brainstorms

Tuesday November 29, 2005

office XML and the art of stage magic

microsoft's office XML moves as stage magic: large props (ECMA, ISO, massachussetts politicians), fanfare, illusion and misdirection.

Many different techniques are used to create misdirection, and all require great amounts of practice to perfect. One technique is the use of natural-looking and confident movements, to disguise any surreptitious manipulations. -- wikipedia [magic (illusion)]

it does not really matter if some in the audience can see through the illusion; their voices will likely be buried under the applause. it is much easier to suspend disbelief than to resist and examine an illusion.

[sun's letter to Massachusetts Executive Office of Administration and Finance.]