Thread: What do you guys think of PhotoReading???

I believe that the premise of the idea has some footing in reality, but as it is with these things.... overhyped. Generally, for marketing purposes the actual effect of it is exaggerated.

Anyway,skepticism aside, it is interesting and i think i'll check it out later when i have more time (and report back).

Originally Posted by Rainman

I have read a lot of testimonials online saying how it changed people's lives and shit, but how do we know that they really photoread? However, I stumbled across a Derren Brown video, where he demonstrates the power of photo reading on camera by memorizing every book in the British library, and accurately reciting a random line, in a random book on a random page word for word EXACTLY.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nFGG6zWByhM

So who knows. What do you guys think?

Actually, I have Derren Browns book. In his section on memory he shows us a couple of techniques he uses, but also firstly "debunks" photo-reading. He went to a seminar on this technique you're talking about and said that it was rather dissapointing. As he understood it, they were teaching something he already knew as skimming.

I don't know whether this technique you're talking about works, (if it does then great) but what you must remember is that Derren is, as he often says himslef, dishonest in his techniques. He most likely didn't memorize every book in the British library (as he once claimed he spent a month memorizing the map of London which obviously fits on a moderately sized paper, memorizing a library of books would've taken years).

I don't know the truth about these things, whether it is about Derren learning a library or the specific thechnique, just take it all with a grain of salt. Maybe it's best that you try it and tell us?

You cannot 'active' your subconscious. It is not like some kind of switch in which you can flick on and off. The ability to extract certain data from it assumes you have complete control over it which is impossible.

I think this is interesting, but I question just how useful it could be. It seems that you wouldn't process the information as well as you would reading it, and in order to actually "know" something you have to be told where the information is, and then seek it and repeat it before understanding it. It'd be great for memorizing definitions of words and scientific terms, but I doubt it would be a very effective tool for processing informatino.

I remember some video where they showed that this was complete bollocks.

They asked some expert to say what was on a page and he basically just came up with some vague rubbish which turned out to be completely wrong, repeatedly...

Can't remember the exact details though. Think it could've been Derren Brown?

I'm not sure if this photoreading is real(it would be great if it is),but instead I'll tell you that speed reading is real(you can check speed reading in wikipedia to see what it is http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Speedreading). Perhaps the photoreading is the final(or just better) "level" of speed reading that allows our brain to receive information in even quicker rates.

Originally Posted by TheLight

I'm not sure if this photoreading is real(it would be great if it is),but instead I'll tell you that speed reading is real(you can check speed reading in wikipedia to see what it is http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Speedreading). Perhaps the photoreading is the final(or just better) "level" of speed reading that allows our brain to receive information in even quicker rates.

According to that wikipedia article, your assumption is correct - though doubts have been raised about the capacity of the brain to process that much information in one time. It's definitely fascinating.

Yeah, idunno. Photoreading seems like something that would be great-- if it were real, like so many other things, but I think it sounds kind of bogus to me. I'll have to find the article I read where a man decided to try it in a controlled setting. He went to all the seminars, learned how to do it, and photoreading versus speed reading showed no difference, and if I remember correctly, a slightly lower comprehension level.

It seems like something that could be possible in a different way, but it seems like a scam to me. Unfortunate.

This sounds like a good idea. I could photoread my way through school, and trance out while I do homework and chores. My conscious life will consist of watching television, listening to music, dreaming, and hanging out with friends.

Wonderful.

The human eye does not have the resolution needed to recognize words in the peripheral areas. That alone seems to cast a lot of doubt.

Originally Posted by katielovestrees

According to that wikipedia article, your assumption is correct - though doubts have been raised about the capacity of the brain to process that much information in one time. It's definitely fascinating.

The human brain is 3.5 pounds of magic encased in each and every one of our heads. Under certain situations its capable of amazing things. We don't have the knowledge yet but with neruoscience in a blossoming infancy we're just getting started. Its definitely possible.

A touch off-topic, but...

Spoiler for What I read:

Flying over the Pacific Ocean some 300 km south of Tokyo, an island looms into sight. Waves crash against the rocky coastline as the plane flies over dark green foliage and a scattering of houses, and soon it has touched down in Hachijoima.

Hachijojima, part of the Izu chain of volcanic islands that stretch out south of the Japanese capital, is a popular diving location, and its marine life carried by the Kuroshio Current also lures anglers.

