TODAY’S POLL

LAST POLL RESULTS

47.7% of you voted A mix of both in yesterday’s poll: When learning how to use something new, which approach do you typically prefer?

“Depending on what it is, I usually try to figure things out on my own before looking at the manual — but having it close by is key.”

“I try on my own first — if that doesn’t work, I review the instructions.”

“I can usually figure it out.”

“I’m a huge index user, and I learn by doing — so I seek out the info I need, read it, and apply it.”

“I start by looking over the instructions, then usually figure out my own way to do it.”

“If it’s assembly, I’ll flip through the book to get a general idea if it’s simple or something I’ve done before.”

“Many times, if the product was made in China, it’s impossible to make sense of the directions — if they exist at all.”

“MANUALS ARE USUALLY IN SUCH SMALL FONT I CAN BARELY READ THEM.”

“I always review the manual and register the product just in case, then head to YouTube if that still doesn’t work.”

“I also find that mixing in watching how-to videos on YouTube works well.”

“If it’s something I’m familiar with, I’m more apt to dive right in and figure it out. If it’s something I have no knowledge of, I’ll quickly peruse the manual to see where there might be pain points. If it still isn’t coming, then I dive deeper into the manual and seek videos or additional training online.”

“First I review the situation. If it’s too complicated, I immediately ask for help. It’s important to challenge yourself and try new things — the key is to learn, and sometimes you need someone to show you a better way of doing things.”

“I have to be shown first — then I can understand written directions.”

“I don’t know how, but I need to learn — so I read.”

“My wife is so much better at reading the instructions first — God bless her.”

“This is why women tease men so much. I like to scan the instructions first to get an idea of what I’m in for. Then I read each step thoroughly as I go, if needed, to get it right. I’ve seen people jump in without even looking, then try to figure out where they went wrong when it doesn’t work or fit — it’s funny, but also frustrating. I’m too anal and like to get it correct the first time.”

“I usually check the instructions or manual first — it saves time in the long run. I hate having to fix mistakes caused by someone else’s attempts to bypass the instructions.”

“Reviewing the manual or instructions is the best way for me.”

“I review the manual until I think I have it, then move on at my own speed. When I can’t figure it out, I go back and finish reading the manual.”

“I can make so many mistakes on my own, I’ve finally given in to reviewing the manual first, then verifying I have all my parts. Slow and steady, I find, is most successful.”

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