If you have bought some new gadget, it probably came with an instruction manual or at least a note to go to the internet and download the .pdf -that stands for portable data file. I have a multitude of manuals and pdfs. What I have discovered is that if you don’t know how to operate or install whatever you have, the instructions won’t help.
Technical writers are (a) very smart and think everyone knows the product as well as they do, or (b) don’t have a clue about the product. But, they can write in several languages. It is important to confuse a lot more people. There have been times when I thought that maybe I should follow the directions in another language - made as much sense as the English version.
I have a riding mower that needs the drive belt replaced. This is the belt that makes the mower go. I got out my manual and found the part number and phoned in an order for new belt. That was the last thing I understood.
The obvious next step is to go over the instructions on how to install the belt when it arrived. Wrong! The instructions begin by telling me I have to remove the mower deck first. OK. Not so fast. You have to observe the entire motion of the deck drive belt and position of all guides and keepers. Maybe I should just take a picture? There is a lot of mentions about idler clutches and parts A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J etc, - well you get the idea. Then there are the springs - that’s a whole new adventure.
I have called my friends (1) and neighbors (2) and they don’t have a clue on how to replace the belt either.
I am not stupid - crazy, but not stupid - so why is it that the instructions and the mower don’t go together?
In my next life, I want to be a technical writer. There are a lot of ways to skin a cat. None of them appeals to the cat.
PMO
©2011
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