Books for Dummies

[snopes]

Comment: I heard that the "For Dummies" series of books started with a bet
that you could sell a product that directly insults the buyer.

[diddy]

Highly doubt it - the publisher makes it clear that the books are not in fact for dummies and according to Wiki:

The For Dummies series began during 1991 with DOS for Dummies,[2] written by Dan Gookin and published by IDG Books. The book became popular due to the rarity of beginner-friendly materials for using DOS

The word “dummies” is used for humor and is because it is aimed at beginners - the whole point of the series.

[JoeBentley]

Yeah the "...for Dummies" and "Idiots Guide to..." were obviously self depreciating humor.

[1958Fury]

Regardless of their actual target audience, some of the titles strike me as funny. "Fishing for Dummies" makes me think of someone hoping to catch a dummy, like you would fish for trout or bass. The other day I saw "Neuroscience for Dummies", and I just had to wonder who a book like that is for. How many people who self-identify as dummies are studying neuroscience? Granted, the more challenging a subject is, the more justifiable it is buy a book that simplifies the subject. But I still don't know if it would make me any more comfortable to see "Anatomy for Dummies" on the shelf at my doctor's office.

[Sooeygun]

Originally Posted by 1958Fury

The other day I saw "Neuroscience for Dummies", and I just had to wonder who a book like that is for. How many people who self-identify as dummies are studying neuroscience? Granted, the more challenging a subject is, the more justifiable it is buy a book that simplifies the subject. But I still don't know if it would make me any more comfortable to see "Anatomy for Dummies" on the shelf at my doctor's office.

Maybe not studying it, but interested in it, or the person or person's family has neurological issues and wants to get more understanding.

I would think Anatomy for Dummies is for someone that wants a basic understanding of anatomy for personal reasons. I'm not studying to be a doctor but I do have a basic anatomy book so that I can understand my body better.

[JoeBentley]

Originally Posted by 1958Fury

Regardless of their actual target audience, some of the titles strike me as funny.

I like the parody book someone did:

[1958Fury]

That's great!

[diddy]

LOL! #1 in New Jersey!

I also like the person who does the forward....

Carry on!

[Zorro]

Originally Posted by diddy

LOL! #1 in New Jersey!

Hey! Where did that come from?

[Auburn Red]

Originally Posted by JoeBentley

I like the parody book someone did:

Finally the worlds meet!!

Originally Posted by 1958Fury

The other day I saw "Neuroscience for Dummies", and I just had to wonder who a book like that is for. How many people who self-identify as dummies are studying neuroscience?

I don't know maybe there are some really dumb neuroscientists out there?
I love going to the libraries and bookstores just to see the different "Idiot's Guide"/"For Dummies" titles out there. It amazes me how many subjects they have covered.

[diddy]

Originally Posted by Auburn Red

I don't know maybe there are some really dumb neuroscientists out there?

It could have been a joke toward patients. It wasn’t targeted toward professionals though.

I love going to the libraries and bookstores just to see the different "Idiot's Guide"/"For Dummies" titles out there. It amazes me how many subjects they have covered.

For your amusement...

Also for your reading pleasure: 2011 Catalog for Dummies (PDF file)