that nature.


    Quit being a baby and get over what happened over four (4) years ago. I know for

    a fact that there people that are getting over forty-four (44) miles per gallon.


    STOP YOUR BITCHING!! CRY BABY!!


This article appears in Aug 31 – Sep 6, 2005.