Page 288 - Making Instruction Work

chap 21 3/14/97 5:00 PM Page 274

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“Yes. Before he sends it to the publisher, he wants to know
whether the book has the right content for its audience and
whether it’s as clear and useful as he can make it.”
“Isn’t he smart enough to answer that for himself?”
“Well,” replied the seasoned one, “he’s smart enough to
know that his mind-reading skills aren’t very good. So to make
sure he’s headed in a useful direction, he’s asked someone to
check it for continuity and completeness.”
“Aha.”
“Here he comes now. The first person to run his mind over
the manuscript is Doctor Magic Whizzmore, played by Paul
Whitmore.”
Just then a dashing figure in flowing robes entered and
began to sing in sonorous tones.
“Why is he carrying that box under his arm?”
“That’s his computer. He always carries it. It’s connected to
his oblong medulla. Shhh. Listen as he tells the writer about his
findings, about his reactions to the content. It’s a very moving
aria.”
“Now what?”
The soprano had returned and repeated her aria entreating
the writer to let her see his work. He bent down to tie his
shoelace; while on his knees he begged the question.
“The suggested revisions have now been made and another
tryout has been done, this time by the baritone in the purple
knickers waving the golf club. This role is being consummate-
ly played by David Cram . . . he plays it often. He’s singing
about how he checked the manuscript for completeness and
content, as well as for its integrity in the corporate training
environment.”
“Does he always carry that golf club?” queried the novice.
“He has to. It’s attached to him. His doctor has told him that
if he ever unscrews the golf club from his hand, his bottom will
fall off.”