Do you RTFM?

[onesea]

Following on from other threads how many of you actually Read The Manuel? or wait until something goes wrong.

This comes to mind because of some recent posts, my boat came with quite a few manual's (the engine one nearly 30 years old). I have fitted/ replaced new equipment. Have I read any of them no, only to get the relevant information. Which combination of buttons sets the depth alarm etc.

For me, I scan it ignore the warnings FFS I know engines get hot and electrics make your hair stand on end. I have already made those mistakes and have the scars to prove it, I do not need the warnings...

 

[prv]

I often do read the manuals, but more because I've bought a Shiny Thing and want to play with it. Most Shiny Things can't be properly played with until installed on the boat, so next best thing (between the box arriving and me having time to fit it) is to read the book.

Pete

 

[Bobc]

Of course not. Manuals are not meant to be read. If they were, they'd be written in good ENGLISH!

 

[nigelmercier]

Read The Manuel...

Hi know nahthin.

 

[Malcb]

I read it , not to memorise it, but I can then manage to remember where it is in the manual when it all goes pear shaped.

 

[Daydream believer]

I do read when i get stuck but do prefer the additional "abridged " versions that come as a supplement to the main one
What i really hate are those damned internet based instructions which you cannot flick through
If you have a query but do not really know how the answer will be labeled it is very difficult to find
A written manual one can flick through is far better
However, a manual with loads of foreign versions after each subject is horrendous

 

[[70521]]

I have a tee-shirt from thinkgeek.com that has RTFM across the chest.

 

[jakeroyd]

Me , Never RTFM.

The one that came with my Honda 2hp is hilarious , loads of pages about don't stick your willy on the prop when it's rotating , how to pick it up , it gets hot , some bits might me a bit slippery etc.

It's only on the back pages it tells you how to start the thing

 

[Contest1]

The buttons diagrams, then the trouble shooter, eventually.

 

[jamesjermain]

Only as a first and last resort - first to get started, last when all else fails.

 

[AntarcticPilot]

Usually read the bit I need to get started, and then refer to it when I need it! Electronics OUGHT to be self-explanatory; diesels are simple enough for the manual only to be necessary if you start taking it apart, and everything else is neolithic technology (string, cloth and sticks!) updated with modern materials!

 

[KellysEye]

>Usually read the bit I need to get started, and then refer to it when I need it...

Same here.

 

[LittleSister]

What's this thread about? I want to vote, but don't know what the options are or how to vote. Can anyone tell me? ;-)




P.S. I like the way the second option playfully parodies the broken English of manuals - "Some of its a new, I need to understand.."

 

[OGITD]

Only If

I need specific settings & spacings/dimensions etc ... as mechanics are relatively easy.

Established 12V electronics are also easy to identify and rectify faults ..... but designing new circuitry is beyond me at the mo ... if it involves more than two wires on a 12V system.

 

[photodog]

If it needs a Manuel, I will buy something German instead.

 

[capnsensible]

I need specific settings & spacings/dimensions etc ... as mechanics are relatively easy.

Established 12V electronics are also easy to identify and rectify faults ..... but designing new circuitry is beyond me at the mo ... if it involves more than two wires on a 12V system.

Just think back to the old days, with the reactor. Simply take the fuse for the alarm out and put a bit of masking tape over the switch. Sorted.

 

[OGITD]

Just think back to the old days, with the reactor. Simply take the fuse for the alarm out and put a bit of masking tape over the switch. Sorted.

How do you know that's what I did!? ......

But we can't be that wrong .... cos were still here! ...

 

[agurney]

Of course not. Manuals are not meant to be read. If they were, they'd be written in good ENGLISH!

I write TFMs for a living, but I'm fortunate that I didn't have to learn English using this: http://www.engrish.com/2013/03/english-textbook-from-china/

 

[doris]

My main techie advisor, who is by far and away the best gadget man I know, reaches for the manual, either on line or the book, first thing. Maybe that is why he gets most problems fixed the quickest.
Amazing number of supposed pros who stumble around menus and buttons before owning up, then RTFM applies. Also the number of people who do not know RTFM.

 

[mjcoon]

My main techie advisor, who is by far and away the best gadget man I know, reaches for the manual, either on line or the book, first thing. Maybe that is why he gets most problems fixed the quickest.
Amazing number of supposed pros who stumble around menus and buttons before owning up, then RTFM applies. Also the number of people who do not know RTFM.

One of my favourite irritations is manuals based round a list of FAQ. I have no interest in the statistics of frequency of questions, as if it were a game show. I want a structured manual so I can find the relevant portion quickly. And/or a useful index...

Mike.