RE: "always read and follow the instructions"

["Andrew Warren" <awarren -at- synaptics -dot- com>]

Milan Davidovic wrote:

> When I see a statement in a manual such as "Always read and follow
> the instructions in this manual", two thoughts come to mind:
> 
> Following the instructions in the manual (i.e. the ones actually
> in the manual, not the instructions you imagine) presupposes having
> learned them, so the direction to "read" them is redundant.

    Yeah, usually... But one might naturally "follow" (most of) the
    directions without having read them.  Hardly anyone who uses
    Microsoft Word every day has read the manual, and most drivers
    have never read their car owner's manuals.

> Telling someone to "do x" with no qualifiers provides no options,
> so the modifier "always" is redundant.

    I think a lack of qualifiers probably means "once" more often than
    it means "always"... But regardless, "always" in this context is
    an intensifier that emphasizes the importance of the instructions,
    live "ever" in "Don't do that" vs. "Don't ever do that."

> Do you think "always read and follow the instructions" is likely to
> be more effective than "follow the instructions"?

    If "be more effective" means "increase compliance with the
    instructions", no... But I bet it makes company lawyers happier.

    -Andrew

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