Lies, Lies, Damn Lies and Profit

March 31, 2004 4:24 PM

Apophenia, pareidolia and type II statistical error are the product. People looking for signs, visions, miracles and portents are the market. Actual products can get you in trouble, but offering your services as a psychic or spiritualist seems to be safe. You will need a good memory and some public speaking ability. If you're good you can even try to tell the target audience what you're really doing and they'll do their best to convince you that your powers are real. Good luck.
posted by snarfodox (4 comments total)

[this is good]
posted by headspace at 4:58 PM on March 31, 2004

[agreed]
posted by interrobang at 6:19 PM on March 31, 2004

I'm really glad I decided to investigate this post. I just can't resist words I'm not familiar with especially when coupled with a good topic. I must say, snarfodox, that this was very well crafted. Too bad it has a good chance of being overlooked. Well done.
posted by anathema at 10:23 PM on March 31, 2004

This is one of the most important subjects there is in the world today. Cold reading is just the latest in the ways that people manipulate other people. I'm amazed that this post didn't get more of a response. Maybe it's just that the people who would care about this alreadly know about it.
posted by interrobang at 11:11 PM on March 31, 2004