One of my favorite Barnum stories is probably more well-known:
His Scudder's American museum in New York was struggling, in part, because the customers he did have would often end up lingering in front of the exhibits for an unnaturally long time, while they enjoyed the free heat and conversation of other patrons. He added a sign that read "This way to the egress!" and an arrow. Most patrons thought they were going to see a strange and unusual creature, but they were actually being herded to the exits (Exit=Egress.) He then charged them another quarter if they wanted to re-enter the museum. Maximizing throughput!
His Scudder's American museum in New York was struggling, in part, because the customers he did have would often end up lingering in front of the exhibits for an unnaturally long time, while they enjoyed the free heat and conversation of other patrons. He added a sign that read "This way to the egress!" and an arrow. Most patrons thought they were going to see a strange and unusual creature, but they were actually being herded to the exits (Exit=Egress.) He then charged them another quarter if they wanted to re-enter the museum. Maximizing throughput!