Any one find the term hypermiler degrading?

[dann_04]

I've been pumping as many mpg's out of everything i've ever driven. And just recently(at least when i noticed it) the media and others have classified me as a hypermiler. I think it's a corny "trendy" term. One report i read said something about the hypermiler revolution and listed on guy who pumps out a whole 60mpg's out of his prius and created the practice of drafting in 2001. I mean it just seems like the newest trend where it clasifys everyone by some corny name. I mean people have been drafting for a long time, but the media treats it like it's new and says a self-proclaimed hypermiler created it? I dunno it just pushes my buttons, i like games, now im a gamer, i'm an IT guy now i'm a geek(i find that offensive), i care about the environment so now i'm green everyone's green, clorox is green. I just hate the media's rotation of "new" stuff, so i refuse to call my self a hypermiler, anyone else feel the same? Maybe i'm being stupid, but thanks for listening to my rant. Don't mean to offend anyone who likes to call themselves hypermilers, for all i know they've been using the term since the 70's and now it's back and "new". I just like to tell peoplemy mpg when it comes up and tell them how they can conserve too rather than just say that i'm a hypermiler, seems awkward.

[whokilledthejams]

It's as degrading as being called a liberal.

However, applying the terms 'green' and 'eco-' to anything and everything is just asinine. Ecomodder, in my defense, makes sense. However, I do like the term 'greenwashing,' as it specifically points out form over substance.

For the record, I refer to myself as an amateur hypermiler.

[SVOboy]

I personally don't like the term because hyper- has an extreme connotation. For that reason I much prefer ecodriver, since I try to be an economical driver, not a crazy-miler.

In the end, I think it's important for people to be able to call themselves what they want and not be labeled by others. One term may be fine for some, but not for others, especially depending on context.

[cfg83]

dann_04 -

Nope. I'm a geek and a nerd. A lonnnnnggggggg time ago, in a mental framework far far away, being labeled would annoy me. Since that time I have learned that if I embrace the label, then I defeat the label (aka it has no power over me).

Sticks and stones and all that,

CarloSW2

[dann_04]

Originally Posted by cfg83

dann_04 -

Nope. I'm a geek and a nerd. A lonnnnnggggggg time ago, in a mental framework far far away, being labeled would annoy me. Since that time I have learned that if I embrace the label, then I defeat the label (aka it has no power over me).

Sticks and stones and all that,

CarloSW2

Makes sense...but then again i would consider myself a nerd or lets say nerdy, but not a geek. Every one has a different out look on labels. I myself have traits, but i don't want to be labled just because i have a trait. But that's me.

[Siaharok]

I agree. When I first encountered the term "hypermilier", it seemed negative to me. I've heard the same from others. I think that the term "ecodriver" is much better than "hypermiler". There's nothing hyper about what we do. Hypermiling...er...ecodriving...is cool, calm, and calculated.

[echomodder]

I like it. It gives me something to tell the people at work when they ask "Why are you backing out of the parking space with out the car on?"

[RH77]

To me, the term didn't have a bad connotation until the past few months (with the mixed Press coverage). Within family and friends, it's known for the benefits and I use the term freely (it was the common definition for a couple years at least)...

But introducing it to new people now, I tend to shift the focus of the lingo to "Eco-Driving" -- and explain Ecology, Economy, both, yadda-yadda...

As far as the topic, people would glaze over at the mere mention of it. Now there seems to be a curiosity with the cost and all.

RH77

[Lazarus]

There is a difference in eco-driving and hypermiling. The more advanced manuever are used in hypermiling and these are the one that the "press" focus on because they can create interest or passion which helps sell papers. Just take a look at comments form any press that is done on gas saving. They totaly miss the point and focus on EOC, higher inflation pressures, and drafting. This starts a flurry of activity of comments on how dangerous it is.

[MetroMPG]

I wouldn't say the term is degrading, but the negative media attention on the inconsiderate and potentially dangerous techniques have definitely changed things.

I forget who posted it recently, but he told his mom he was hypermiling, and she was definitely not happy to hear that! Why? Because she'd only ever heard about it from the media. Considering the ratio of people who understand the practices, vs. the vast number who have read the negative stories, I'd say the term is definitely damaged.

