There's a fellow named Edward Tufte ( long 'E' - Tuff-tee ) who is the expert regarding how to make pictures that mean things. If you're into graphs ( aka 'information graphics' ) Tufte is your man. One of his concepts is that when you want to represent variation between similar things, you should take little snapshots and stick them side by side - he calls them 'Small Multiples' Here are some examples: Alex Rodriguez batting over three years Example showing payroll expenses for groups of departments As you can see, in both examples multiple similar pictures are grouped together to highlight the differences between them. So in true geek fashion, I will now explain my affinity for romantic comedies. When I look at a romantic comedy, I see small multiples. Movies like French Kiss, Hitch, 50 First Dates, Sleepless in Seattle and You've Got Mail share so many qualities that many people ( men ) will look at them and say 'Seen one? Seen them all!