Who reads instructions?

Just browsed through the forums this evening, and picked up on comments whereby it is indicated that people dont read instructions.

I find this truly remarkable, I know that sometimes instructions take a bit to wade through, but I have found that if you take the time to read [and decipher] the instructions a lot of heartache is saved down the track, aqnd it is quite amazing what you can learn from reading the manufacturers instructions.

There are an awful lot of mis-information out there as to how things should be done, yet when compared to the manufacturers instructions, it just that - mis-information. And depending upon what you are using/playing with if you have a complaint about the product, the manufaturer will drop you like a hot rock if it comes out that instructions were not followed.

A case in point for woodies is the instrcution book for putting together a Triton work centre. In rather large heavy block printing it states 'THERE IS ONLY ON RIGHT WAY TO PUT THIS TOGETHER, PLEASE READ THE INSTRUCTIONS'

I have had a couple of mate buy Tritons and have phoned me frustrated in that they canot get the thing together. When asked 'Have you read the instructions' - the no reply says it all

Over the years I have found it interesting to note when people have asked me 'How do you know that' and the answer is 'I read the instructions' the general response is - Do you really read the instructions?
:doh:
Love to hear comments from others

Colin Howkins
Graceville Qld

Reading the instructions when attempting to assemble or modify a new tool is a clear violation of the Code of Practice. You are now on notice.

6.2.1. Instruction manuals. Under no circumstances should a bloke ever completely read the instructions to anything. Ideally they shouldn't be read at all, but if absolutely necessary a casual flick through should be more than enough for any bloke to assemble and operate anything. A bloke with a new tool should regard its instruction manual in much the same light as he regards a road map when driving his car.


6.2.1.1. In circumstances where a given bloke hasn’t got the proverbial clue as to how a new tool goes together, he must make an attempt. Any bloke found with an untouched, un-assembled new tool and an open instruction manual will be held to have committed a Code violation.


:wink:

instructions dose that have sompthing to do with the big WARNING!on the little bit of papper that i give to the bin evry time i get a new tool.

Cabot's used to have printed on their paint cans
"When all else fails ,read the instructions"

I do, but then SHMBO says I read everything and anything. Can't help myself. of course I don't always follow them as my repeated violation of The Code of Practice demonstrates.

Pusser

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Originally Posted by Colin Howkins

Just browsed through the forums this evening, and picked up on comments whereby it is indicated that people dont read instructions.

I find this truly remarkable, I know that sometimes instructions take a bit to wade through, but I have found that if you take the time to read [and decipher] the instructions a lot of heartache is saved down the track, aqnd it is quite amazing what you can learn from reading the manufacturers instructions.

There are an awful lot of mis-information out there as to how things should be done, yet when compared to the manufacturers instructions, it just that - mis-information. And depending upon what you are using/playing with if you have a complaint about the product, the manufaturer will drop you like a hot rock if it comes out that instructions were not followed.

A case in point for woodies is the instrcution book for putting together a Triton work centre. In rather large heavy block printing it states 'THERE IS ONLY ON RIGHT WAY TO PUT THIS TOGETHER, PLEASE READ THE INSTRUCTIONS'

I have had a couple of mate buy Tritons and have phoned me frustrated in that they canot get the thing together. When asked 'Have you read the instructions' - the no reply says it all

Over the years I have found it interesting to note when people have asked me 'How do you know that' and the answer is 'I read the instructions' the general response is - Do you really read the instructions?
:doh:
Love to hear comments from others

Colin Howkins
Graceville Qld

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I started reading through this, Colin, but after a few words I felt that I had the gist of it ....:wink:

I always read the instructions before assembling and using a new tool, same as I read articles and books about them.

Anyone who doesn't is IMHO a fool, and anyone who quotes the so called "Code" for their failure to read instructions is an even bigger fool.


Peter.

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Originally Posted by Sturdee

I always read the instructions before assembling and using a new tool, same as I read articles and books about them.

Anyone who doesn't is IMHO a fool, and anyone who quotes the so called "Code" for their failure to read instructions is an even bigger fool.


Peter.

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We need an amendment or an addition to the Code which stipulates that it should not be denigrated in this way.

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Originally Posted by Sturdee

I always read the instructions before assembling and using a new tool, same as I read articles and books about them.

