Ode to Balloon Help
http://www.upassoc.org/upa_publications/upa_voice/volumes/2004/August/balloon_help.html

Cavanagh, Thomas B.
Usability Professionals Association
2004

Abstract:

Just as a romantic poet might choose to pen an ode to a single rose as opposed to the entire garden, perhaps we should look to the simplest elements of usability for inspiration. Perhaps it’s time to recognize the contribution of a single humble helper. Yes, it’s time for an ode to Balloon Help. You may smile, but it can be argued that Balloon Help is not only one of the most ubiquitous implementations of modern technological performance support but it is also one of the most underappreciated.