|| BEGIN Review of Amazon Reviews of "Handbook of the Navigator" ||
|| RANT ||
Bullivant Houser Bailey said:
22. Defendants' statements tend to subject HBI to hatred, contempt, and ridicule and tend to diminish the esteem, respect, goodwill, and confidence in which HBI is held by the public and by its customers.
Show me where the public holds HBI in high esteem, high respect? Show me where the public holds goodwill and confidence in HBI? Have you searched the Internet and filtered through all the blatant troll advertising and seen the reaction of real people - it is not good.
28. The false light in which defendants placed HBI would be highly offensive to a reasonable person.
A reasonable person? A reasonable person would not expect to be mind manipulated ("Handbook of the Navigator", (blatant grandiose narcissistic marketing in both the persona of Pepin and Magneurol). A reasonable person would not expect to have their perspectives dictated to them, ("Handbook of the Navigator"). A reasonable person would not expect to have their health endangered by a careless, heartless attempt to con and make money off a consumer from a product (magneurol) whose main ingredient has a high degree of correlation in degenerative brain diseases and tumors and the product is promoted specifically to get that ingredient into your brain).
Where is the high degree of respect for the public? For anyone in fact?
36. Defendant published this false and distressing information in bad faith, and in doing so was so motivated solely by malice toward HBI, the desire to harm HBI's business, and to diminish the esteem, respect, goodwill, and confidence in which HBI is held by its customers.
Motivated solely by malice toward HBI! What a bunch of BS. How about a motivation out of concern for others being conned? How about a motivation out of concern for others having their mental health endangered? How about a motivation out of concern for others having their physical health endangered?
This baffles me. I search on the Internet for Eric Pepin or Magneurol or HBI or Higher Balance, etc. ,etc. and the majority (I would guess 95+ %) of it is marketing. There seems to be very little out there that is genuine. If you go and look at sites that have hits, most of it is someone on a thread somewhere starting a discussion that is so transparent that it is an HBI marketing troll it is silly.
A reason-able person would find this repugnant. However so many people are gullible and the New Age market is so huge that there are always plenty of fish in the sea to be hooked.
Eric and his counsel talk about esteem, respect, goodwill, and confidence that the PUBLIC and Eric's customers have in him and his business. Oh, and that HBI is now subject to hatred, what a joke.
Take a look at Eric's book reviews for his seminal work, "The Handbook of The Navigator".
Auxien, HBI, and Remcure were all started by Eric Pepin and Solely owned by Eric Pepin, all in July - August of 2005.
AUXIEN ENTERPRISES, INC.
HBI DYNAMICS, LLC
REMCURE ENTERPRISES, LLC
I see 54 reviews from August 4, 2005 to January 30, 2008
Book Link
Book Reviews Link
Stats of the 54 Reviews
6 Aug 2005
13 Sep 2005
4 Oct 2005
4 Nov 2005
1 Dec 2005
5 Jan 2006
4 Feb 2006
0 Mar 2006
4 Apr 2006 41 to here, 7 to 8 months after business registrations
2 May 2006
0 Jun 2006
2 Jul 2006
1 Aug 2006
1 Sep 2006
0 Oct 2006
2 Nov 2006
1 Jan 2007
1 Mar 2007
2 Jul 2007
1 Jan 2008
Number of 5 Star reviews = 34
25 - 1 review ( All read as marketing - Priebe, Robison are in here )
6 - 2 reviews ( second item a book or dvd - reads as marketing )
1 - 3 reviews ( Otto or Pepin in here it sounds like )
2 - 6 reviews ( apparent follower )
Number of 4 Star reviews = 4
2 - 1 review ( One reviewer makes it perfectly clear that Pepin is marketing products )
1 - 2 reviews ( Reviewer makes it perfectly clear that Pepin is marketing products )
1 - 10 reviews ( Appears genuine )
Number of 3 Star reviews = 4
2 - 1 review ( Read - appears genuine )
1 - 2 reviews ( Appears genuine )
1 - 7 reviews ( Appears genuine )
Number of 2 Star reviews = 1
1 - 29 reviews ( seems completely genuine a must read review )
Number of 1 Star reviews = 11
5 - 1 review ( most appear genuine, 1 or 2 might be distracters that feel HBI ripped them off )
3 - 2 reviews ( Appears genuine )
1 - 21 reviews ( Appears genuine )
1 - 11 reviews ( Appears genuine )
1 - 22 reviews ( Appears genuine )
The 5 and 4 star reviews - constitutes 38 of the total 54
Of the 38 4 and 5 star reviews
27 it is their only review
7 evaluated one other book or product
33 of 38 appear to be Pepin posers, plants to promote
5 appear genuine, of which 2 warn that the book is marketing
The 3 star reviews - constitutes 4 of the total 54
2 it is their only review
1 has one additional review
1 has 7 reviews
Read them, they all appear pretty much genuine, not robotic canned marketing babble
The 2 star reviews - constitutes 1 of the total 54
This reviewer has 29 reviews spread over a great deal time seeming completely genuine
The 1 star reviews - constitutes 11 of the total 54
5 it is their only review
3 have one additional review
3 have 11 to 22 reviews
Judge for yourself, I would guess that 1 or 2 are just vindictive
To me it appears that there are maybe 15-18 genuine reviews out on Amazon and of that I would guess that only 3 to 5 give reviews above a 3.
