Stupid Icons

I've noticed a recent trend where manufacturers prefer to place icons on their devices rather than explain how to use them in intelligible instruction manuals. There is some justification for this trend, since many devices are sold without any instructions. This seems to be a function of the dealers, who often remove the instructions rather than pass them on to the buyer. The problem with icons is that they oversimplify things - as if a superficial explanation constitutes instruction. This may work in Europe where the icons dominate, languages vary, and the lawyer crisis isn't as bad as it is here in the States, but we have our own foolishness as well. Here are some of my favorite stupid icons:

	Reading is Dangerous There has to be a better way to say "read instructions" than to combine a picture of a book with the international danger icon. After I started ridiculing this icon, Petzl changed the "!" to an "i," which changed the danger icon to an information icon.
	Sieg Heil Heil Hitler? It scares me that some Europeans are still thinking this way. Maybe it means "Don't turn it upside down?" Beats me.
	Keep Your Girlfriend's Hair out of Machinery Although I agree with the idea, none of my devices have gears. I suppose that solves the problem.
	Don't Catch Arrows or else Your Fingers Will Get Warm This is a puzzle. Don't catch arrows or else your fingers will get warm? That interpretation is to stupid to contemplate. Perhaps it means "Don't wear gloves?" If so, I don't always agree. "Do wear gloves?" A bit ambiguous, I think. Perhaps this one should be ignored??
	Throw It in the Lake! What could this possibly mean if it isn't "throw it in the lake?" Why would a manufacturer choose to use this icon? I think it means, "this rigging method will allow you to release from rappel and fall into the awaiting water." Seriously.

©2005, Gary D. Storrick