I sent the spoof out through our Press release system and we have the following "mention":
http://www.carkeys.co.uk/news/2004_may/13/2996.asp
Spoof On Speed
(13 May 04)
CARkeys gets more than its fair share of press releases from various groups complaining about the existence of speed cameras. Normally we don't use them as the basis of news items, simply because the situation doesn't change enough to warrant doing so.
We do, however, take this opportunity to report the heavy sigh that wafted through the office when the latest missive came through from an organisation called Safe Speed, which concerns itself with the "major flaws and false assumptions in the claims made for speed cameras, and the whole 'speed kills' system of road safety".
Or at least that's what it usually does. The latest press release is a self-proclaimed spoof which "reports" on a discovery by the Government Camera Group (spokesman: Dicky Brainstorm) that the primary cause of all known deaths is birth. The Group's reaction is to set up cameras in maternity wards, and heavily fine anyone found giving birth.
Whatever the pros and cons involved in the speed camera of debate, the quality of argument has not progressed one step.
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I thought that was pretty offensive and inaccurate, so I sent the following email:
=======================
-------- Original Message --------
Subject: News item
Date: Thu, 13 May 2004 05:17:49 +0100
From: Paul Smith <psmith@safespeed.org.uk>
Organization: Safe Speed
To:
editorial@carkeys.co.uk
Sirs,
This:
http://www.carkeys.co.uk/news/2004_may/13/2996.asp
Is unkind and unwarranted. It includes: "the quality of argument has not
progressed one step." which is hardly a fair comment about a spoof. In any
case, humour is entirely a personal matter and so far we have received these
comments from others:
"That is the funniest thing I've read in a long time. Are you having a mad
moment? ... Must read it again. Thanks. Brightened my day."
"Please no more, my sides are hurting and I can't see through the tears !!!
Absolutely hilarious !!!
Hang on, don't the partnerships already use that logic"
I am also rather disappointed that you find the quality of our argument poor.
Are you even aware of our arguments and research? There's a 300,000 word web
site and I can put my hand on my heart and inform you that we have done a
great deal to advance the debate with extremely high quality arguments. There
are many items of entirely original research, which, taken together,
effectively prove that speed cameras are making our roads more dangerous. Why
do you think Tom Collins, Former shadow secretary of State for Transport said
(during his term of office and in writing): "I hope you will recognise the
flavour of some of your excellent arguments in statements I have been making
over the past few weeks".
I seriously think you're missing something. If you want to understand it
better you can contact me on 01862 832000.
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The buggers haven't replied. I think I'll email them again.
If anyone else happened to want to email them the address is:
editorial@carkeys.co.uk