What appears genuine:
5 star - 2 of 34
4 star - 3 of 4 - 2 make it clear it is marketing though
3 star - 4 of 4
2 star - 1 of 1
1 star - 9 of 11
Average estimated true rating - 2.36
If we count only reviews where the reviewer has more than 3 reviews
5 star - 2 of 34
4 star - 1 of 4
3 star - 1 of 4
2 star - 1 of 1
1 star - 3 of 11
Average estimated true rating - 2.75
Review Examples:
September 8, 2005 - 3 stars
By Claudett
The book is in danger of being just a marketing aid to get you to part with a lot more cash to get the full program from the author.
Whilst it makes interesting reading, it seems to go around in circles at times and in the end the book only teases you - which is fine, so as long as the reader is not misled from the start into thinking they might get something more substantial out of it.
September 14, 2005 - 4 stars
By Bentham
This book left me wanting. But I suppose that was the purpose, once you visit the website and find the information you didn't get from the book is contained on a series of CD's which you have to purchase at X hundreds of dollars. which leaves me sceptical as usual about those people who profess to be helping humanity on their spiritual development for a price.
September 16, 2005 - 1 star
By "Maj"
Very disapointing. This book appeared to be only a huge advertisement to get you to buy more books from said company. Much, much better books out there, especially Disappearance of the Universe and The Power of Now. Actually, Carlos Castanedas' book are much more informative. Save your time and money.
September 26, 2005 - 1 star
By The Watcher
Beware!!
I have just finished reading "The Handbook of the Navigator" and found that the book provided much insight into the higher consciousness of man. The most surprising aspects of man's higher consciousness that I discovered was at the end of the book when to my surprise I learned that the book was really a very expensive infomercial for their expensive meditation course-an infomercial that I paid them to produce. After all the high sounding words about helping their fellowman become truly aware I was disappointed to find that it was just another marketing gimmick and was really all about the money.
September 27, 2005 - 1 star
By Spriggs
The Handbook of the Navigator is beyond disappointing. It is a blatant sales pitch for Mr.Pepin's at home systems for sale. It is full of repetitive comments with no substance. It hints at sharing a meditation or process to increase an individuals higher consciousness. On page 24 it states: It (The Navigator) can help you find a path among the experiences in your life and will lead, at last, into an awakened state of consciousness." The book is titled "The Handbook of the Navigator" which leads one to believe that it is going to teach or convey knowledge or steps to achieve a higher state of consciousness; it doesn't.
October 15, 2005 - 1 star
By Rev. Jeff
21 reviews
I agree with some other reviews posted about this book. It is nothing but an advertisement, cleverly disguised as a book that is supposed to lead you somewhere. It does try to lead you somewhere---right to their website, where you can then spend more money purchasing their "system".
October 17, 2005 - 1 star
By se Kagan
there are no secrets revealed here. this is a promo for his very expensive mail order meditation program. that is if you have been hooked like a fish by this long-winded advertisement.