But the island is also a place where visitors simply go to relax, whether soaking in hot springs or taking in the untouched scenery -- hillsides covered in aloe plants, bright hibiscus and bird of paradise flowers, waterfalls and blackened volcanic flatlands.

Yasuhiro Inoue, the operator of the five-room guesthouse Jugoya, in the Hachijo district, had this idea in mind when he moved to Hachijojima. After the strain of his job as a salaryman in Tokyo's busy Shinjuku district and seeing colleagues die from overwork, he decided to throw in the towel on city life. Hachijojima had attracted him as a diver, and he decided to make a living for himself on the island with the guesthouse, which is decorated with his underwater photographs. He agrees it was a big decision.
Yasuhiro Inoue gives a welcome wave at the Jugoya guesthouse on Hachijojima. (Mainichi)
Yasuhiro Inoue gives a welcome wave at the Jugoya guesthouse on Hachijojima. (Mainichi)

"It's harder financially, but I'm healthier," he says with a smile.

Nine out of 10 visitors who come to stay at Jugoya rent vehicles, Inoue says, adding that driving on the island, which has a population of under 8,500 people, is a breeze.

"If you can't drive on Hachijojima, you can't drive anywhere. It's considered a traffic jam when there are eight cars lined up," he says.

When touring Hachijojima, it's impossible to miss Hachijo Fuji, a dormant volcano which, at 854 meters, is the highest point in the Tokyo Islands. On the slopes of this volcano, whose last recorded eruption was in 1605, is Fureai Farm. A lookout point here surrounded by grassy slopes provides an extensive view of central Hachijojima and the coastline, together with a glimpse of the nearby island of Hachijo-kojima, which has been uninhabited since 1969.
Bright red flowers and palm trees contribute to the tropical island feel of Hachijojima. (Mainichi)
Bright red flowers and palm trees contribute to the tropical island feel of Hachijojima. (Mainichi)

A botanical garden on the islands gives a closer view of some of the flora that gives Hachijojima its island feel, including hibiscus flowers and palm trees. But don't mistake these plants as indicators that Hachijojima enjoys a lot of sunny weather -- the island has one of the highest rainfall rates in Japan, with an annual average of over 3,100 millimeters.

"That's more than double the rainfall of Tokyo," points out Takeshi Kikuya of the Hachijo Visitor Center. It is also windy on the island, and it's not uncommon for the stormy weather to ground flights and keep ships docked.

But there is still plenty to do on Hachijojima even when the weather takes a turn for the worse. The most obvious is a trip to one of the island's several hot springs. One of the most popular places is the Miharashi no Yu hot spring, which has a large indoor bath as well as an outdoor one facing the coast. The combination of the cool weather during the winter months and the steaming water make for a relaxing soak when looking out over the sea.
A weathered fence built from round stones provides gives a unique appearance to a road on Hachijojima. Fences built from these stones have guarded against the rough weather experienced on the island. (Mainichi)
A weathered fence built from round stones provides gives a unique appearance to a road on Hachijojima. Fences built from these stones have guarded against the rough weather experienced on the island. (Mainichi)

For the historically inclined, there is also the Hachijo Island Museum of History of Folklore, which for a modest 360 yen entry fee (150 yen for children under 12) sheds light on the island's history, with displays of old pottery and mirrors, modern and ancient tools. Hachijojima is believed to have been inhabited as many as 6,500 years ago, as pottery and stone tools dating back this time have been found on the island. A collection of drawings at the museum also highlights the island's past as a destination for exiles.

Hachijojima's history is also tied to its traditional production of a silk textile called Kihachijo -- in fact it is said that Hachijojima's name comes from the silk. The dying and weaving process can be seen at the Kihachijo Meyu Kobo factory.
A traditional drum performance is staged at the Hattori Yashiki-ato facility on Hachijojima. (Mainichi)
A traditional drum performance is staged at the Hattori Yashiki-ato facility on Hachijojima. (Mainichi)

Another cultural tradition can be seen at the Hattori Yashiki-ato facility in Hachijo, where performances using large taiko drums and a traditional dance called Kushitate no Teodori are sometimes staged. The accompaniment to the dances is simple: a single person singing over a microphone. But the dancers, dressed in yellow kimonos and wearing red or white headbands have no trouble keeping time, their synchronized steps and handclaps showing their familiarity with the routine.

