I've been reading the thread since the start, and finally have a worthy contribution..
me=multidisciplinary image/business/strategy consultant, services ranging from large systems design to trad. illustration to animation (2d and 3d, inc. Maya).
patheticloser='middleman', supposed new economy business/marketing expert who has seen some previous work, read services offered spec sheet.
location=initial meeting with potential client for development of 'info-portal' style spinoff business. Clients were quite well informed and knew the industry.
(paraphrased.. the orginal was probably 10x funnier)
patheticloser: ... and yes, we would develop it as sort of a point and click, plugin and play virtual megamall, with our proprietary system(?) we can make it a full interactive, and use the new Maya technology like in the movies, and of course it would be all done in new Flash technology, except we could even use hyperlink technology to make it even better... (on and on.. I didn't interrupt his presentation.. which consisted of a gross misuse of long outdated buzzwords back to back.. by now I could see some of the techies in the client crowd red faced and holding back laughter)
me: That's an excellent example.. my partner here has shown in an informative and humorous way of exactly what can happen if the proper steps aren't carefully implemented in the transfer of business proposition to reality.. and we're here to make sure that doesn't happen. It's imperative that we build and refine a mutual understanding of exactly how the system is to serve the business model, and the precise nature of customer interaction that..... (on and on etc. finishing the consultation properly and setting client on the right path.. a few seconds into this some of the clients burst out laughing, which started the rest going as well - at this point I had them hooked)
patheticloser(later, after meeting): What was the purpose of embarrassing me like that? You think I do busiess like that? I have a <emphasized> REPUTATION </emphasized> here to uphold!... (I just shook his hand and left.. got my cheque just the same, needless to say I am no longer pursuing future business opportunities)
Anyways, that was this afternoon, I instantly thought of dreamless when the meeting had started.. hehe :)
edit- modified self-description to seem slightly more modest :P
[This message has been edited by Petri (edited 12-11-2000).]