[Lvlug] Techinical question, not linux related

[Dann S. Washko]

I pay for most things by the check card.  After a few months in the
wallet, the card gets pretty beat up and begins having difficulty scanning
correctly.  I always figured this was because the magnetic strip on the
back was getting mucked up, so if it has problems in the mac machine, or
before I give it to the cashier, I usually run my finger over it a few
times.  Well, yesterday, at Sears, I handed the gentleman my card and it
did not scan the first time.  He pulls out a plastic bag and starts
wrapping up my card.  I was purchasing a gift certificate card (they are
all now using those credit card type certificate) so I noted to him that
he was wrapping the wrong card.  He said that was not his intention and
slid the card through the register again wrapped in the plastic bag.  Sure
enough, it was read and he said this made 4 for 4 that day. I was pretty
impressed when the wife told me she saw someone doing this the other day. 
Must be a new knowledge.

Anyway, why does this work?  Is the bag generating a static charge that
somehow makes the card more readible?  Anyone know?


-- 
Daniel S. Washko
Lehigh Valley Linux Users Group
www.thelinuxlink.net/lvlinux
get slack (www.slackware.com ) and get happy