Documentation is Haunting Me

Even on vacation I couldn't escape documentation. While most people think technical writers explain software or some similar product (and it's true, I do) so many other forms of technical communication exist. On my vacation I was bombarded with other people's technical writing. It's like one of those things you never notice and then when you're aware of it, it appears everywhere.

Here are a few examples from my recent trip and the time spent in the great outdoors of Northern Michigan.

• Planes. Not only did I have neat little instructions with pictures but I also saw a flight attendant reading out of a huge manual. I thought they had to memorize their stuff. And, I know pilots have thick books of instructions as well. Not sure if I'm more or less comfortable with the idea that flying takes so much instruction to complete safely.
• I bought a bunch of new gear for camping. I did read the instructions and follow them for my tent, footprint, self-inflating foam pad, head lamp and screen house. I did not read it for my sleeping bag or SIGG water bottle. I should have for the SIGG because I was supposed to wash it before using the first time. Ooops. I'm sure a few chemicals still inside won't harm me, right?
• Food. Do you notice how many food packages come with instructions and warnings. I am always reading the labels and not even thinking about who designed and wrote them.
• Countless other items I completely ignored as I tried to disconnect for a few days.

Interesting observation about the camping gear. Years past the product pictures and instructions that they crazily throw in last minute were more frustrating than helpful. This time, I actually could figure out what to do based on the instructions. Either I'm getting better at this documentation interpretation thing or my field is improving. You decide. :-)