[Richard Rowe]

Hi guys, my name is Richard Rowe, and I'm a writer. I've been reading the ecomodder forum for quite a while now, and I thought I'd finally register to communicate with the crowd. And to ask for your help criticizing something.

I'm an auto writer primarily; I recently published a book through Demand Media titled Autos 101: Basic Car Maintenance. I doubt you guys would be interested in the subject matter, but it's available on Amazon, and through Books A Million and Barnes and Noble later this summer.

Anyway, I didn't come to plug my last book. I came to get some help on my newest one. For some time now, I've had it in my mind to write THE definitive book on driving for maximum fuel economy. Not modifying (that's a different book)...just driving. As a lot of you know, there are a million different opinions on the best ways to maximize mileage, and a million and one ways to be wrong. What I've done with Driven to Save is to examine the physics of the automobile, starting at the First Law, right up through computer modeling of aerodynamic drag and BSFC, to finally put to rest all of those burning questions once and for all. And using maths, I've come to some really interesting conclusions -- all solid, and all verifiable. Well, almost all. That's where you guys come in.

What I need is a group of the most hard-core, argumentative, anal-retentive, belly-pan-building, warm-air-intaking hypermilers out there to call me on BS. Fact is, not all of these calculations have been tested in the real world; and if they have, then I don't know about it. For the most part, I've drawn upon my understanding of physics, love of aerodynamics, near-decade experience driving and working on tractor trailers, and racing and race-car-building experience to draw the conclusions that I have. And I did everything as scientifically as possible, performing the calculations based upon my hypotheses first, and then seeking out research to see if they were correct. And I had to scrap a few, believe you me. Which shows that I don't know everything. But I'm pretty sure that, collectively, you do. Plus, let's face it...as it stands, YOU guys are my target audience. So, if anyone's going to call me on BS, it'll be you. Not that there is any as far as I know, but that's what I need you for.

I need guys/girls who can offer either proof or refutation (in the form of hard data, preferably, or personal experience otherwise) of the techniques I've outlined before this thing hits the news-stands. And, any input you have on the book's style is welcome too.

Speaking of which: I really wanted to write something capable of going mainstream...a book that might even see use in drivers' ed classes around the country and the world. I'm not sure I succeeded, exactly...what with all those references to the brake pedal as "Satan's Footrest," paragraphs devoted to NASA's Vomit Comet, and an entire section on the zen art of anticipation and tactile memory. BUT...I'd rather it be fun than mainstream. I mean, God almighty...what good is good information if no one wants to read it? As such, the tone is...shall we say...casual. I write as though I'm talking to a friend, and I take joy in explaining complex subject matter in a way that everyone can understand.

So, there it is. If this sounds like something you'd be interested in tearing apart, then I'd rather it be you than a paid critic. This is D2S's crucible by fire...so, please, light em up! The book's in second-draft rewrite now, so this is the time to catch screwups before they head off to Mein Editor.

And, by the way, it's probably worth mentioning that throughout the course of this project, I've made good use of Ecomodder's tools, resources and forum discussions. I've even (hail mary) lifted a couple of pics from forum posts. Credited, of course. So, I'd be proud to drop "Produced in Association with Ecomodder.com" under the title for all to see. That's only fair, considering how much help you've already been...whether you knew it or not lol. And I'll be happy to mention by name anyone who helps out.


So...any takers?

Thanks!
RR