January 18, 2006 - 1 star
By READERMANWC
11 books reviewed
Burned through the drool in 2 days; it would have been 1 if I started reading earlier in the day. After about the first 15, 20 pages, started wondering when the thing would get better. It never did. Only reason I finished it was some ghosted hope of thinking it would jump off into something bigger and better.(argh!) A pathetically and grotesquely watered down blend of New Age earth worship and Hinduism that is, quite frankly, a grievous and horrific insult to both. Claims on its cover to deliver the "ultimate spiritual experience"? Due to its abject speciousness, I wince to meet the spiritually bereft for whom it does. Clicked on the "order now" & "purchase now" sections of the site, it artfully directs one to, for the "heavily discounted" material? Thank heaven for some reason it couldn't go through. I hope it can't for anyone else so their money isn't wasted. Maybe there were 1 or 2 semi-interesting points raised concerning spirituality; that are covered & amplified much much better in the Bible, which has some substance behind it. Buy a Bible instead for the ultimate spiritual experience. You could get 2 or 3 for the cost of this heavily padded and anoemic marketing brochure. Was thinking of throwing it on ebay to recoup some of my money; but I'd have a conscience problem seeing someone else waste their money. Maybe a day or 2 it'll end up in the trash, if I don't need any Kleenex.
April 4, 2006 - 1 star
By Sambozinni
If I could rate this book a 0 stars I would but since I can't I will give it a 1 ....this is the most gibberish I have read in a long long time. I am a 4.0 graduate and still could not understand what the heck was he talking about. Plus it just led to spending more money on the tapes. Please folks don't throw away your money on this garbage...give it to a homeless person or something you will benefit more.
April 17, 2006 - 5 star
By Warford
6 Reviews
One of the laws of prosperity in all things is to want for others what one wants for oneself. I wonder then how come so many so-called spiritual seekers and co-creating wannabes are so hateful toward someone who is simply seeking that which all of us are after...abundance.
"Love and Light Cult of Self"
May 21, 2006
By Robo "Robo" - 1 star
JUNK! Do you know what's worse than info-mercials? Paying for them!! This book is a complete waste of time and money. All it is is one big advertisement for you to spend HUNDREDS more on more on his JUNK! I was going to burn the book, but now keep it as a trophy to remind myself to beware of MORONS. They are contagious. I was a moron for buying the book. I was even more of a moron for reading past the first chapter, and the only cure is to warn others. I am convinced that anybody who gave this book a good review is either related to the author, or works for him! Remember, friends don't let friends but this book!!
July 21, 2006 - 3 stars
By Dryden
7 Reviews
I have yet to read the other reviews, but I suspect the advert issue will come up.
Through out the book there are what I think of as marketing phrases... something a Robert Allen might use... the higher balance web site *does* sort of look like the ones created by Robert (creating wealth guy).
My only real concern is that Eric seems to need to convince you he is right. I found that somewhat anoying.
July 29, 2006 - 3 stars
By Frontrowseat
I like this book, but not for the reasons that others did. It is a well done piece of cult propaganda, and when is the last time you had the privilege of reading something like that (other than the Bible?) This book is a blend of keen insight and pure conjecture, and ultimately it is a subtle marketing ploy as others here have alluded to. It's value lies in the fact that it brings up some very thought provoking ideas which the average person could well afford to contemplate for a bit. It's detriment lies in the way it takes advantage of the average person's utter lack of critical thinking skills. ...
August 2, 2006 - 1 stars
By Elena
22 Reviews
I downloaded this free e-book off of his website and read about half of it before the puke factor prevented me from finishing it. Perhaps it was that I was hopeful since his adverts suggested enlightenment would ensue, but this inane clap-trap is just too much to take, (for anyone who had done any reading of various esoteric masters from different traditions, anyway). I really don't mind if he has other products which he might push, if the content were really there. I think his heart is in the right place to make this a free e-book so that you can see what you're getting, anyway, and I am grateful that I didn't have to shell out $20 to have my stomach turned over.
Some of his ideas are mildly interesting, but extremely BASIC with lengthy banal parable-like examples (a la What In the Bleep...), that finally just wore me out even though I really wanted to stick it out and finish the book. I really didn't expect to have revealed explanations of the origins of the universe and God for heaven's sake! The advert descriptions led me to believe it really would be focusing on techniques for expanding consciousness. Maybe it's at the end of the book, if you can make yourself keep wading through it [he urges you not to skim or skip anything]--I just couldn't make myself do it! If you can you have a stronger constitution than mine! Go in Peace!
November 11, 2006
By The Iconoclast
Excelent read. The only comment I have is a question to those who condemn this book: Why are you so threatened by the contents of this book? What are you so afraid of?
Where have I heard this before?
July 29, 2007 - 3 stars
By L of Reality
The book failed to "deliver the ultimate spiritual experience" or "demonstrate how to directly plug into an empowering and limitless 'Force'" or "direct the reader into an altered state of consciousness," which claims appear on its dust covers.