Anyone who doesn't is IMHO a fool, and anyone who quotes the so called "Code" for their failure to read instructions is an even bigger fool.


Peter.

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You've got my vote Peter:2tsup: I've spent years telling people that bought my software to RTFM, nothing more annoying than getting a phone call from some fool that doesn't read the manual and then blames the software:doh:.

As to actually being proud of being ignorant well................

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Originally Posted by Sturdee

I always read the instructions before assembling and using a new tool, same as I read articles and books about them.

Anyone who doesn't is IMHO a fool, and anyone who quotes the so called "Code" for their failure to read instructions is an even bigger fool.

Peter.

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In all honesty Peter, I must confess I don't always read the instructions on most things as it is obvious how they are assembled, however if I come across something I don't understand then I refer to the instructions. I am sure most folk would also have had the experience where the instructions have been translated from another language and in some instances impossible to follow.
I have a friend of many years who cannot read and have seen him take a complicated unassembled item out of its box and have it assembled perfectly without reading any instructions. I certainly would not call him a fool, uneducated to a certain degree, yes but not a fool. I think that is a bit strong to call someone a fool because they don't conform to your own ideas and beliefs.
I have built many computers (my other hobby) over the years and I very rarely refer to instructions or manuals when I assemble them. So far, I haven't had a failure. I don't condemn anyone for reading instructions but some people just have a natural ability to work things out for themselves and if that suits them to do it that way, then good luck to them.
Of course, all warning signs and dangerous procedure warnings should be heeded but I think if the project is dangerous in any way, most guys wouldn't attempt to do the job themselves if they didn't know that they were doing.

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Originally Posted by Big Shed

You've got my vote Peter:2tsup: I've spent years telling people that bought my software to RTFM, nothing more annoying than getting a phone call from some fool that doesn't read the manual and then blames the software:doh:.As to actually being proud of being ignorant well................

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Of course I can understand where you are coming from here, most people don't have a clue as to how new software works therefor it would not be prudent to try to work it out yourself and to read the instructions is probably the only way to work it out. But you must admit, there are certain things that are not difficult to work out for yourself and in fact some instructions enclosed with some products confuse the buyer more than help them. I have seen instances where if you followed the instructions on assembling a certain item to the letter, it would not or could not work. they are so badly translated.
My son is an overseer of machinery in a large company in Queensland and the machinery they operate is computer controlled. This machinery is made in Italy and recently a problem at the factory with this machine could not be fixed by local techies and the manufacturers of the machine sent over one of their top men from Italyto sort out the problem.
The machine was set 100% by the book but was not functioning properly.
It took the tech guy a couple of hours to sort out the problem. My son pointed out to him that the machine was set by the book and the procedure that the guy had just carried out was not in the manual. The guy just laughed at my son and told him that sometimes you have to use your head and forget the manual.

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Originally Posted by munruben

I have a friend of many years who cannot read and have seen him take a complicated unassembled item out of its box and have it assembled perfectly without reading any instructions. I certainly would not call him a fool, uneducated to a certain degree, yes but not a fool.

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That is a red herring, as obviously I was referring to those who can read but decide not to. And I maintain that anyone who can read and fails to do so when getting a new tool is indeed a fool.

Especially those who justify their decision by referring to an alledged "Code" to justify their foolishness. Hence I personally consider those that subscribe to the said code are foolish.

In your case of building computers as a hobby you would have originally read the manuals so they are not new tools, hence that is different.

A lot of the questions on this board would be unneccessary if members read the instructions first, so why not read them as they are authoritive whereas a lot of the answers here are not.


Peter.

I think we all know that we should read the manual. When we don't we know we are flirting with problems or danger or mistakes. But I'd still rather be the type of person who has a go at it and then refers to the manual when I need help than the type who studies these things as if they've been written by a Divine power.

I actually enjoy the process of trying to put something together without the manual, and I often see referring to the manual as a sort of a failure.

But I have to be careful here because I might attract the attention of the Peanut Gallery (not you Sturdee) who have already focussed on this thread.

I find reading the instructions on a new tool similar to reading a book on chaos theory, there is no comprehension at all.

Thats why the tool is used/built/played with, then if a problem is encountered, instructions are referred to, at least then there is a comprehension of what they are talking about.

