[longtime e reader @ Apr 10th 2007 3:11PM]

Dear Evan,

I am the writer at circuitcity.com responsible for virtually all of the GPS products that go up on our site, including the Mio C220. Thanks for bringing this possible error to my attention – I’m researching it now and will correct it if necessary.

Part of writing for CC.com is to maintain the highest integrity. We’re only allowed to take information directly from the manufacturer – no amazon.com, no Crutchfield, etc. I got the information for this particular product from Mio’s European site, because as you note in your blog, it’s the only information available (and as a mfr. site, acceptable for me to use).

The site does not mention different versions for the US and Europe. There may be, which is why I’m looking into it. But since there was little reason for me to suspect, I posted the C220 product highlights as you currently see on our web site.

Writing for a major CE retailer means I handle a lot of products. In addition to GPS, I am responsible for the rest of the mobile categories as well. In order to get my work done, I must maintain a balance between pursuing my product information to the furthest extent, versus getting my products online. Most of the time, I have no reason to judge mfr. product information as incorrect, incomplete or erroneous, which means I use it for my own product descriptions. The unfortunate result of this process is that sometimes mistakes on the mfr.’s web site or materials will make it into my own copy.

Where I take issue with your blog is that despite slamming the accuracy of my own writing, you don’t hold yourself to the same standards:

“But hey, what can you really expect from such an entry level system, or from a retailer which just fired all the good people who knew anything about its products?”

Reading a single official press release would have provided you with the facts regarding this situation. First, the people that were fired were overpaid store associates. The web site is run from the corporate headquarters in Richmond, and we didn’t lose a single person. Second, I’ve been writing GPS here for almost 2 years. That doesn’t make me immune from mistakes, but I’m hardly a rookie.

I was relying on the information that I could find. You apparently didn’t look for any at all. Hypocrisy might make a cute punch line at the end of your blog… but it’s hypocrisy all the same.

[Clay @ Jul 9th 2007 6:03AM]

I recently bought a MIO C220 at the CC store in Richmond while in the States, now I am back home in Italy, and I would like to use the unit at home as well.
I read on MIO's FAQ that since I have a US C220 unit maps should be bought in the same region or through their web shop.
I am interested on the italian map for my US MIO device, any chance to buy it at your CC store??
(I could not find it on the CC web page)
Thanks for your help on this subjec
Clay