[MSN Money] The company knows that emotion, not logic, powers the decision to pay $3.22 for a double-tall latte, extra hot with a shot of sugar-free vanilla.

And I say that the same logic applies to software.

First, here’s how I was sucked into the Starbucks experience: Every morning, almost 7 days a week, I go to the same drive thru and pay $4.15 for a triple-Venti nonfat latte (also remember that since this is in a Seattle suburb, I have 3 Starbucks and a Tully’s within a 3 mile radius of my house). Why do I go to the same place with so many choices? They know me. Not only have they personalized the experience, they make me feel like I’m part of their ‘family’. Without missing a beat, when I pull up I’m greeted with "Hi Steve, the usual today?" There have been times when I’ve been given a small packet of free coffee or a taste of a new beverage (like the Chantico). To top it off, at Christmas I received a hand-written invitation to the local store’s Holiday party. And just yesterday, I received an invitation (which was in the form of two small forks in an envelope) to a ‘tasting of indulgent treats’ at 4pm.

Have I been sucked into a marketing philosophy? Sure, but ya know what? I don’t think I’ve ever been to the Tully’s that’s just 1/2 mile down the road from them.

Now, apply this logic to software. If a piece of software is simple enough for anyone to use and embraces them with a powerful experience, you’ve hit the sweet spot where it can an emotional response. The best part is that not only does the user have a feeling of "I Rule!", but you’ve just created an evangelist.