How relevant is Consumers reports?

[washer111]

Search Feature

The Super-Searchilator that was present on this site forever is now only for upgraded members.

 

I have found the Google search to not always deliver appropriate results, or sometimes repeat results (unlike the Searchilator). That said, I think it is perfectly fine for non-upgraded members. The powerful Searchilator obviously takes effort to implement, and should therefore only be reserved for the upgraded members.

Sometimes, people may spend lots of time looking for information, but cannot find what they want to hear. Perhaps, the person found a discussion topic, but thought that information might have changed since the most recent posts, or they are looking for even more information themselves than they can find.

 

Often, I find myself looking everywhere for some information, not find it, but find an easy solution when posting on the forum.

 

Personally, I think it is slightly inappropriate to rush in with snarling teeth when referring to another recent topic. Perhaps the poster is unaware of the search feature, isn't sure how to use it, or didn't find what they wanted. I can't really comment, but I'm sure there is a perfectly valid reason why this thread was posted.

 

[alr2903]

Hey Tom no intent to set you off. I am sorry. But we will have to agree to disagree on this one." but I do expect people in the information age when Google has become a verb to do a little bit of searching. We are not freaking baby birds who can't do anything more than sit with open mouths and cry for input. Having conversations is fine, but they can be had in extant fora." sheesh.

"I do expect".  "Google is a verb". "We are not freaking baby birds...".  Really?  

 

 

[alr2903]

From "Forum rules".

Inflammatory posts or Personal Attacks: Public Forums: There will be no posts meant to offend or hurt any other member, in a manner which is offensive or inflammatory. This includes flaming or instigating arguments. Private Forum: Again, if the webmaster feels that a user is abusing the privilege of openness they will be warned and if they continue they will be banned. 

 

[alr2903]

This is an adjective:

Condescending:  showing or characterized by a patronizing or superior attitude toward others.

 

[tolivac]

As I said on another forum on this site bout CR-I let my subscription run out and WILL NOT renew it.Skimpy,biased reviews,Too much reviews on computers and cell phones,and not much on other things.And the online stuff drives me nuts-most of the time when reading a magazine I don't have a computer always handy-and you may have to pay extra to use the online material.Magazine publishes----STOP THIS,PLEASE!!!Print the material in the book---or not at all or print all of it online --NO MORE of this on both.On the biasing--remember several years ago when CU rated Maytag appliances and Hoover vacuums highly-Maytag and Hoover DID make large contributions to CU at the time.

 

[alr2903]

Tomturbomatic,  you offer so much to the club.  I always appreciate your input.  After being gone a couple of days and re- reading this post. I would like to apologize for the way I worded my post to you.  Some days, I don't know what the hell is wrong with me.  You  speak directly and accurately.  I hope you are a having a nice weekend.  Arthur

 

 

[NYCWriter]

I noticed this with vacuums, but am seeing it more often ...

... with everything else they rate: their arbitrary definition of "value".

NEVER have I seen a Kirby or an Aerus even evaluated by the magazine, but they are in my opinion two of the best vacuum cleaners on the planet today. But because the magazine has decided they're "too expensive", whatever superior mechanical virtues they have over all other cleaners on the market today are canceled out by their price tags.

 

[frigilux]

CONSUMER REPORTS / MARCH 2014 

<span style="text-decoration: underline;">Kirby Sentria</span> (Recommended model)

Price:  $1,350

Overall Score: 72 (bested only by the Kenmore Elite 31150 which received a 74)

Carpet:  Excellent

Bare Floors: Excellent

Tool Air Flow:  Excellent

Pet Hair:  Excellent

Emissions:  Excellent

Noise:  Fair

Handling:  Fair

Weight: 23 lbs.

 

CONSUMER REPORTS ONLINE / JULY 2014

<span style="text-decoration: underline;">Aerus Fresh Era</span>

Price:  $500

Overall Score:  44 (Kenmore Elite 31150 remains top-scorer at 74) 

Carpet:  Good

Bare Floors:  Very Good

Tool Air Flow:  Not applicable (does not have tools)

Pet Hair:  Excellent

Emissions:  Excellent

Noise:  Fair

Handling:  Very Good

Weight:  11 lbs.

 

You're welcome, Matt!

 

 

 

 

[NYCWriter]

WOW ...

Apparently they've turned over a new leaf (of sorts).

 

[frigilux]

...turned over a new leaf...

 

Not really, Matt.  I keep a pretty close eye on both the print and online versions and even I find it frustrating to track down every model they test throughout the year. It's understandable that others, having less contact with CR on a regular basis, can miss a review.

 

 

 

[NYCWriter]

Well ...

"It's understandable that others, having less contact with CR on a regular basis, can miss a review."

'Tis true.

I've been away from the magazine for a few years now, mostly because of my aforementioned frustrations.

 

[moparguy]

So bumping up this thread... and the discussion on the relevance (and potential bias) of Consumer Reports... their new issue is out... and only Consumer Reports could have a cover lead "2015's Red Hot Rides" and "Our Sneak Peak at the Newest and Best Cars" accompanied by a photo of a... Toyota Camry, LOL! Many may consider the Camry a dependable car, but I doubt that many consider it to be 'red hot'!