Written on 15 May 2008
BTT: Manual Labor
Today’s Booking Through Thursday is “Manual Labor Redux”:
Scenario: You’ve just bought some complicated gadget home . . . do you read the accompanying documentation? Or not?
Do you ever read manuals?
How-to books?
Self-help guides?
Anything at all?
It usually depends on the kind of gadget, but since we’re talking complicated here, I assume that means that it needs assembling and that I haven’t used/assembled one before. In that scenario, yes, I do read accompanying documentation.
Otherwise, if it’s fairly straightforward (i.e., a digital camera) I’ll usually wait a while before I even crack open the manual (usually in search of some esoteric thing I want to do).
(Yes, I’ve decided to start on Booking Through Thursday.)
I’m like you … I usually don’t open the manual unless there is something specific I want to do ;0)
They’re great as reference books! :D
Well I am happy you started with BTT. I love your layout and can’t wait to have a bit more of a look.
You’re right – it does depend on the gadget. But most gadgets are complicated for me. I had to read my camera’s manual before I could even figure out how to open the thing up!
Sounds like we’re all pretty much the same when it comes to instructions…
Mine’s up:
BTT
Now when John Wayne rode in to town to tackle the cattle barons in their fancy Eastern Style ranches you never see anyone struggling with a flat pack manual. Yet mail order catalogues took off in the 19th century so did the fancy furniture arrive all made up? We need an answer!!
@Megan: Thanks!
@JLS: We all have differing experiences with gadgets, I’m sure! Plus I’m usually too excited about a new gadget to fuss with manuals ;)
@CJ: Looks like it ;)
@John: That’s an interesting question, and alas, I have no idea. Maybe that’s why it’s expensive? ;)