Magneforce dialog Matthew Fields 8/16/2001 On 7/30/2001 I entered into a dialog via e-mail with marketing people from Florsheim Shoes. I tried to be kind to them while at the same time firmly asking them repeatedly to state exactly what they are claiming for their Magneforce shoe line, since the advertising copy appears deliberately deceptive. What I got from them was a rather odd bunch of rhetoric for their alleged therapy, and no clear statement of what exactly it is. Interestingly, the more pointed my questions, the longer it took them to answer, until finally they seem to have stopped answering. They have evidently experienced some embarrassment about their previous claims to have found a magnetic monopole and embedded it in their shoes, so they have revised this copy to refer to a "unidirectional sole", and when pressed for details, claimed that the "positive" and "negative" parts of their magnets are aligned vertically rather than horizontally (the poles of magnets do not carry positive and negative charges, and can really only be identified by comparision with other magnets, the handiest being the earth itself, hence the poles are called north and south, not positive and negative...). Somebody in marketing thinks the "unidirectional" angle is too good for marketing to just plain give up, despite the fact that it's simply another blatant lie substituted for the "monopole" lie which previously graced their web site. =============================================================================== 7/29/2001 Matthew Fields Date: Sun, 29 Jul 2001 19:41:05 -0400 (EDT) From: Dr.Matt X-X-Sender: To: customer.service@florsheim.com Subject: magneforce Message-ID: X-PGP: http://www.umich.edu/~fields/pubkey.asc MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII Hello, On http://www.florsheim.com/images/MagneForce_01.jpg and http://www.florsheim.com/images/MagneForce_02.jpg your web site claims that "Florsheim has paired the benefits of magnetic therapy..." Can you state what those benefits are? On http://www.florsheim.com/asp/bigimage.asp?Patternnum=0600 your web site states "... unidirectional MagneForce insole." What does this mean, and what is unidirectional about the insole? -- Matthew H. Fields http://www-personal.umich.edu/~fields "Is there a VCO in the house?" =============================================================================== 7/30/2001 Bill Wirz Received: from kingcreole.mr.itd.umich.edu (kingcreole.mr.itd.umich.edu [141.211.14.25]) by alien.imap.itd.umich.edu (8.9.3/3.1i) with ESMTP id OAA04863 for ; Mon, 30 Jul 2001 14:50:16 -0400 (EDT) Received: (from daemon@localhost) by kingcreole.mr.itd.umich.edu (8.9.3/3.1u) with LDAP id OAA24767 for fields@f.imap.itd.umich.edu; Mon, 30 Jul 2001 14:50:16 -0400 (EDT) Received: from gw.florsheim.com (mail.florsheim.com [12.2.22.2]) by kingcreole.mr.itd.umich.edu (8.9.3/3.1u) with ESMTP id OAA24754 for ; Mon, 30 Jul 2001 14:50:15 -0400 (EDT) Received: from chicago_srv1.florsheim.com (mail.florsheim.com [10.3.1.1]) by gw.florsheim.com (8.9.1/8.9.0) with ESMTP id NAA12600 for ; Mon, 30 Jul 2001 13:49:45 -0500 (CDT) Received: by chicago_srv1 with Internet Mail Service (5.5.2650.21) id <3S7C3TSW>; Mon, 30 Jul 2001 13:43:04 -0500 Message-ID: From: "Wirz, Bill" To: "'fields@umich.edu'" Subject: Florsheim MagneForce Date: Mon, 30 Jul 2001 13:51:18 -0500 MIME-Version: 1.0 X-Mailer: Internet Mail Service (5.5.2650.21) Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" [ The following text is in the "iso-8859-1" character set. ] [ Your display is set for the "US-ASCII" character set. ] [ Some characters may be displayed incorrectly. ] Dear Mr. Fields: Thank you for your message regarding the Florsheim MagneForce line of footwear. Scientific evidence supporting the benefits of magnetic therapy has been detailed in 3 double-blind studies and 3 case studies. The double-blind studies are all peer-reviewed and conducted by doctors and scientists associated with reputable and prestigious institutions specifically; Columbia University, New York; Tufts University, Boston and Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York. The double-blind studies referred to above are as follows: *The Influence of Permanent Magnetic Field Therapy on Wound Healing in Suction Lipectomy Patients: A Double-Blind Study.1 *Response of Pain to Static Magnetic Fields in Postpolio Patients: A Double-Blind Pilot Study.2 *Magnetic Mattress Pad Use in Patients with Fibromayalgia: A Randomized Double-Blind Pilot Study.3 Case studies are also available which support the benefits of magnetic therapy. If you would like to receive information pertaining to the double-blind studies and case studies which reinforce the benefits of magnetic therapy, please respond to this message with the location you would like them sent to. Once again, thank you for your interest in our MagneForce line. 1Daniel Man, M.D., Boris Man, M.D., and Harvey Plosker, M.D. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. December 1999. 2Carlos Vallbona, M.D., et al. Arch. Phys. Med. Rebabil. 78: 1200, 1997. 3Agatha Colbert, M.D., et al. Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation 13 (1999) 19-31. =============================================================================== 7/30/2001 Matthew Fields (two messages) Date: Mon, 30 Jul 2001 15:05:24 -0400 (EDT) From: Dr.Matt X-X-Sender: To: "Wirz, Bill" Subject: Re: Florsheim MagneForce In-Reply-To: Message-ID: X-PGP: http://www.umich.edu/~fields/pubkey.asc MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII Very interesting. Several of us would like to have a look at this information. Would you please send four copies? Matthew Fields 1310 Packard St Apt 2 Ann Arbor MI 48104 On Mon, 30 Jul 2001, Wirz, Bill wrote: > Received: from kingcreole.mr.itd.umich.edu (kingcreole.mr.itd.umich.edu > [141.211.14.25]) > by alien.imap.itd.umich.edu (8.9.3/3.1i) with ESMTP id OAA04863 > for ; Mon, 30 Jul 2001 14:50:16 -0400 (EDT) > Received: (from daemon@localhost) > by kingcreole.mr.itd.umich.edu (8.9.3/3.1u) with LDAP id OAA24767 > for fields@f.imap.itd.umich.edu; Mon, 30 Jul 2001 14:50:16 -0400 (EDT) > Received: from gw.florsheim.com (mail.florsheim.com [12.2.22.2]) > by kingcreole.mr.itd.umich.edu (8.9.3/3.1u) with ESMTP id OAA24754 > for ; Mon, 30 Jul 2001 14:50:15 -0400 (EDT) > Received: from chicago_srv1.florsheim.com (mail.florsheim.com [10.3.1.1]) > by gw.florsheim.com (8.9.1/8.9.0) with ESMTP id NAA12600 > for ; Mon, 30 Jul 2001 13:49:45 -0500 (CDT) > Received: by chicago_srv1 with Internet Mail Service (5.5.2650.21) > id <3S7C3TSW>; Mon, 30 Jul 2001 13:43:04 -0500 > Message-ID: > From: "Wirz, Bill" > To: "'fields@umich.edu'" > Subject: Florsheim MagneForce > Date: Mon, 30 Jul 2001 13:51:18 -0500 > MIME-Version: 1.0 > X-Mailer: Internet Mail Service (5.5.2650.21) > Content-Type: text/plain; > charset="iso-8859-1" > > Dear Mr. Fields: > > Thank you for your message regarding the Florsheim MagneForce line of > footwear. > > Scientific evidence supporting the benefits of magnetic therapy has been > detailed in 3 double-blind studies and 3 case studies. The double-blind > studies are all peer-reviewed and conducted by doctors and scientists > associated with reputable and prestigious institutions specifically; > Columbia University, New York; Tufts University, Boston and Mount Sinai > School of Medicine, New York. > > The double-blind studies referred to above are as follows: > *The Influence of Permanent Magnetic Field Therapy on Wound Healing > in Suction Lipectomy Patients: A Double-Blind Study.1 > *Response of Pain to Static Magnetic Fields in Postpolio Patients: > A Double-Blind Pilot Study.2 > *Magnetic Mattress Pad Use in Patients with Fibromayalgia: A > Randomized Double-Blind Pilot Study.3 > > Case studies are also available which support the benefits of magnetic > therapy. > > If you would like to receive information pertaining to the double-blind > studies and case studies which reinforce the benefits of magnetic therapy, > please respond to this message with the location you would like them sent > to. > > Once again, thank you for your interest in our MagneForce line. > > 1Daniel Man, M.D., Boris Man, M.D., and Harvey Plosker, M.D. Plastic and > Reconstructive Surgery. December 1999. > 2Carlos Vallbona, M.D., et al. Arch. Phys. Med. Rebabil. 78: 1200, 1997. > 3Agatha Colbert, M.D., et al. Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal > Rehabilitation 13 (1999) 19-31. > -- Matthew H. Fields http://www-personal.umich.edu/~fields "Is there a VCO in the house?" Date: Mon, 30 Jul 2001 15:12:11 -0400 (EDT) From: Dr.Matt X-X-Sender: To: "Wirz, Bill" Subject: Re: Florsheim MagneForce In-Reply-To: Message-ID: X-PGP: http://www.umich.edu/~fields/pubkey.asc MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII On http://www.florsheim.com/asp/bigimage.asp?Patternnum=0600 your web site states "... unidirectional MagneForce insole." What does this mean, and what is unidirectional about the insole? I asked you this before but your message to me doesn't explain or refer to anything that explains this. I am very interested to have your explanation. On Mon, 30 Jul 2001, Wirz, Bill wrote: > Received: from kingcreole.mr.itd.umich.edu (kingcreole.mr.itd.umich.edu > [141.211.14.25]) > by alien.imap.itd.umich.edu (8.9.3/3.1i) with ESMTP id OAA04863 > for ; Mon, 30 Jul 2001 14:50:16 -0400 (EDT) > Received: (from daemon@localhost) > by kingcreole.mr.itd.umich.edu (8.9.3/3.1u) with LDAP id OAA24767 > for fields@f.imap.itd.umich.edu; Mon, 30 Jul 2001 14:50:16 -0400 (EDT) > Received: from gw.florsheim.com (mail.florsheim.com [12.2.22.2]) > by kingcreole.mr.itd.umich.edu (8.9.3/3.1u) with ESMTP id OAA24754 > for ; Mon, 30 Jul 2001 14:50:15 -0400 (EDT) > Received: from chicago_srv1.florsheim.com (mail.florsheim.com [10.3.1.1]) > by gw.florsheim.com (8.9.1/8.9.0) with ESMTP id NAA12600 > for ; Mon, 30 Jul 2001 13:49:45 -0500 (CDT) > Received: by chicago_srv1 with Internet Mail Service (5.5.2650.21) > id <3S7C3TSW>; Mon, 30 Jul 2001 13:43:04 -0500 > Message-ID: > From: "Wirz, Bill" > To: "'fields@umich.edu'" > Subject: Florsheim MagneForce > Date: Mon, 30 Jul 2001 13:51:18 -0500 > MIME-Version: 1.0 > X-Mailer: Internet Mail Service (5.5.2650.21) > Content-Type: text/plain; > charset="iso-8859-1" > > Dear Mr. Fields: > > Thank you for your message regarding the Florsheim MagneForce line of > footwear. > > Scientific evidence supporting the benefits of magnetic therapy has been > detailed in 3 double-blind studies and 3 case studies. The double-blind > studies are all peer-reviewed and conducted by doctors and scientists > associated with reputable and prestigious institutions specifically; > Columbia University, New York; Tufts University, Boston and Mount Sinai > School of Medicine, New York. > > The double-blind studies referred to above are as follows: > *The Influence of Permanent Magnetic Field Therapy on Wound Healing > in Suction Lipectomy Patients: A Double-Blind Study.1 > *Response of Pain to Static Magnetic Fields in Postpolio Patients: > A Double-Blind Pilot Study.2 > *Magnetic Mattress Pad Use in Patients with Fibromayalgia: A > Randomized Double-Blind Pilot Study.3 > > Case studies are also available which support the benefits of magnetic > therapy. > > If you would like to receive information pertaining to the double-blind > studies and case studies which reinforce the benefits of magnetic therapy, > please respond to this message with the location you would like them sent > to. > > Once again, thank you for your interest in our MagneForce line. > > 1Daniel Man, M.D., Boris Man, M.D., and Harvey Plosker, M.D. Plastic and > Reconstructive Surgery. December 1999. > 2Carlos Vallbona, M.D., et al. Arch. Phys. Med. Rebabil. 78: 1200, 1997. > 3Agatha Colbert, M.D., et al. Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal > Rehabilitation 13 (1999) 19-31. > -- Matthew H. Fields http://www-personal.umich.edu/~fields "Is there a VCO in the house?" =============================================================================== 8/1/2001 Joe Murphy From Joe.Murphy@FLORSHEIM.com Thu Aug 16 13:13:43 2001 Received: from funinacapulco.mr.itd.umich.edu (funinacapulco.mr.itd.umich.edu [141.211.14.27]) by alien.imap.itd.umich.edu (8.9.3/3.1i) with ESMTP id QAA25155 for ; Wed, 1 Aug 2001 16:14:18 -0400 (EDT) Received: (from daemon@localhost) by funinacapulco.mr.itd.umich.edu (8.9.3/3.1u) with LDAP id QAA09495 for fields@f.imap.itd.umich.edu; Wed, 1 Aug 2001 16:14:02 -0400 (EDT) Received: from gw.florsheim.com (mail.florsheim.com [12.2.22.2]) by funinacapulco.mr.itd.umich.edu (8.9.3/3.1u) with ESMTP id QAA09300 for ; Wed, 1 Aug 2001 16:13:56 -0400 (EDT) Received: from chicago_srv1.florsheim.com (mail.florsheim.com [10.3.1.1]) by gw.florsheim.com (8.9.1/8.9.0) with ESMTP id PAA10898 for ; Wed, 1 Aug 2001 15:13:37 -0500 (CDT) Received: by chicago_srv1 with Internet Mail Service (5.5.2650.21) id <3S7C3X1K>; Wed, 1 Aug 2001 15:06:57 -0500 Message-ID: From: "Murphy, Joe" To: "'fields@umich.edu'" Cc: "Wirz, Bill" Subject: FW: Florsheim MagneForce Date: Wed, 1 Aug 2001 15:15:07 -0500 MIME-Version: 1.0 X-Mailer: Internet Mail Service (5.5.2650.21) Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" [ The following text is in the "iso-8859-1" character set. ] [ Your display is set for the "US-ASCII" character set. ] [ Some characters may be displayed incorrectly. ] Dr. Matt, The magnet we use in our shoes is a flexible rubber / ferrous (?) oxide compound similar in appearance to the ubiquitous rubber refrigerator magnets. Ours has been magnetized in such a way that the top side is positive and the bottom is negative, versus the usual magnet that has both positive and negative on each side. We put the magnet in the shoe so that the negative polarity side is facing up (towards the bottom of the foot), thus the term "unidirectional". Hopefully, this answers your question. If you would like any further information, do not hesitate to contact me. Sincerely, Joseph Murphy Director, International Sourcing Florsheim Group, Inc. -----Original Message----- From: Wirz, Bill Sent: Tuesday, July 31, 2001 1:05 PM To: Murphy, Joe Subject: FW: Florsheim MagneForce Joe: Please answer this gentleman's request for an explanation of what an "unidirectional" magnet is. Thank you. Bill Wirz Manager, e-Commerce