ess39 11 2004 1:39PM

"In most experiments, researchers tell the subjects whether or not to lie, and the lies have no effect on their lives. " Ekman sets up most (if not all of his tests) so that this is not an issue. Kottke - you keep posting links to these slight magazine pieces - have you read any of the books yet?

The biggest question of course, it how helpful is spotting a lie? Society depends on bales of shared deceptions. Parents don't have favorites, those pants don't make you look fat and at this company we pride ourselves on an open-door policy.