By reading the instruction, I might become too afraid to even try to operate the device. No; I would rather throw caution to the wind and just flip the switch as see what happens! ZIP! Zing! Zoink! Whoops! It broke! Damn junk!

I almost never read instructions.  Instructions are just the back up plan.

I am trying to remember any that came with instructions  -- maybe a few with a link online.

I try to figure them out on my own

But if I can't, I look on Google or youtube for instructions from someone who has already figured it out.  To use the instructions from the manufacturer is the absolute last resort. 

I wish I had Roger Mucci  to read the directions for me!

It depends upon the particular appliance or device.

They come with instructions?

Set it up myself of course! Then when I can't get anything to do what it is supposed to I pull out the instructions!

Or, #3, have someone else do it! That's me.

They come with directions?

i read as a last resort. i dont ask directions either lol

You should know that men do not read instructions.

I'm one of those people who figures it out and refers to instructions when I hit a bump in the road.

Sometimes I jump the gun and set it up and figure it out. Sometimes it works and sometimes I wished I would have read the instructions.

Good morning Carol. It depends on what it is, but most of the time won't read the instructions and will feel my way through it.

 Good Sunday morning Carol. Most the time, I can figure it out on my own. Occasionally, I have to read the instructions.

Both. Depends how familiar I am with that appliances. I have a coffee maker that I still keep the instructions around( super complicated machine, lol). 

I look for a how-to video on YouTube.

That is what I do...I set it up and try to figure it out.  If I can't I read instructions.

I like to read the directions in Spanish and then see how much I remember from high school. I determine this by counting how many parts I have left over Carol Williams 

I like installing / figuring out things on my own. 

Just remodeled my kitchen and got new appliances, and did need to read to figure out how to set the clock, and thought I would read to how to operate it.

Carol Williams I always read the instructions after I can't figure it out myself.

Depends on how complicated the setup is.

I read the instructions since my techy son moved out several years ago. I used to hand them to him to figure out and teach me what I needed to know.

It depends on what it is.  

I usually figure it out on my own. If I can't, I will refer back to the manual.

If it is just a new model no but something I haven't had yes. I think Digital SLRs are a purchase where you need to read insturctions and get instruction.

I try to read the directions if they provide them. Sometimes you have to go online and download them.

Carol, we usually wing it or if in doubt ask our daughters to set it up.

Carol - Usually just set it up and figure it out on my own. If all else fails, then I will read the instructions.

I am bad about not reading the instructions until I run into a snag.

Carol,
Depends on what it is and what I want to do. I often find YouTube is faster than reading.

Carol Williams I think most of us start installing/working on it immediately!

At least I do! ( No patience to read that small type...)

I am a man,  We don't use instructions!

What are instructions?  Columbus didn't need them to find America, so I don't need them either!

I like to turn it on and explore it.  Learn it.  But maybe that's the computer geek in me.

I never read instructions....and my percentages of success are not great!!!  that's what adult children are for... whatever I buy, there's always a kid there to set it up.... when I tell them I'm buying a certain item, they now offer to set it up....because they know I won't read....tammy actually comes with power tools if michael is not available!!! jimmy's in north carolina and probably thankful much of the time...

If there is a booklet enclosed I read it. If I have to download I do not.

I read the book of words.  Suzanne does not!

I would just set it up and figure it out; 99.9% of the time they are in a foreign language that I do not know.

"Instructions!" 

When I refer to the instructions, they tend to Always be written in Spanish. So I figure it out. 

As a result, I have the most unusual assortment of parts and pieces in my 'odds-and-ends' box.

Unless you can read Spanish ..... Never have I read any manual on any devices or machinery. Even very sophisticated .....

I think you are talking RTFM. I usually don't read the book Carol.

I usually try reading the directions. Sometimes there is useful information in the directions. 

It depends.  I may browse only if I'm familiar with the technology or features, but other times I thotoughly read (and follow) instructions.