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Subject: More dodgy advertising! Oh, the horror!

Author: George Sobala

Date: 01:08:46 12/20/03


I am astonished at the diatribe that has been launched against Frank Quisinky
for his promotion of Ruffian 2. For the picky amongst you, what about the
following, all taken from advertising on their respective websites:

---------------------------------------------------------------------
Shredder 7: "For computer experts Shredder is the number one choice."

A verifiable statement? Which computer experts were asked, and what question?

---------------------------------------------------------------------
Hiarcs8: "And indeed the distinguishing feature is that the author, like no
other, uses a maximum of chess knowledge to increase the playing strength of his
program."

Really? They can categorically state, without having seen other programmers'
source code, that Hiarcs8 uses the maximum chess knowledge?

---------------------------------------------------------------------
Rebel12: "Rebel is one of the strongest and most complete chess programs in the
world and absolute champion providing the maximum information on your screen."

Probably a poor translation into English, but what does this mean?

(a) "Rebel is one of the strongest and most complete chess programs in the world
and absolute champion. It also provides the maximum information on your screen."

Gosh. I have to buy the absolute champion chess program!

or

(b) "Rebel is one of the strongest and most complete chess programs in the
world. It is the absolute champion in providing the maximum information on your
screen."

What information-providing world championship did it win?

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

So you see, much advertising needs to be taken with a pinch of salt. I advise
you all to calm down, lay off Frank and enjoy the chess.

Incidentally, doubtlessly swayed by the above puff, I own two of the above three
programs and am eagerly awaiting Ruffian-2.




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