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I don't have techno-fear, I have techno-JOY! I love technology! I love to get a new machine. Every time I get a new machine, I think, 'This is the one! I won't have to work again; I've got THIS thing!' And if you have techno-joy, you get the instructions, you unwrap it, and you throw the instructions out the window! [mimes doing so] Forget them! Fuck 'em! [mimes turning on a computer] On. [mimes typing] I must know how this works, I've used machines before! [nonsense sound-effect singing] Come on... come on... come on... This bit comes off, I think. [mimes breaking something on the computer] And then you smash it with a hammer! [mimes doing so] I get really fucked off with the machines.

Eddie Izzard#60

HumorTechnologyLearningConsumerismFrustration

About this quote

What does it mean?
The speaker shares enthusiasm for new technology that quickly turns into frustration when devices fail.
In plain terms
People love buying new machines but get angry when they break or are hard to use.
What can you take from it?
Tech excitement often fades when usability fails.

Where it applies

  • tech support
  • product design
  • user experience

Putting it to work

  • read instructions
  • design for users

Questions to consider

  • Why do we ignore manuals?
  • Should tech be intuitive?

Another view

The rant generalizes all tech users who might be more patient.

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