You probably recognize this guy, almost everyone does. I do not know if he has a name, but we all refer to him as the "dummies guy". Twenty years ago, we were introduced to him on the cover of the first For Dummies book, DOS for Dummies. With all the new technologies being introduced, a reference guide that could be understood by the regular consumer was needed. The creators of the series actually heard a frustrated customer in a computer store say he was looking for a book that could teach the basics of the DOS operating system to him, "something like DOS for dummies" (2011, Dummies Success Story). Knowing this same frustration was common to many users, the creators decided to try their hand at this type of reference guide. The rest, as they say, is history.
Of course, a reference book that had "dummie" in the title was felt to be a bit degrading to the consumer and would probably hinder sales. However, it was meant as more of a "term of endearment" (2011, Dummies Success Story) and they decided to run with it. "For Dummies books tackle any topic that's complex, confusing, intimidating, or conjures up any feelings of anxiety" (2011, Dummies Success Story). They now have these reference materials in video form, other software and a rather successful website, www.dummies.com.
You can learn about almost anything you want. Business, careers, computers, electronics, crafts, musical instruments, food, health, the Internet, personal finance and so much more. Popular culture has inspired the creation of "more than 1600 For Dummies titles" (O'Leary, 2011). Yes, there is even Sex for Dummies. Can you imagine? I wonder, however, if Opera for Dummies or Shakespeare for Dummies would be as widely accepted in the elite culture?
That guy at the top of this blog (Blogging for Dummies, too) is pretty well known in the world of popular culture. You will probably see him wherever books are sold. He has been around for twenty years and I suspect that as long as we need to know "how to do things", he will stay around. He does, however, have some competition with the Idiot's Guide to things, but they are not quite as popular...yet.
Recognize him now?
References
The for Dummies success story. (2011). Retrieved March 9, 2011 from http://www.dummies. com/Section/The-For-Dummies-Success-Story.id-323929.html
O'Leary, N. (2011). About, Dummies, and Idiots. Information Today, 28(3), 22-23. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.
No comments:
Post a Comment