A well known and very large office machine supplier found that the insructions where the last course of reference when it came to operating and problem solving with their machines. The most popular option when seeking help was found to be to ask someone, so they under took a training program that allowed at least one person in the office to be knowledgable in it's use.

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Originally Posted by Rossluck

I think we all know that we should read the manual. When we don't we know we are flirting with problems or danger or mistakes. But I'd still rather be the type of person who has a go at it and then refers to the manual when I need help than the type who studies these things as if they've been written by a Divine power.

I actually enjoy the process of trying to put something together without the manual, and I often see referring to the manual as a sort of a failure.

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Ditto. And, Peter, if you want to start a philosophical discussion about the distiction and similarities of arrogance and foolishness, I'm game...:D As regards using the Code as an excuse, yes, it is lame, but can't you take a joke?

We are not going to turn a light-hearted debate on the use of instructions into something else? Surely not! If so, there is a set of instructions that we all should read from time to time. :wink:

(here and here too)

On topic though, I usually find instructions are unnecessary until they are lost. Then I discover their importance is inversely proportional to my ability to locate them.

Don't instructions cost extra when buying a new tool? We all need to stretch our shopping $$

My 1st new car, a 1967 Toyota Corolla came with instructions on how to drive, and to think I wasted money getting a licence:rolleyes:

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Originally Posted by Groggy

On topic though, I usually find instructions are unnecessary until they are lost. Then I discover their importance is inversely proportional to my ability to locate them.

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Similarly, "the usefullness of the provided instructions is inversely proportional to the size of the crisis". and, "the relevant section of the instructions pertaining to your crisis will always be buried in the least accessable section of said instructions".

Sebastiaan

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Originally Posted by Groggy

We are not going to turn a light-hearted debate on the use of instructions into something else? Surely not! If so, there is a set of instructions that we all should read from time to time. :wink:

(here and here too)

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Thanks for keeping me on the straight and narrow, Groggy,:wink: but the instructions you mention apply only to illegal/unsavoury behaviour.

What's wrong with challenging somebody (light-heartedly:D) to a deeper level of debate in this thread, specifically set up "to have your say on what ever you wish. Rant and rave. Give someone a pat on the back, or a kick their bum. ONE STIPULATION: Keep it about woodwork and related woodies stuff"?

I'm a girl (no REALLY I am) therefore I'm in charge of reading instructions.

We have "pink" jobs and "blue" jobs here. The reading of instructions is definately a "pink" job as if anyone else (i.e. the blue person) doing it would cause a Code Violation. I then make "helpful suggestions" and am "appreciated" for my willingness, usefulness and general all round "what a Top Chick I've Got" abilities.


That's how it works isn't it?


Sonja

Sounds good to me Sonja. I have just got a new Navman (you know one of those GPS things) and the instruction manual is 138 pages so I think I will make the reading of that a pink job now.:)

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Originally Posted by munruben

Sounds good to me Sonja. I have just got a new Navman (you know one of those GPS things) and the instruction manual is 138 pages so I think I will make the reading of that a pink job now.:)

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Careful, because we used a in car GPS a lot recently in Canada, and because SWMBO read the instructions, operating it also became a "pink" job and I was very severely whacked when I put my hands anywhere near it.

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Originally Posted by Rookie

Careful, because we used a in car GPS a lot recently in Canada, and because SWMBO read the instructions, operating it also became a "pink" job and I was very severely whacked when I put my hands anywhere near it.

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You gotta watch those pink lady backhanders John:)

Munruben and Rookie,

Whay did you choose the GPS you selected. I am off to the states next year and want one I can use here and there. Plenty on Google but not really useful in decision makeing. Heaps of technical data and the choice site is a subscription. Sorry to to deviate from the topic and I confess i probably will read the instructions.

Pusser

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Originally Posted by Frank&Earnest

What's wrong with challenging somebody (light-heartedly:D) to a deeper level of debate in this thread,

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You may challenge all you like, but I'm not interested in having a philosophical discussion about the distinction and similarities of arrogance and foolishness.

I come here primarily for the woodworking but occasionally may make my opinions known about other matters, and may amplify or clarify them if I feel that is necessary. The same way as others may do.

