Shoot first! (or read the instructions?)

Black Swan · 31-10-2007 11:59am #1

"If all else fails, read the instructions!" Are you one of these people, someone who tries something out before reading the instructions?

Or "do you look before you leap?" Someone who reads the instructions first (or sticky on boards) before using a new piece of software, computer, vehicle, house appliance, or some other type of gagetry?

Ciaran500 · 31-10-2007 12:04pm

I'm male, so always try without the instructions. Rarely turns out bad and you always learn something new about whatever you are using in a month when you push that big red button you never dared to touch before.

Kinetic^ · 31-10-2007 12:06pm

Depends what it is tbh. I would've liked some sort of troubleshooting guide to have come with my gf tbh as she regularly disobeys direct orders

DonkeyStyle \o/ · 31-10-2007 12:10pm

Yeah depends on what it is... a new TV or phone or something I wouldn't bother... the manual might be something to skim through later when I'm bored, just to see if I've missed any interesting features... but when we got a chainsaw last year you can be bloody sure I studied every inch of the manual before touching it. :eek:

Dave! · 31-10-2007 12:11pm

If it's assembling something, then I'll read the instructions. If it's a gadget of some sort, I usually don't...

Hail 2 Da Chimp · 31-10-2007 12:21pm

^ Same as above if it looks very complicated I'll read the instructions.

If it's something like a new phone, mp3 player, console then why bother reading the instructions first?

Vegeta · 31-10-2007 12:24pm

I firmly believe that if instructions are needed the device is poorly designed

I never read the instructions and get angry when I have to resort to it

prendy · 31-10-2007 12:32pm

i usually revert to instructions after iv made a mistake or get stuck putting something together.

One Cold Hand · 31-10-2007 12:34pm

I'll generally look at the instructions, but I'll rarely read them. Basically will look at any relevant diagrams.

Pigman II · 31-10-2007 12:37pm

If it involves glue, lego or a hammer then I read the instructions. If she/it requires exhalation then no.

Black Swan · 31-10-2007 12:39pm

"RTFM!" roars the author of a computer book when things go wrong. Had to look this one up: "Read The F**king Manual!"

Ishmael · 31-10-2007 12:41pm

Depends on the product, if it is supposed to be a device that is intuitive to use like a Gameboy, mp3 player or a television then i wouldn't bother with the manual.

If its some complicated device / or is capable of killing me or its a piece of software that i have never used before then i will usually read the instructions.

Zulu · 31-10-2007 12:42pm

If I see smoke when I'm not expecting to, I'll consider consulting the manual after I've tried everything else.

Reading the instructions is like asking for directions - it's an acknowledgment of failure.

timmywex · 31-10-2007 12:47pm

feck the instructions, i always go without them and troubleshoot if i have to

5starpool · 31-10-2007 12:47pm

Men don't need instructions. Wimmins should always use them though.

Rhiannon14 · 31-10-2007 12:51pm

Shoot! *maniacal cackle*

kaimera · 31-10-2007 12:52pm

I find the manuals make for good toilet reading material...

Red Hand · 31-10-2007 12:54pm

I didn't get any manual for using the alphabet and look at me now!

biko · 31-10-2007 12:56pm

If I can't get it to work right away it was designed wrong.

Btw

dame · 31-10-2007 1:18pm

I'm a genius so I don't need to read the "how-to-do-this-for-idiots" guide that comes with most things.

Alun · 31-10-2007 1:24pm

I remember buying some piece of computer equipment a long time ago that had both a full sized manual, and another smaller one entitled "User manual for those people that never read manuals"!! It was just a 4 page thing, but contained everything you wanted to know without going into all the painstaking details. Probably the only manual I've ever read

Shoot first! (or read the instructions?)

You read the instructions first? 45 votes

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