After tasting the island's culture, visitors may want to sample the local cuisine. One common food travelers may come across is the leafy vegetable ashitaba (Angelica keiskei). In fact it may be difficult to avoid it. Ashitaba tempura is common on Hachijojima, and dishes such as ashitaba soba noodles and ashitaba mixed with a strong-smelling fermented fish dish called kusaya can also be found on menus, together with ashitaba tea. Fresh seafood abounds on Hachijojima, and fish that can be caught during the first four months of the year include amberjack, white trevally and striped beakfish.

Near Sokodo Port, visitors may come across the Anchor Pub. This local watering hole is run by Australian Scott Whitbread and visitors after a western meal will be pleased to find they can order Australian beer and wine here, among other imported drinks, together with Aussie steaks and burgers.

Hachijojima also has its own plentiful supply of shochu liquor. Locals have a tradition of downing the potent alcoholic drink by the bowlful.

"It's said on Hachijojima that if you drink a lot the night before, the weather is fine the next day," says Takaharu Sasaki of the Hachijojima Tourist Association.
Dark rocks protrude from the sea in windy weather on the coast of Hachijojima. (Mainichi)
Dark rocks protrude from the sea in windy weather on the coast of Hachijojima. (Mainichi)

When it rains despite a round of drinks the previous evening he jokes, "Maybe we didn't drink enough." At the same time he points out that the weather can quickly change on the island.

"When you think it's going to rain, the weather can suddenly clear," he says.

Rain or shine, Hachijojima certainly has enough attractions to draw the curious traveler, and introduce them to another side of the Japanese capital.

If you go:

Hachijojima is a short 45-minute flight away from Tokyo's Haneda Airport. Those who prefer the sea can board an evening passenger ship and be in Hachijojima by the next morning. As the weather can change easily and affect travel to and from Hachijojima, it pays to avoid a tight schedule. And due to the high rainfall, an umbrella can come in handy!

http://spreeder.com

If you can keep up at 800 words per minute or better, you get a cookie. And yes, speed-reading works. Not so sure about photo-reading, though. Worth a shot, I guess. Couldn't hurt. (If you get good at it, you can read the news in a couple of minutes.)

Originally Posted by Forsaken

The human eye does not have the resolution needed to recognize words in the peripheral areas. That alone seems to cast a lot of doubt.

I completely disagree. Though I'm not sure about the validity of the concept of photoreading, I assure you, the only reason most people can't see in great detail in the periphery of their vision is because most people spend their lives engaged in a "hard focus" gaze, as some call it. Just like muscles can be exercised to become stronger, so can how you use your eyes change with practice.

Personally, I can see in pretty clear detail out of the corners of my vision. Not perfectly, of course, but much better than I could before I started practicing it.

Look at a word in a big post. Without moving your eyes, what's the furthest word you can read?

It won't be any more than about a centimetre away.

Originally Posted by Xei

Look at a word in a big post. Without moving your eyes, what's the furthest word you can read?

It won't be any more than about a centimetre away.

Whoa, that's a cool trick. I did not know that.

Yeah it's kinda interesting when you nail it down. I mean, that's why you move your eyes backwards and forwards when you read, right? It seems obvious when you think about it, and it highlights how flicking through the pages of a book and reading everything is really just rubbish. Keeping your eye still you can see about a percentile of the page I'd guess.

Originally Posted by Mario92

A touch off-topic, but...
http://spreeder.com

If you can keep up at 800 words per minute or better, you get a cookie. And yes, speed-reading works. Not so sure about photo-reading, though. Worth a shot, I guess. Couldn't hurt. (If you get good at it, you can read the news in a couple of minutes.)

I could at 600, 700 was difficult, but I have never used that method before, I guess some adaptation would help much.

Originally Posted by Rainman

I completely disagree. Though I'm not sure about the validity of the concept of photoreading, I assure you, the only reason most people can't see in great detail in the periphery of their vision is because most people spend their lives engaged in a "hard focus" gaze, as some call it. Just like muscles can be exercised to become stronger, so can how you use your eyes change with practice.

Personally, I can see in pretty clear detail out of the corners of my vision. Not perfectly, of course, but much better than I could before I started practicing it.