Florsheim Group Inc. www.florsheim.com -----Original Message----- From: Dr.Matt [mailto:fields@umich.edu] Sent: Monday, July 30, 2001 2:12 PM To: Wirz, Bill Subject: Re: Florsheim MagneForce On http://www.florsheim.com/asp/bigimage.asp?Patternnum=0600 your web site states "... unidirectional MagneForce insole." What does this mean, and what is unidirectional about the insole? I asked you this before but your message to me doesn't explain or refer to anything that explains this. I am very interested to have your explanation. On Mon, 30 Jul 2001, Wirz, Bill wrote: > Received: from kingcreole.mr.itd.umich.edu (kingcreole.mr.itd.umich.edu > [141.211.14.25]) > by alien.imap.itd.umich.edu (8.9.3/3.1i) with ESMTP id OAA04863 > for ; Mon, 30 Jul 2001 14:50:16 -0400 (EDT) > Received: (from daemon@localhost) > by kingcreole.mr.itd.umich.edu (8.9.3/3.1u) with LDAP id OAA24767 > for fields@f.imap.itd.umich.edu; Mon, 30 Jul 2001 14:50:16 -0400 (EDT) > Received: from gw.florsheim.com (mail.florsheim.com [12.2.22.2]) > by kingcreole.mr.itd.umich.edu (8.9.3/3.1u) with ESMTP id OAA24754 > for ; Mon, 30 Jul 2001 14:50:15 -0400 (EDT) > Received: from chicago_srv1.florsheim.com (mail.florsheim.com [10.3.1.1]) > by gw.florsheim.com (8.9.1/8.9.0) with ESMTP id NAA12600 > for ; Mon, 30 Jul 2001 13:49:45 -0500 (CDT) > Received: by chicago_srv1 with Internet Mail Service (5.5.2650.21) > id <3S7C3TSW>; Mon, 30 Jul 2001 13:43:04 -0500 > Message-ID: > From: "Wirz, Bill" > To: "'fields@umich.edu'" > Subject: Florsheim MagneForce > Date: Mon, 30 Jul 2001 13:51:18 -0500 > MIME-Version: 1.0 > X-Mailer: Internet Mail Service (5.5.2650.21) > Content-Type: text/plain; > charset="iso-8859-1" > > Dear Mr. Fields: > > Thank you for your message regarding the Florsheim MagneForce line of > footwear. > > Scientific evidence supporting the benefits of magnetic therapy has been > detailed in 3 double-blind studies and 3 case studies. The double-blind > studies are all peer-reviewed and conducted by doctors and scientists > associated with reputable and prestigious institutions specifically; > Columbia University, New York; Tufts University, Boston and Mount Sinai > School of Medicine, New York. > > The double-blind studies referred to above are as follows: > *The Influence of Permanent Magnetic Field Therapy on Wound Healing > in Suction Lipectomy Patients: A Double-Blind Study.1 > *Response of Pain to Static Magnetic Fields in Postpolio Patients: > A Double-Blind Pilot Study.2 > *Magnetic Mattress Pad Use in Patients with Fibromayalgia: A > Randomized Double-Blind Pilot Study.3 > > Case studies are also available which support the benefits of magnetic > therapy. > > If you would like to receive information pertaining to the double-blind > studies and case studies which reinforce the benefits of magnetic therapy, > please respond to this message with the location you would like them sent > to. > > Once again, thank you for your interest in our MagneForce line. > > 1Daniel Man, M.D., Boris Man, M.D., and Harvey Plosker, M.D. Plastic and > Reconstructive Surgery. December 1999. > 2Carlos Vallbona, M.D., et al. Arch. Phys. Med. Rebabil. 78: 1200, 1997. > 3Agatha Colbert, M.D., et al. Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal > Rehabilitation 13 (1999) 19-31. > -- Matthew H. Fields http://www-personal.umich.edu/~fields "Is there a VCO in the house?" =============================================================================== 8/2/2001 Matthew Fields Date: Thu, 2 Aug 2001 18:03:26 -0400 (EDT) From: Dr.Matt X-X-Sender: To: "Wirz, Bill" Subject: Re: Florsheim MagneForce In-Reply-To: Message-ID: MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII On Sunday 29 July, I wrote to you as follows: "On http://www.florsheim.com/images/MagneForce_01.jpg and http://www.florsheim.com/images/MagneForce_02.jpg your web site claims that "Florsheim has paired the benefits of magnetic therapy..." Can you state what those benefits are?" I am now in receipt of a package of papers from you describing the use of magnets in three patients with hand injuries, in the matresses of fibromyalgia patients, and and in liposuction. I'm afraid my question has not been answered, so I I am now rephrasing it so that it is clear: Your web site is designed so that any reasonable person will conclude that you claim that the inclusion of magnets in your shoes has benefits for the wearer. What are those benefits? I am interested quite specifically in what your Magneforce shoes do for the wearer. Really, on your web site you seem quite proud to be offering the benefits of Magneforce shoes, and I cannot see why you wouldn't be direct and forthcoming in detailing those benefits. Matthew Fields, composer 1310 Packard St Apt 2 Ann Arbor, MI 48104 On Mon, 30 Jul 2001, Wirz, Bill wrote: > Received: from kingcreole.mr.itd.umich.edu (kingcreole.mr.itd.umich.edu > [141.211.14.25]) > by alien.imap.itd.umich.edu (8.9.3/3.1i) with ESMTP id OAA04863 > for ; Mon, 30 Jul 2001 14:50:16 -0400 (EDT) > Received: (from daemon@localhost) > by kingcreole.mr.itd.umich.edu (8.9.3/3.1u) with LDAP id OAA24767 > for fields@f.imap.itd.umich.edu; Mon, 30 Jul 2001 14:50:16 -0400 (EDT) > Received: from gw.florsheim.com (mail.florsheim.com [12.2.22.2]) > by kingcreole.mr.itd.umich.edu (8.9.3/3.1u) with ESMTP id OAA24754 > for ; Mon, 30 Jul 2001 14:50:15 -0400 (EDT) > Received: from chicago_srv1.florsheim.com (mail.florsheim.com [10.3.1.1]) > by gw.florsheim.com (8.9.1/8.9.0) with ESMTP id NAA12600 > for ; Mon, 30 Jul 2001 13:49:45 -0500 (CDT) > Received: by chicago_srv1 with Internet Mail Service (5.5.2650.21) > id <3S7C3TSW>; Mon, 30 Jul 2001 13:43:04 -0500 > Message-ID: > From: "Wirz, Bill" > To: "'fields@umich.edu'" > Subject: Florsheim MagneForce > Date: Mon, 30 Jul 2001 13:51:18 -0500 > MIME-Version: 1.0 > X-Mailer: Internet Mail Service (5.5.2650.21) > Content-Type: text/plain; > charset="iso-8859-1" > > Dear Mr. Fields: > > Thank you for your message regarding the Florsheim MagneForce line of > footwear. > > Scientific evidence supporting the benefits of magnetic therapy has been > detailed in 3 double-blind studies and 3 case studies. The double-blind > studies are all peer-reviewed and conducted by doctors and scientists > associated with reputable and prestigious institutions specifically; > Columbia University, New York; Tufts University, Boston and Mount Sinai > School of Medicine, New York. > > The double-blind studies referred to above are as follows: > *The Influence of Permanent Magnetic Field Therapy on Wound Healing > in Suction Lipectomy Patients: A Double-Blind Study.1 > *Response of Pain to Static Magnetic Fields in Postpolio Patients: > A Double-Blind Pilot Study.2 > *Magnetic Mattress Pad Use in Patients with Fibromayalgia: A > Randomized Double-Blind Pilot Study.3 > > Case studies are also available which support the benefits of magnetic > therapy. > > If you would like to receive information pertaining to the double-blind > studies and case studies which reinforce the benefits of magnetic therapy, > please respond to this message with the location you would like them sent > to. > > Once again, thank you for your interest in our MagneForce line. > > 1Daniel Man, M.D., Boris Man, M.D., and Harvey Plosker, M.D. Plastic and > Reconstructive Surgery. December 1999. > 2Carlos Vallbona, M.D., et al. Arch. Phys. Med. Rebabil. 78: 1200, 1997. > 3Agatha Colbert, M.D., et al. Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal > Rehabilitation 13 (1999) 19-31. > -- Matthew H. Fields http://www-personal.umich.edu/~fields "Is there a serialist in the house?" =============================================================================== 8/7/2001 Bill Wirz From bill.wirz@florsheim.com Thu Aug 16 13:13:45 2001 Received: from easycomeeasygo.mr.itd.umich.edu (easycomeeasygo.mr.itd.umich.edu [141.211.14.26]) by alien.imap.itd.umich.edu (8.9.3/3.1i) with ESMTP id KAA25876 for ; Tue, 7 Aug 2001 10:06:04 -0400 (EDT) Received: (from daemon@localhost) by easycomeeasygo.mr.itd.umich.edu (8.9.3/3.1u) with LDAP id KAA20049 for fields@f.imap.itd.umich.edu; Tue, 7 Aug 2001 10:06:04 -0400 (EDT) Received: from gw.florsheim.com (mail.florsheim.com [12.2.22.2]) by easycomeeasygo.mr.itd.umich.edu (8.9.3/3.1u) with ESMTP id KAA20016 for ; Tue, 7 Aug 2001 10:06:03 -0400 (EDT) Received: from chicago_srv1.florsheim.com (mail.florsheim.com [10.3.1.1]) by gw.florsheim.com (8.9.1/8.9.0) with ESMTP id JAA00964 for ; Tue, 7 Aug 2001 09:05:19 -0500 (CDT) Received: by chicago_srv1 with Internet Mail Service (5.5.2650.21) id <3S7C38M1>; Tue, 7 Aug 2001 08:58:42 -0500 Message-ID: From: "Wirz, Bill" To: "'fields@umich.edu'" Subject: RE: Florsheim MagneForce Date: Tue, 7 Aug 2001 09:06:55 -0500 MIME-Version: 1.0 X-Mailer: Internet Mail Service (5.5.2650.21) Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" [ The following text is in the "iso-8859-1" character set. ] [ Your display is set for the "US-ASCII" character set. ] [ Some characters may be displayed incorrectly. ] There is a substantial and developing body of information concerning magnetic therapy. Some of that information has been generated by rigorous scientific tests and analyses, and we previously forwarded some of that to you. Also, there are scientific and medical case studies, as well as anecdotal information and testimonials. This information has been disseminated in numerous scientific and popular publications. Also, as I am sure you are aware, there is an extensive and expanding group of products that contain magnets. The growing popularity and demand for these