Why is the detection of qq-Gaussian behavior such a common occurrence?

qq-Gaussian behavior is often encountered in quite distinct settings. A possible explanation is here given with reference to experimental scenarios in which data are gathered using a set-up that performs a normalization preprocessing. We show that the ensuing normalized input, as recorded by the measurement device, will always   be qq-Gaussian distributed if the incoming data exhibit elliptical symmetry, a rather common feature. Moreover, we find that in these circumstances, the value of the associated parameter qq can be deduced from the normalization technique that characterizes the device  . Finally, one concludes from the above remarks that great care should be exercised when empirically detecting qq-Gaussian behavior. As an example, Gaussian data (the most common situation) will appear, after normalization, in the guise of qq-Gaussian records.