Reading Is Fundamental

Why do we have acronyms like RTFM (read the f^@%!#& manual) and RTFA (read the f^@%!#& article)? Because too many people ignored R.I.F. - Reading Is Fundamental.

These days, I can't even get the honesty of a "tl:dr" (too long; didn't read) when people COMPLETELY IGNORE information. Information that would answer their questions. Actually, better than that - they obviate the question because there would be no question if they would JUST. READ.

Reading is not the same as Scanning. Scanning is bullshit. READ IT.

This is a system problem in our society. Even at law school, a professor needed to remind students of the primacy of reading. He would do this by asking us: "What is the first rule of statutory construction?" (which means interpreting a statute). "Read on!" Imagine that. A law professor reminding a room full of law students, who have already graduated from college with a bachelor's degree needing to be reminded that they have to read things to understand it.

I'd like to redub a scene in Pulp Fiction:

Jules:
"English, muther fucker. Do you read it?"

So, a suggestion for when you encounter new information in text form:

1. READ IT
2. READ ALL OF IT
3. If you have any questions, READ IT AGAIN
4. If your question was answered, move on.
5. If you still have a question that was not addressed, ask it.
   

And pay attention to D'Mite, he has several good points.