From: Jed Rothwell * It is hard to imagine any issue less important than whether it is nuclear or some sort of Mills effect, or something completely unknown. As long as it works, what difference does it make what it is?
It could be more important than you realize. Fear of the unknown is always a risk factor and let's not forget a heated political climate. And there is always going to be the chance of some kind of "Hindenburg" silliness anytime hydrogen is employed. No one should be so naïve to imagine that interested parties (i.e. oil or coal companies) would not actually try to stage a fire or other kind of subterfuge - if too many of these get out and start to hurt their profits. Although it might seem to be easier to get into production quickly if it is non-radioactive - that might be problematic since there is always that fear of the unknown, and politicians want to control everything ... so if devices are poised to get to market without an adequate explanation for how they work, then those who might be hurt the most, commercially, will appeal to politicians to delay, delay, delay - lest we unleash some unknown risk factor. Of course UL approval would be an impediment ... that kind of thing. If health issues turns up which can be arguably blamed on the device, that too will be a possible road-block, even if the causal connection is totally bogus. And then there are the patent issues .... Physicists would probably 'want' it to be nuclear so that their training and world-view is not turned upside down, and could be a major problem if remains a mystery. If there was to be any indication that lots of hydrogen is being consumed (once in mass production) - in the sense of disappearing from 3 dimensions, then that could raise alarms. Where did it go? If there were any climate problem or earthquake/tsunami which happened in a way that could be tied to widespread use, you can bet that fear-mongers will be pointing the finger. Bottom line - It is easy to imagine why and how this might not be easy sailing - especially to the extent is disruptive. Perhaps the high initial cost will actually keep it from appearing to be too disruptive for a year or two, and that could help. Jones
<<attachment: winmail.dat>>