Have to give Wayne due credit for coming up with a catchy term that got wide exposure and drew attention to the issues. But I'd bet that he's wondered about the wisdom of having called it "hyper"miling (see Ben's point).

[dcb]

It don't matter what you call it. Folks drive dangerously and don't want to change so they say the "new" ways are dangerous no matter what you call it. When we are out of gas it will still be someone elses fault. Get over it.

To me hypermiling is good energy management, and it is easy to be a better energy manager than than %99.9+ of the drivers out there currently.

[elhigh]

Degrading? Nuts, I'm thinking about getting it as a tattoo.

[PaleMelanesian]

Anyone like the term Ubermiling instead?
How about double-plus-good-miling?

[Figjam74]

I have to agree with Cfg83. The problem is that the media has already applied the label, the same as they did with 'hackers'. And what did the broad 'hacking community' do? They responded by saying, Ok, we'll give you hackers to define someone who breaks into a system with malicious intent, but we're going to put 'Cracker' on the table for those of us that like to do it for fun. The media and the general public never picked up on it though. If they had owned that term, they could have softened the associated imagery and diluted it.

Hypermiling is extreme, it's about propelling your vehicle down the road in the most fuel-efficient manner possible, getting 'extreme' mileage per gallon. It's also a collection of techniques that vary in risk and difficulty.

In my opinion, hypermiling needs to be expanded on (maybe a classification system like hurricanes) to define what we do better. Regardless of what you call yourself though, you'll still be labeled a hypermiler by the media.

[MetroMPG]

Good analogy with the media-driven popular understanding of "hacking", Figjam.

Palemelanesian: Ubermiling! That's great. But do you have to own a BMW or Mercedes to be an ubermiler?

For that matter, do you have to take Ritalin if you're a hypermiler?

[metroschultz]

When people ask me if I am a Hypermiler I say yes.
I then try to rotate the subject to environmental savings and relay to them that my auto is the first and easiest for me to fix.

If I had my choice I would use EcoDriver credit JohnnyMullet.

The world is changing ever so slowly and if you go back 25 years all of the people who had home computers then were the weirdos.
Patience is a virtue and in ten years we will be the norm and gas hogs will be ostracized for their wasteful disregard of a dwindling resource.

My Mom was also taken back when she heard I was a hypermiler. I hope my explanation has assuaged her fears.

BTW I used to get razzed at work for my economical driving,
Now I get asked how to save at the pump.(although there are still some cavemen out there )
A year ago, right after you designed it, I posted the Ecomodder brochure on the public bulletin board and it lasted about a week.
I reposted it two months ago and it is still up and I still get questions about it.

Wait long enough and anything is possible.

Off my soapbox now.
S.

[rjacob]

I thought about getting a hypermiling type license plate frame. But will all the negative press these days, I will probably just try to stay under the radar. People may get less angry if they think I am just a slow moron as opposed to thinking that I am purposely driving that slow. So I am a hypermiler in stealth mode.

[Doofus McFancypants]

Double plus good -miling !!!!
I love it !!!
( i often use double-plus-ungood at work and get stared at with the "What the hell are you talking about" look in peoples eyes.)

Media loves extremes - Extreme left wants to direct everyoned lives - Extreme right wants to exploit everyting. Extremes sell papers ( or adds in the Web-world)

There are people who draft and run lights - sure as hell is not me.
All i am trying to do is get the most out of my car i can safely get out of it.

Sometimes when i see someone driving fast and reckless - i start singing a little ditty..
instead if "Safety Dance" by Men Without Hats it is Safety Drive..

"You can speed if you want to - you can leave your cash behind.
'cause when your on the gas - and your wasting cash - then your.. no friend of mine...

i can save if i want to - i've got all my life and time
I can drive real slow - like an egg by my toe - it's suprising how the MPG's Climb"

Yes i do make up odd songs all the time - it is one of my Things...

[cfg83]

Doof -

Double+Good on the song!

Hmmmm, D+G sounds like my new acronym.

CarloSW2

[EP3]

Yeah, when I have told some of my friends some have laughed. I don't worry too much b/c I know I am saving gas, money, and now I am driving safer and slowing down. Also I feel my stress level has gone down. But yeah I a closet D&D player/gamer so I am use to the geek world. I grew up idolizing gamers, scary huh! If you don't know what D&D is your truely not a geek =)