[LINK] How to develop a photographic memory

Considering the source, I'd assign a high prior probability to the "hokum" hypothesis.

Try this: randomly search the originating site (eHow) for a question regarding a topic you have some expertise on. Then assume as a default that the site is as reliable on topics you do not know as it is on topics you do know.

Just the other day on the IRC channel we were talking about the method of loci, which is backed by significantly more theory (and practice).

It looks like you're training a short term visual buffer, but I wouldn't assume that generalizes to long term memory.

At times I'll look at something, turn away, but try to hold it in my head, with varying degrees of success. I assume such things can be trained.

But I'd expect their particular method to be relatively ineffective, however, in that it relies on strong contrast in your image, and then strong contrast between that image and the following image. That would train you to better accentuate and perceive that afterimage process, rather than focusing on controlling your visual buffer.

So, this is about developing a photographic memory for text, one paragraph at a time. Is that really something you want? Why not make an Anki flashcard out of the one thing (or more, if it's a really information-dense paragraph) you most want to remember from the text?

If this is a hoax, can anyone think of a possible motivation for it's creation?

Edit: To clarify, this is a sincere question- not an argument against it being a hoax.