Originally Posted by Xei

Look at a word in a big post. Without moving your eyes, what's the furthest word you can read?

It won't be any more than about a centimetre away.

I think you are both right. Though having good detail in periphery vision would not be ordinary, but a extraordinary feat achievable by either training, or some medical situation that forces one to see differently. There is indeed something about the "hard focus" gaze, and it is heavily involved in eyesight deterioration in our society. Accommodation is a whole other topic though.

Originally Posted by Xei

Look at a word in a big post. Without moving your eyes, what's the furthest word you can read?

It won't be any more than about a centimetre away.

Mine was definitely closer to an inch. I notice though if I sit back farther and relax my gaze a bit I can read well over an inch, probably about an inch and a half.

As far as speed reading goes, I tried that thing out and was able to read about 450 wpm comfortably. I should start pasting lengthy articles in there that I have to read for class.

It sounds like normal speed reading. Advanced speed reading, you are basically doing the same thing. Taking a picture of each page in your mind. In normal speed reading you normally question yourself about what you read, as well.

However speed reading does have it's downside. The faster you read something the less you understand it. Though with practice you can get a decent level of reading comprehension and still go pretty fast. And of course, if you are reading fast enough, you can read it two or three times, and that will improve your understanding as well.

You have to keep in mind, that while it might look impressive, if that same guy in the video where to use that technique to read instructions on how to program a computer. He probably couldn't program the computer after doing it.

Even great speed readers and people using photoreading, will take their time when reading important information. Though not everything is worth your time, or a great deal of concentration. So there are practical uses for it.

Originally Posted by Rainman

I completely disagree. Though I'm not sure about the validity of the concept of photoreading, I assure you, the only reason most people can't see in great detail in the periphery of their vision is because most people spend their lives engaged in a "hard focus" gaze, as some call it. Just like muscles can be exercised to become stronger, so can how you use your eyes change with practice.

Personally, I can see in pretty clear detail out of the corners of my vision. Not perfectly, of course, but much better than I could before I started practicing it.

It is literally impossible to see in an appreciable resolution in your periphery due to the biology of the human eye. In fact, as Xei pointed out, the only spot where we actually can see in good detail is about the size of your thumbnail at arm's distance. This is because most of our cone cells -- the retinal cells responsible for visual acuity and color perception -- are highly concentrated in a small spot on the retina called the fovea. No amount of "practice" will change this.

Graph of visual acuity by degrees from fovea (courtesy of Wikipedia):

Omg DuB is back..

Also, here is an illusion with blind spots

I have read several books on speadreading and a couple on photoreading. Speadreading definetly exists and will double or triple your reading speed with a little practice. I won't say that I can photoread yet. But I can walk into a bookstore and flip through the pages of a book (for example a technical book on computers - MCSE, etc.) and in 5 or 6 minutes I can skim every page in the book. At this point I can now make an informed decision as to wether I should buy the book or not. If I know that by reading the book, I won't learn anything - then I move on to the next book. But if I find that there are a few topics that I can learn - I buy the book. Then I slow-read just the areas of the book that I need to learn. By doing this I can learn everything I need out of a 300 page book in only a couple hours. This is far from the 25,000 wpm claims from photoreading. But it is still a 300 to 400% improvement in reading speed with full comprehension. By learning to speedread, even my slow reading speed has increased significantly.

Report conducted by NASA on photoreading: http://ntrs.nasa.gov/archive/nasa/ca...2000009345.pdf

Spoiler for Excerpt of said report from Wikipedia:

These results clearly indicate that there is no benefit to using the PhotoReading technique. The extremely rapid reading rates claimed by PhotoReaders were not observed; indeed the reading rates were generally comparable to those for normal reading. Moreover, the PhotoReading expert showed an increase in reading time with the PhotoReading technique in comparison to normal reading. This increase in reading time was accompanied by a decrease in text comprehension. These results were found for two standardized tests of text comprehension and for three matched sets of expository texts.

It is possible to train yourself to read at 2-3 times the rate at which you are reading at the moment but the claim that you can read up to 25,000 words/minute is absurd... That's nearly 420 words per second. The human mind simply can't process so much information in such a short period of time.

I propose OmniReading, where a person, at the moment of conception, instantly absorbs all information in the multiverse. With the right amount of money, I can teach you this finesse of the subconscious mind.