is for ser-friendly
The Way I See It
I am an intelligent person and I have good common sense. I can read directions and instructions for most things and understand them. I have put together desks and bookcases. I can sew and crochet. I can cook and bake. I can program a digital clock, and rewire a lamp. All these things I have done successfully by reading the instructions. I am not afraid to do something I haven’t done before if I have instructions.
However, when the first words in a manual say user-friendly I become slightly nauseous, begin to break out in itchy red welts and know a migraine is soon to invade my brain. Some synonyms for user-friendly are; untroublesome, uncomplicated, convenient, and foolproof. What they don’t tell you is that the user-friendly manual has been written by someone whose first language is not English. They are fluent in Techspeak. English is my first language, actually my only language, and I have no knowledge of Techspeak.
The way I see it…user-friendly is an oxymoron and false advertising. Products that are user-friendly should have an address for a ten-year-old included in the package so adults can have the instructions interpreted by them. Better yet, they should include the ten-year-old in the packaging.
Patricia's Place 
I usually find myself to be much smarter than I originally think when I start looking at instructions. Technology and putting stuff together often intimidates me, but somehow I tend to figure things out. Maybe things are more user friendly than I think, but a lot of times they’re not.
Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out
I am pretty good with most hands on things but I have little patience for the tech world. I don’t understand why they had to invent a new language for all these gadgets.
So true! A bit like the Dr. telling us that this might be a little uncomfortable which usually means grit your teeth it’s going to hurt!
Or like when the dentist asks if you have insurance!
I am very much like you. I’ll try anything using good instructions. Tech jargon is hard, but beware the simple pictures with no words. That’s the worst for me.
Or pictures with words in Chinese!
Funny, but so very true! I totally agree about including the young person to translate the directions, it would be nice if they’d enclose them with all electronic devices that need set up too! 🙂
Ain’t that the truth. I think part of the reason kids are so good with techie stuff is that aren’t afraid they will mess it up.
Yes. I can relate. I can figure out most anything. But, don’t mess me up. Make sense. Good post for U. Hugs!
Thanks Annie. I have a love/hate kinda relationship with techie stuff.