Star is finished

By Filip Salo; published on October 19, 2006.

Howtos and tutorials are very popular on blogs and around the web right now, and that's fine. Done right, it's a great way to give clear, unbloated step-by-step instructions on "how to" whatever-the-task-might-be. But sometimes I think people get a bit carried away in the trend.

Exhibit A: How to Draw a Star at WikiHow.

A five-pointed star is so useful. You can use it to draw pictures, make stationery designs or decorate cards for Christmas. It is great for teachers also, who can use it to grade papers or to make a cardboard shape to award prizes or hang as a mobile.

What?! This is like Ron Popeil on crack. (In other words, it's like Ron Popeil, period.) "But wait, there is more! It is great for teachers also! Now how much would you pay?"

You can almost see the old professor struggling with his first, wobbly, five-pointed star, a proud smile spreading across his dusty face as he thinks to himself, "By George, I could grade papers with these! Eureka!"

6. Lift pen from paper. Star is finished.

Well... I think I'll let that be today's metaphor. Lift pen from paper. Because, dude, star is finished.