RE: Why do we put so many warnings in our manuals?

["LeVie, Donald S" <donald -dot- s -dot- levie -at- intel -dot- com>]

Hey Steve:

I think I'm one of the "ignorant blowhards" you're referring to on the
subject. Your subject involves "improper instructions" for which liability
and large damage rewards is a valid avenue for juries to consider. The
particular incident you related sounds like a legitimate lawsuit waiting to
happen, as I'm sure most of the posters would agree.

No ones arguing about product defects or products being dangerous. Just
about any product can be used in a dangerous way. I use my Bic pen to write
with, but if I choose to stab my neighbor in the eye with it, is Bic liable?
Should the pen carry a warning "Danger: Not intended to be used as a weapon,
hole punch, drumstick, or any other use other than writing"? Give me a
freakin' break. 

Yes, cars kill if you drive them into a wall at 100 mph, as you state. But
you sound like the type that would try to get damages from the wall as a
party to the accident.

The original post was about the plain stupidity of people and people
receiving huge, out-of-whack judgments from juries, and lawyers who argue
that the most peripherally associated party to the incident is liable for
damages.

Duh....before labeling people as "self-righteous ignorant blowhards,"
re-read the post first. It may help you from falling into the same class as
the rest of us..;-)

Donn Le Vie, Jr.
Technical Publications Project Manager
Technical Communications Council Manager
Personal Client Architecture Components Group
Intel Corporation




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