[JPL]

I think the main problem is, people don't UNDERSTAND technology any more. If you look at - for example - radio manuals from the 30's, there is a real interaction going on between the manufacturer and the end user. Namely, if THIS valve blows, you need to replace it, and in the back of the manual is the phone number of the manufacturer, we can supply it by post within 24, or, failing that, here is a list of alternative valves that will also fit the specs.

The user was expected to know all this, on a basic level, if they wanted the machine to work for them.

Now, there is none of this. People now, have no experience of technology in their everyday lives except for the wonders it produces. Encouraged by the manufacturers, perhaps, but I think maybe the problem now runs deeper. People really don't understand what's going on any more. How, or why, anything works - but they just believe fervently that it's got to to carry on working OK for them...

JP