 Why do audience members cheer wildly in technology keynotes?
chwahoo: I've wondered the same thing!  During Google's IO conference, the speakers expected and encouraged applause.  Apple conferences are an even stronger example.It feels phoney, but perhaps it isn't.  I don't think the thought process is complex enough to involve considerations of financial benefit from cheering.My theory is that there is a critical mass of "fans" of the company (Google, Apple, etc), and they are very enthusiastic about new features/products while the rest of the crowd claps out of reflex/habit.