products indicate that consumers experience a benefit from magnetic therapy. Undoubtedly, consumers will differ in the amount or decree of benefit experienced. Florsheim's statements concerning MagneForce shoes relate to the general satisfaction consumers have derived from magnetic therapy. It is for the consumer to decide whether and to what extent their sense of well-being will be enhanced by this type of magnetic therapy. Presumably, some consumers will have heard favorable comments from others who have benefited from magnetic therapy, while other consumers may have researched this subject for themselves. Whatever the source of the consumer's information or belief concerning the benefits of magnetic therapy, Florsheim trusts its customers to make the most appropriate individual decision. I trust this provides the information you requested. -----Original Message----- From: Dr.Matt [mailto:fields@umich.edu] Sent: Thursday, August 02, 2001 5:03 PM To: Wirz, Bill Subject: Re: Florsheim MagneForce On Sunday 29 July, I wrote to you as follows: "On http://www.florsheim.com/images/MagneForce_01.jpg and http://www.florsheim.com/images/MagneForce_02.jpg your web site claims that "Florsheim has paired the benefits of magnetic therapy..." Can you state what those benefits are?" I am now in receipt of a package of papers from you describing the use of magnets in three patients with hand injuries, in the matresses of fibromyalgia patients, and and in liposuction. I'm afraid my question has not been answered, so I I am now rephrasing it so that it is clear: Your web site is designed so that any reasonable person will conclude that you claim that the inclusion of magnets in your shoes has benefits for the wearer. What are those benefits? I am interested quite specifically in what your Magneforce shoes do for the wearer. Really, on your web site you seem quite proud to be offering the benefits of Magneforce shoes, and I cannot see why you wouldn't be direct and forthcoming in detailing those benefits. Matthew Fields, composer 1310 Packard St Apt 2 Ann Arbor, MI 48104 On Mon, 30 Jul 2001, Wirz, Bill wrote: > Received: from kingcreole.mr.itd.umich.edu (kingcreole.mr.itd.umich.edu > [141.211.14.25]) > by alien.imap.itd.umich.edu (8.9.3/3.1i) with ESMTP id OAA04863 > for ; Mon, 30 Jul 2001 14:50:16 -0400 (EDT) > Received: (from daemon@localhost) > by kingcreole.mr.itd.umich.edu (8.9.3/3.1u) with LDAP id OAA24767 > for fields@f.imap.itd.umich.edu; Mon, 30 Jul 2001 14:50:16 -0400 (EDT) > Received: from gw.florsheim.com (mail.florsheim.com [12.2.22.2]) > by kingcreole.mr.itd.umich.edu (8.9.3/3.1u) with ESMTP id OAA24754 > for ; Mon, 30 Jul 2001 14:50:15 -0400 (EDT) > Received: from chicago_srv1.florsheim.com (mail.florsheim.com [10.3.1.1]) > by gw.florsheim.com (8.9.1/8.9.0) with ESMTP id NAA12600 > for ; Mon, 30 Jul 2001 13:49:45 -0500 (CDT) > Received: by chicago_srv1 with Internet Mail Service (5.5.2650.21) > id <3S7C3TSW>; Mon, 30 Jul 2001 13:43:04 -0500 > Message-ID: > From: "Wirz, Bill" > To: "'fields@umich.edu'" > Subject: Florsheim MagneForce > Date: Mon, 30 Jul 2001 13:51:18 -0500 > MIME-Version: 1.0 > X-Mailer: Internet Mail Service (5.5.2650.21) > Content-Type: text/plain; > charset="iso-8859-1" > > Dear Mr. Fields: > > Thank you for your message regarding the Florsheim MagneForce line of > footwear. > > Scientific evidence supporting the benefits of magnetic therapy has been > detailed in 3 double-blind studies and 3 case studies. The double-blind > studies are all peer-reviewed and conducted by doctors and scientists > associated with reputable and prestigious institutions specifically; > Columbia University, New York; Tufts University, Boston and Mount Sinai > School of Medicine, New York. > > The double-blind studies referred to above are as follows: > *The Influence of Permanent Magnetic Field Therapy on Wound Healing > in Suction Lipectomy Patients: A Double-Blind Study.1 > *Response of Pain to Static Magnetic Fields in Postpolio Patients: > A Double-Blind Pilot Study.2 > *Magnetic Mattress Pad Use in Patients with Fibromayalgia: A > Randomized Double-Blind Pilot Study.3 > > Case studies are also available which support the benefits of magnetic > therapy. > > If you would like to receive information pertaining to the double-blind > studies and case studies which reinforce the benefits of magnetic therapy, > please respond to this message with the location you would like them sent > to. > > Once again, thank you for your interest in our MagneForce line. > > 1Daniel Man, M.D., Boris Man, M.D., and Harvey Plosker, M.D. Plastic and > Reconstructive Surgery. December 1999. > 2Carlos Vallbona, M.D., et al. Arch. Phys. Med. Rebabil. 78: 1200, 1997. > 3Agatha Colbert, M.D., et al. Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal > Rehabilitation 13 (1999) 19-31. > -- Matthew H. Fields http://www-personal.umich.edu/~fields "Is there a serialist in the house?" =============================================================================== 8/7/2001 Matthew Fields Date: Tue, 7 Aug 2001 10:48:18 -0400 (EDT) From: Dr.Matt X-X-Sender: To: "Wirz, Bill" Subject: RE: Florsheim MagneForce--Just answer the question, please In-Reply-To: Message-ID: MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII Bill Wirz: This is the third message I've received from you on this topic and you have not answered my question. What you have told me is that Florsheim is advertising magnetic therapy as an established fact (despite the fact that people are daily subjected to MRI fields millions of times stronger than "theraputic" magnets, with no observable effect on their bodies whatsoever). And then mention you are selling customer satisfaction, but you still have not stated what exactly are the theraputic benefits you claim for the use of your Magneforce shoes. Finally, you have explicitly claimed that the theraputic benefits of your magnets are for the customer to decide--after having been exposed to your biased advertising. Saying "Florsheim trusts its customers to make the right decision" simply doesn't make sense. Remember: Tobacco companies have published "research" showing that smoking is completely harmless, making claims that tobacco and nicotine are harmless non-addictive substances---and then, having used huge amounts of money to influence customer opinion, concluded "We know that the customer always makes the right decision". Big Tobacco got in trouble for doing this. This is exactly the kind of thing you appear to be saying in your message quoted below. Real theraputic benefits can be measured and observed using real science to find real truth amid the sea of out error, delusion, and fraud. Customer belief has very little part in it, and your claim that truth derives from customer's beliefs looks to me very much like fraud of exactly the kind of which the tobacco industry has been found guilty. So please, in order that you stop appearing to be deliberately promulgating a fraud, would you please just simply answer one question: What are the theraputic benefits of wearing Magneforce shoes? I am not interested in hypotheses about satisfaction, theories of how the shoes work, references to literature about other magnets or products, or anything that does not simply answer one question. What are the theraputic benefits of wearing Magneforce shoes? Matthew H. Fields composer of classical music Michigan On Tue, 7 Aug 2001, Wirz, Bill wrote: > Received: from easycomeeasygo.mr.itd.umich.edu > (easycomeeasygo.mr.itd.umich.edu [141.211.14.26]) > by alien.imap.itd.umich.edu (8.9.3/3.1i) with ESMTP id KAA25876 > for ; Tue, 7 Aug 2001 10:06:04 -0400 (EDT) > Received: (from daemon@localhost) > by easycomeeasygo.mr.itd.umich.edu (8.9.3/3.1u) with LDAP id > KAA20049 > for fields@f.imap.itd.umich.edu; Tue, 7 Aug 2001 10:06:04 -0400 (EDT) > Received: from gw.florsheim.com (mail.florsheim.com [12.2.22.2]) > by easycomeeasygo.mr.itd.umich.edu (8.9.3/3.1u) with ESMTP id > KAA20016 > for ; Tue, 7 Aug 2001 10:06:03 -0400 (EDT) > Received: from chicago_srv1.florsheim.com (mail.florsheim.com [10.3.1.1]) > by gw.florsheim.com (8.9.1/8.9.0) with ESMTP id JAA00964 > for ; Tue, 7 Aug 2001 09:05:19 -0500 (CDT) > Received: by chicago_srv1 with Internet Mail Service (5.5.2650.21) > id <3S7C38M1>; Tue, 7 Aug 2001 08:58:42 -0500 > Message-ID: > From: "Wirz, Bill" > To: "'fields@umich.edu'" > Subject: RE: Florsheim MagneForce > Date: Tue, 7 Aug 2001 09:06:55 -0500 > MIME-Version: 1.0 > X-Mailer: Internet Mail Service (5.5.2650.21) > Content-Type: text/plain; > charset="iso-8859-1" > > There is a substantial and developing body of information concerning > magnetic therapy. Some of that information has been generated by rigorous > scientific tests and analyses, and we previously forwarded some of that to > you. Also, there are scientific and medical case studies, as well as > anecdotal information and testimonials. This information has been > disseminated in numerous scientific and popular publications. > > Also, as I am sure you are aware, there is an extensive and expanding group > of products that contain magnets. The growing popularity and demand for > these products indicate that consumers experience a benefit from magnetic > therapy. Undoubtedly, consumers will differ in the amount or decree of > benefit experienced. > > Florsheim's statements concerning MagneForce shoes relate to the general > satisfaction consumers have derived from magnetic therapy. It is for the > consumer to decide whether and to what extent their sense of well-being will > be enhanced by this type