Now you know why it is useful and indeed essential to Painspot: it is necessary to develop your expertise so that you can realise your full Painspotting potential and keep your blood from boiling.

Like any other skill or capability however, it comes more naturally to some people than others. Indeed, it has been scientifically proven that the Painspotting gene is more prevalent in the short, curly-haired, old, and generally miserable in society. It has also been closely linked with those who can be considered to be defensive pessimists. We should therefore expect anyone who falls into the above categories to be better at Painspotting than those who don't.

However, you shouldn't feel disheartened if you have a sunny disposition or positive outlook on life, as being an expert Painspotter is well within your reach! Sure there will be fewer people that get on your tits, and you probably let other's pain-in-the-arse behaviour just wash over you, but unless you are a saint, there are bound to be a few individuals that really tick you off. Therefore, with a little bit of training and self-discipline, you will soon be as good a Painspotter as the curly-haired.

What is more reassuring though, is that it has been found that over a period of 12-18 months of continuous spotting, even the most happy person can become an expert. This is great news and we are delighted that such an important pastime as Painspotting can be enjoyed by anyone no matter what their class, height, political persuasion, or mental disposition might be.

Over time, a series of Painspotting Masterclasses will be held in which ardent students or cadets will be able to learn about some of the newest Painspotting techniques and how to deploy them. In the meantime, we recommend that you use the information contained in the sidebar to hone your Painspotting skills. This includes:

• The five golden rules of Painspotting. Used and applied wisely these will open the door to a rich and fullfilling life in which your Painspotting cup will overfloweth

• Some incredibly useful hints and tips which will both help you to develop your Painspotting capabilities, and more importantly avoid becoming a Pain yourself

• Ideas for the more adventurous Painspotters, who rather fancy pushing the Painspotting envelope to its limits.

As fans of continuous learning and double feedback loops, we too are always seeking new and interesting ways to enhance our Painspotting skills; you should too and please let us know what techniques work best for you and we will share them with the world.