While Tufte claims that Powerpoint "elevates format over content, betraying an attitude of commercialism that turns everything into a sales pitch," Byrne describes how useful it can really be as an art. To me, Tufte makes absolutely no sense when he argues how ridiculous it is to be taught at an elementary age. At one point, Tufte even suggests that kids would be better off if school were closed on Powerpoint presentation days. He then describes how much more constructive writing an "illustrated essay" would be for them.
I completely disagree with Tufte. Even though his argument about Powerpoint being distracting may be true at times, it is an overall decent program for everyone to use. I remember first learning powerpoint at an elementary age and finding it much more fun than just listening to a professor drone on. Being part of a technologically drawn generation, I believe that it is important for children today to learn programs like powerpoint. In the long run, it will help them become technologically advanced. I think it just gives them more of an incite to just how fun and artistic presentations can be.
Byrne states "The content, I learned, was in the medium itself. I discovered that I could attach my photographs, short videos, scanned images, and music. What's more, the application can be made to run by itself -no one even needs to be at the podium. How fantastic! Although I began by making fun of the medium, I soon realized I could actually create things that were beautiful."
photo by: Wonderlane
I agree with Byrne because even though he pokes fun at the program, he still finds it interesting and useful. The article is filled with fun facts about the program and focuses on the idea that it can be used as an "artistic agent" for presentation. To me, this was very clear and convincing.
Therefore, I am on David Byrne's team because it was clearly more interesting to read about Powerpoint as an art as opposed to reading Tufte's complaints.
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