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About this quote

What does it mean?
A whimsical comment hints at a surprise involving a dog and something in its mouth.
In plain terms
A mystery about what the dog had in its mouth.
What can you take from it?
Use curiosity to engage readers.

Where it applies

  • blog writing
  • presentations

Putting it to work

  • start with a teaser
  • leave a reveal for later

Questions to consider

  • Does the joke add value?
  • How does mystery affect comprehension?

Another view

Too vague comments can distract from the main content.

More from Larry Wall

  1. double value; /* or your money back! */ short changed; /* so triple your money back! */

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  2. str->str_pok |= SP_FBM; /* deep magic */ s = (unsigned char*)(str->str_ptr); /* deeper magic */

    Permalink to quote #246
  3. I think I'm happier with that. $rubyometer += 0.3 or so. :-)

    Permalink to quote #235

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