But I don't come here to have philosophical debates, I left them behind when I left school :D, and if I did want to I would join a debating forum. Further the distinction and similarities of the words arrogance and foolishness would be better discussed in an English language forum rather then boor the tears out of everybody, for this is still primarily a woodworking board.


Peter.

I sometimes read the manual, if I cant work it out or a new function Id like to use is noticed by moi. I dont like to read the manuals.. boring, rather read heinlein or clancy....

besides some instructions are absolute ferking crap - eg some chinese stuff is so useless that you cant understand the chinglish horse poo they are trying to tell you..... so what about then, then ? do I still need to read the manual ???? I may as well read tiolet paper lol!!!

dont be so grumpy Sturdee.... :D

Dont you have to read them to find out they are useless?

Pusser

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Originally Posted by Pusser

Dont you have to read them to find out they are useless?

Pusser

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This is why Union's don't hand out their members guide books.

And who reads those long winded "End User License Agreements" for software before clicking on the "I Agree" button? :D

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Originally Posted by Sturdee

You may challenge all you like, but I'm not interested in having a philosophical discussion about the distinction and similarities of arrogance and foolishness.

I come here primarily for the woodworking but occasionally may make my opinions known about other matters, and may amplify or clarify them if I feel that is necessary. The same way as others may do.

But I don't come here to have philosophical debates, I left them behind when I left school :D, and if I did want to I would join a debating forum. Further the distinction and similarities of the words arrogance and foolishness would be better discussed in an English language forum rather then boor the tears out of everybody, for this is still primarily a woodworking board.


Peter.

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Thank you for telling me, and thank you for not starting a boring discussion, but what has this got to do with my (rethorical) question to Groggy? BTW, it was about behaviours, not words.

"A lot of the questions on this board would be unneccessary if members read the instructions first, so why not read them as they are authoritive whereas a lot of the answers here are not."

and then we'd have no fun at all
astrid

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Originally Posted by Frank&Earnest

Thanks for keeping me on the straight and narrow, Groggy,:wink: but the instructions you mention apply only to illegal/unsavoury behaviour.

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Precisely.

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Originally Posted by Frank&Earnest

What's wrong with challenging somebody (light-heartedly:D) to a deeper level of debate in this thread, specifically set up "to have your say on what ever you wish. Rant and rave. Give someone a pat on the back, or a kick their bum. ONE STIPULATION: Keep it about woodwork and related woodies stuff"?

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Nothing wrong with light hearted debate at all. My post was a suggestion to keep it light, and to no-one in particular. If it was specific there would most likely be a missing post and a PM to explain why. Sometimes I'll intervene before the fact to stave off a problem I think is coming. If I'm wrong - good!

Why do you assume it was directed at you - mens rea? :wink::D

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Originally Posted by astrid

"A lot of the questions on this board would be unneccessary if members read the instructions first, so why not read them as they are authoritive whereas a lot of the answers here are not."

and then we'd have no fun at all
astrid

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Yikes!! A paradox...

The navigator GPS element to this thread provides me with a good example of how I deal with instructions. I bought one of the el cheapo ones from Kmart, and the manufacturer, used to dealing with impatient people like me, provided "quick-read" instructions. The real instructions were downloadable. Great system.

I read the quick instructions, got the thing going without any problems (it's been great) and the company saved paper and printing.

But for those poor souls that need to read through all of the instructions, they are available on the net.

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Originally Posted by Rossluck

The navigator GPS element to this thread provides me with a good example of how I deal with instructions. I bought one of the el cheapo ones from Kmart, and the manufacturer, used to dealing with impatient people like me, provided "quick-read" instructions. The real instructions were downloadable. Great system.

I read the quick instructions, got the thing going without any problems (it's been great) and the company saved paper and printing.

But for those poor souls that need to read through all of the instructions, they are available on the net.

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Have to agree, this is a great way to do it. It also is a huge bonus for those who may have lost the manual.

I have one customer who is most upset that the manuals for most computer stuff are now on a CD in .pdf format.

He wants a book he can read... he just doesn't 'get it' that hardly anybody reads a book or manual anyway.

The same bloke is like watching paint dry when he is at work. :cool:

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Originally Posted by Groggy

Why do you assume it was directed at you -

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Well, it was the reply next to my post...

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mens rea? :wink::D

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No, experientia dolorifera!:wink::U