This question is #2 of 2.  The associated question is labeled
“Electronic aid for stutterers:  Fluency Master device.”  Background
information is provided there.

Question 2:  What kind of experience has been reported by users other
than those whose testimonials appear on sites that promote and sell
the product?

- Did it work for them?
- What did they like and not like about it?
- Is it comfortable to wear?
- Is there really a residual effect when the user is not wearing the
device?
- Is a 30-day trial period long enough?

Thank you.
Apteryx

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Request for Question Clarification by justaskscott-ga on 15 May 2003 21:52 PDT

I have found a lot of material on questions 1, 2, and 5, and
relatively little on questions 3 and 4.  I think that the relative
lack of information on question 3 indicates that Fluency Master is not
generally perceived as uncomfortable (although I have seen one opinion
that it is uncomfortable).  I'm not sure what the relative lack of
information on question 4 means -- perhaps that people generally wear
Fluency Master whenever they are in speaking situations.  I have found
two opinions as to question 4: one that it did not have a residual
effect, and one that it did under certain circumstances.

Would a substantial amount of information on questions 1, 2, and 5,
and relatively little information on questions 3 and 4, be sufficient
for an answer?

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Clarification of Question by apteryx-ga on 17 May 2003 00:20 PDT

Hi, Scott--thanks for tackling this question.

I think we could do without too much info. on the question of whether
it's comfortable to wear, since that would probably vary among
individuals and that would also be easy for M. to judge for herself
during a trial period.  (I also picked up somewhere the fact that
there is not a FULL refund if the device is returned within the 30
days--but I don't know how much refund you do get.  "Partial refund"
could be true if you just got one cent back.)

Point 4, though, about the residual effect--I think that is pretty
important to M.  Let me just reemphasize, though, that this question
does not ask about the product but about users' experience.  That is,
we're not asking "DOES it really have a residual effect?" (as in,
let's see validated resports with objective evidence as proof) but
rather, "Do they SAY it has a residual effect?" (as in anecdotal and
testimonial accounts, perhaps on bulletin boards or chat lists or
weblogs).  Do you think you could dig for something like that?

Thanks,
Apteryx

go to www.speecheasy.com for an alternative device and visit
www.ecu.edu/csd/speecheasy  where the device was invented and they may
be able to answer your questions about long term efficacy, ease of use
and comfortability.

PS
if you go to the Eastern Carolina University site, you will note that
one this device has received high media attention (I doubt any of
these high visibility television news shows or Oprah would present
this device if were not a highly sucessful device in providing fluency
to its user!

Thanks, saabster and justaskscott, for taking an interest in this
question.  Since it looks like no one is game to answer it as posed, I
am going to close it.  Umiat's excellent work on the partner question
will do for now.

Apteryx