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 You did read the very short story in your title? My reply was an apparrently vague and confusing reference to the story...
I'm an Asimov fan, have most of the books.
It was broke, so I fixed it.
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Yes I did read this story, in 1957 as a matter of fact.
In the story the space travelers were being supplied with instruments they needed, but the instruments were packaged dis-assembled, with a set of confusing instructions about how to re-assemble the instruments. They requested a robot that knew how to assemble the instruments. It was shipped, and came dis-assembled, with a confusing set of instructions about how to re-assemble the robot.
I was given a package which I couldn't open because the plastic was too tough to open with my bare hands. Whet I needed was a good pair of shears. The package contained those very shears.
I know, once you explain a joke it is no longer funny.
Dave.
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Member 4194593 wrote: I know, once you explain a joke it is no longer funny.
You didn't need to, nor will I explain my reponse for the same reason. 
It was broke, so I fixed it.
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If it's any consolation, in the 80s I worked for a company making VDTs - Terminals, big heavy metal terminals[^] for computers. They were shipped in a big box that opened at the top, and the unpacking instructions were...on the bottom, under the terminal.
Never underestimate the power of stupid things in large numbers
--- Serious Sam
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you should have posted photo
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Member 4194593 wrote: Google is your friend.
So Google has to speak for you?, Google knows your mind than you do?
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Yes, Google knows all
Just because the code works, it doesn't mean that it is good code.
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BillW33 wrote: Yes, Google NSA knows all
They then tell Google. Most of it.
Never underestimate the power of stupid things in large numbers
--- Serious Sam
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Asimov: genius.
"If you think it's expensive to hire a professional to do the job, wait until you hire an amateur." Red Adair.
Those who seek perfection will only find imperfection
nils illegitimus carborundum
me, me, me
me, in pictures
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I was raised on his books and have read the (original) Foundation series many times. Only Clarke or Niven/Pournelle (Ringworld) come close.
"If you think it's expensive to hire a professional to do the job, wait until you hire an amateur." Red Adair.
Those who seek perfection will only find imperfection
nils illegitimus carborundum
me, me, me
me, in pictures
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You just named the masters, I have them all. I can't really get used to reading on-line or e-readers. There is just something about curling up in my easy chair with a good book.
Dave.
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I've tried Kindle. I liked it. But I prefer the real thing. Besides, what sort of a home doesn't have books?
"If you think it's expensive to hire a professional to do the job, wait until you hire an amateur." Red Adair.
Those who seek perfection will only find imperfection
nils illegitimus carborundum
me, me, me
me, in pictures
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OBTW, you missed Heinlein in your list.
Dave.
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Member 4194593 wrote: you missed Heinlein in your list
No, I didn't. Never liked his writing.
"If you think it's expensive to hire a professional to do the job, wait until you hire an amateur." Red Adair.
Those who seek perfection will only find imperfection
nils illegitimus carborundum
me, me, me
me, in pictures
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Oh, you didn't? Well, I bet he wouldn't like yours either!
Happy New Year!
- I would love to change the world, but they won’t give me the source code.
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"If you think it's expensive to hire a professional to do the job, wait until you hire an amateur." Red Adair.
Those who seek perfection will only find imperfection
nils illegitimus carborundum
me, me, me
me, in pictures
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I have Starship Troopers on the desk right now. It's what I'm reading on the way to work in the morning.
The language is JavaScript. that of Mordor, which I will not utter here
I hold an A-7 computer expert classification, Commodore. I'm well acquainted with Dr. Daystrom's theories and discoveries. The basic design of all our ship's computers are JavaScript.
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mark merrens wrote: what sort of a home doesn't have books?
One with Kindles?
I'm working myself up to thin out my book collection but despite my shelves containing a large selection that haven't even been opened in years, let alone read, it's hard to let them go. 
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viaducting wrote: One with Kindles?
Still, there is something about having an actual book...
Also, reference books don't really work on the Kindle.
"If you think it's expensive to hire a professional to do the job, wait until you hire an amateur." Red Adair.
Those who seek perfection will only find imperfection
nils illegitimus carborundum
me, me, me
me, in pictures
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Clarke was overrated. His Rendezvous with Rama was good but the sequels really dragged on... and on...
Harry Harrison - Now there was a writer of good, fun Science Fiction.
- I would love to change the world, but they won’t give me the source code.
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Clarke's writing is a little dry but some of his stories are brilliant. In particular, The Sentinel which was the basis for 2001.
Yes, didn't Harrison write a story about a transatlantic train tunnel?
Of course, let's not forget the classics like Wells and Verne and other greats like Orwell and Wyndham.
"If you think it's expensive to hire a professional to do the job, wait until you hire an amateur." Red Adair.
Those who seek perfection will only find imperfection
nils illegitimus carborundum
me, me, me
me, in pictures
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mark merrens wrote: Yes, didn't Harrison write a story about a transatlantic train tunnel?
He did: A Transatlantic Tunnel, Hurrah![^]
Never underestimate the power of stupid things in large numbers
--- Serious Sam
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And don't forget the "Stainless Steel Rat" stories.
Never underestimate the power of stupid things in large numbers
--- Serious Sam
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