I was disappointed regarding other claims made within the book and I suspect that the book is primarily a marketing tool for the author's other products.
January 30, 2008 - 4 stars
By Jake Beamer
Pepin makes some amazing points, but yeah it's partially a plug for his meditation system
Some Choice Reviews
Amazon Review by Robison said:
Calling All Seekers, September 23, 2005
By M. Robison
This book is definately one of those rare gems that will constantly find a home in either your hands or others'. I myself have read it twice and loaned it out to about everyone in my circle of friends.
It spoke to the depths of my soul and inspired me to continue to new hieghts on my journey. Don't let the what may seem as simple language fool you; there are endless wells of knowledge throughout this book and what may just look like a simple sentence, once you read it again it will expand your understanding ten fold.
If you have ever asked the question, "Is there more than me?". Then this is a must have for your collection.
Amazon Review by Jamison said:
Light years beyond!!, September 9, 2005
By Jamison (USA)
The Hand Book of the Navigator was truly inspiring. The information contained within its' pages is light years beyond anything that I have encountered in my many years of searching. It has awakened within me a sense of wonder and amazement that I have not known for quite some time.
The guarantee
_http://www.navigatorhandbook.com/guarantee/
The Handbook of the Navigator is produced by a grass roots operation, dedicated to its circulation.
This book has certainly been controversial and suppressed by select groups. It has been, for the most part, an underground movement over two decades and only now it has moved front and center. Because I want to gain your trust and ensure this book reaches you without bias, I have decided to make an unprecedented offer for a paperback book of this type.
There are 5 star reviews by a Jamison (probably Jamison Priebe) and a Robison (probably Eric Robison) and one by "T. Reed, T.J. Reed" that sounds a lot like either Manny Otto or Pepin himself.
Go ahead if you have the time and take a look at several of the 5 star reviews. See if almost all of them don't sound like pure New Age promotion, there is barely even any attempt to hide it.
I think an Average Reasonable person could see this, it is not difficult to spot. In 33 of 38 four and five star reviews, it is basically the reviewer's only review EVER on Amazon. The person never read another book in their life it appears and yet this one book that they did read in their entire life, they felt compelled to go to Amazon and write a review on. That's not fishy is it? That is holding the public's intelligence in high regard by Eric Pepin. There certainly is an underground (covert) movement to promote this book. That is certainly how someone on the up and up gains the trust and respect of the average reasonable person.
Amazon or EBAY or other such sites will tell you how to spot the self promoters, those who pose, who are trolls to promote a product. It is well known. Marketers know this. The average reasonable person may not be aware of this and how rampant it is, but if they are shown how to spot it, it is plain to see. The average reasonable person does not expect to be deceived. Yet Eric Pepin is doing it plain as day. Where is the esteem, trust, goodwill, respect, confidence in such behavior that Eric Pepin is engendering with the Public, the average reasonable person here?
If you think this is bad, search the Internet for remcure or psychicpill or magneurol. If you want to read some really disgusting words the non posing public has for this product you will find an abundance of it there in those searches.
What esteem, trust, goodwill, respect ... is there? Eric has his followers, but it isn't the average Reasonable Public.
28. The false light in which defendants placed HBI would be highly offensive to a reasonable person.
Who is placing who in a false light? The deception of the Reasonable Public on Amazon is glaringly apparent. The deception of the Reasonable Public is glaringly apparent in the proselytizing of Magneurol as the magic beans of the New Age culture all across the Internet. All the while dozens of research papers show that magnetite is found as an anomalous feature in greater amounts in brain tissues in degenerative diseases and tumors. I would bet Eric Pepin and Baard Williams are even aware of this and don't give one flippin hoot as long as they get the moolah.
Respected journalists' from the Portland Oregonian and the Hillsboro Argus followed Eric Pepin's case and reported on certain facts and published them in the respective newspapers and Eric Pepin in his self promotional send2press release implies directly and indirectly that they are liars and lied about him. Eric Pepin says there was no tape, Kurt Eckert said there was. Who is lying? If Kurt Eckert of the Hillsboro Argus is lying as Eric Pepin implies, why isn't there a lawsuit against Kurt Eckert and the Hillsboro Argus? Eric Pepin's trial transcripts would certainly prove it and you know Eric and his lawyers kept copies even if all the data was expunged from the public view by Eric Pepin. I guess it is from Eric Pepin's scientists, you know,
those scientists, they must of told him to make a logical implication that the journalists were lying. Those darn scientists!