of magnetic therapy. Presumably, some consumers > will have heard favorable comments from others who have benefited from > magnetic therapy, while other consumers may have researched this subject for > themselves. Whatever the source of the consumer's information or belief > concerning the benefits of magnetic therapy, Florsheim trusts its customers > to make the most appropriate individual decision. > > I trust this provides the information you requested. > > > -----Original Message----- > From: Dr.Matt [mailto:fields@umich.edu] > Sent: Thursday, August 02, 2001 5:03 PM > To: Wirz, Bill > Subject: Re: Florsheim MagneForce > > > On Sunday 29 July, I wrote to you as follows: > "On http://www.florsheim.com/images/MagneForce_01.jpg and > http://www.florsheim.com/images/MagneForce_02.jpg your web site claims that > "Florsheim has paired the benefits of magnetic therapy..." Can you state > what those benefits are?" > I am now in receipt of a package of papers from you describing the > use of magnets in three patients with hand injuries, in the matresses > of fibromyalgia patients, and and in liposuction. I'm afraid my > question has not been answered, so I I am now rephrasing it so that it > is clear: > > Your web site is designed so that any reasonable person will conclude > that you claim that the inclusion of magnets in your shoes has benefits > for the wearer. What are those benefits? I am interested quite specifically > in what your Magneforce shoes do for the wearer. > Really, on your web site you seem quite proud to be offering the > benefits of Magneforce shoes, and I cannot see why you wouldn't be > direct and forthcoming in detailing those benefits. > > > Matthew Fields, composer > 1310 Packard St Apt 2 > Ann Arbor, MI 48104 > > On Mon, 30 Jul 2001, Wirz, Bill wrote: > > > Received: from kingcreole.mr.itd.umich.edu (kingcreole.mr.itd.umich.edu > > [141.211.14.25]) > > by alien.imap.itd.umich.edu (8.9.3/3.1i) with ESMTP id OAA04863 > > for ; Mon, 30 Jul 2001 14:50:16 -0400 > (EDT) > > Received: (from daemon@localhost) > > by kingcreole.mr.itd.umich.edu (8.9.3/3.1u) with LDAP id OAA24767 > > for fields@f.imap.itd.umich.edu; Mon, 30 Jul 2001 14:50:16 -0400 > (EDT) > > Received: from gw.florsheim.com (mail.florsheim.com [12.2.22.2]) > > by kingcreole.mr.itd.umich.edu (8.9.3/3.1u) with ESMTP id OAA24754 > > for ; Mon, 30 Jul 2001 14:50:15 -0400 (EDT) > > Received: from chicago_srv1.florsheim.com (mail.florsheim.com [10.3.1.1]) > > by gw.florsheim.com (8.9.1/8.9.0) with ESMTP id NAA12600 > > for ; Mon, 30 Jul 2001 13:49:45 -0500 (CDT) > > Received: by chicago_srv1 with Internet Mail Service (5.5.2650.21) > > id <3S7C3TSW>; Mon, 30 Jul 2001 13:43:04 -0500 > > Message-ID: > > From: "Wirz, Bill" > > To: "'fields@umich.edu'" > > Subject: Florsheim MagneForce > > Date: Mon, 30 Jul 2001 13:51:18 -0500 > > MIME-Version: 1.0 > > X-Mailer: Internet Mail Service (5.5.2650.21) > > Content-Type: text/plain; > > charset="iso-8859-1" > > > > Dear Mr. Fields: > > > > Thank you for your message regarding the Florsheim MagneForce line of > > footwear. > > > > Scientific evidence supporting the benefits of magnetic therapy has been > > detailed in 3 double-blind studies and 3 case studies. The double-blind > > studies are all peer-reviewed and conducted by doctors and scientists > > associated with reputable and prestigious institutions specifically; > > Columbia University, New York; Tufts University, Boston and Mount Sinai > > School of Medicine, New York. > > > > The double-blind studies referred to above are as follows: > > *The Influence of Permanent Magnetic Field Therapy on Wound Healing > > in Suction Lipectomy Patients: A Double-Blind Study.1 > > *Response of Pain to Static Magnetic Fields in Postpolio Patients: > > A Double-Blind Pilot Study.2 > > *Magnetic Mattress Pad Use in Patients with Fibromayalgia: A > > Randomized Double-Blind Pilot Study.3 > > > > Case studies are also available which support the benefits of magnetic > > therapy. > > > > If you would like to receive information pertaining to the double-blind > > studies and case studies which reinforce the benefits of magnetic therapy, > > please respond to this message with the location you would like them sent > > to. > > > > Once again, thank you for your interest in our MagneForce line. > > > > 1Daniel Man, M.D., Boris Man, M.D., and Harvey Plosker, M.D. Plastic and > > Reconstructive Surgery. December 1999. > > 2Carlos Vallbona, M.D., et al. Arch. Phys. Med. Rebabil. 78: 1200, 1997. > > 3Agatha Colbert, M.D., et al. Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal > > Rehabilitation 13 (1999) 19-31. > > > > -- Matthew H. Fields http://www-personal.umich.edu/~fields "Is there a surrealist in the house?" I had no idea Hawaii was SO overcast every night.