Law of Averages

FMF

Science

22 Apr 13

FMF

Joined: 28 Oct 05
Moves: 34587

22 Apr 13

Why does inserting a USB plug into an unsighted USB socket defy the law of averages? The first attempt to put the USB plug in is almost always thwarted by the end being the wrong way up.

twhitehead

Cape Town

Joined: 14 Apr 05
Moves: 52945

22 Apr 13

Originally posted by FMF
Why does inserting a USB plug into an unsighted USB socket defy the law of averages? The first attempt to put the USB plug in is almost always thwarted by the end being the wrong way up.

Its a psychological effect whereby you remember your failures better than your successes.
Hint: most sockets have the 'thick side' down, so if you can't see the socket but can see the 'stick' or cable, then you can increase your chances. If its the back of a computer then the 'thick side' is usually to the left (when looking from the back).

Soothfast

0,1,1,2,3,5,8,13,21,

☯️

Joined: 04 Mar 04
Moves: 2709

22 Apr 13

Originally posted by FMF
Why does inserting a USB plug into an unsighted USB socket defy the law of averages? The first attempt to put the USB plug in is almost always thwarted by the end being the wrong way up.

Yeah. Gets on my tits, it does.

Kepler

Demon Duck

of Doom!

Joined: 20 Aug 06
Moves: 20099

22 Apr 13

Originally posted by FMF
Why does inserting a USB plug into an unsighted USB socket defy the law of averages? The first attempt to put the USB plug in is almost always thwarted by the end being the wrong way up.

The same reason toast usually falls butter side down.

stellspalfie

Joined: 16 Jan 07
Moves: 95105

22 Apr 13

Originally posted by FMF
Why does inserting a USB plug into an unsighted USB socket defy the law of averages? The first attempt to put the USB plug in is almost always thwarted by the end being the wrong way up.

and why do people only stand on up turned plugs, you never stand on the plastic back!!!

Grampy Bobby

Boston Lad

USA

Joined: 14 Jul 07
Moves: 43012

22 Apr 13

"Children smile on the average 400 times/day; Adults: 15 times/day. Ever wonder why? (Quote from unkown source)" [flickr.com]

wolfgang59

Quiz Master

RHP Arms

Joined: 09 Jun 07
Moves: 48794

22 Apr 13

Originally posted by FMF
Why does inserting a USB plug into an unsighted USB socket defy the law of averages? The first attempt to put the USB plug in is almost always thwarted by the end being the wrong way up.

Just before insertion reverse.
Same phenomena as looking in the last
place first when you have lost your keys.

wolfgang59

Quiz Master

RHP Arms

Joined: 09 Jun 07
Moves: 48794

22 Apr 13

Originally posted by Kepler
The same reason toast usually falls butter side down.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buttered_cat_paradox
😀

sonhouse

Fast and Curious

slatington, pa, usa

Joined: 28 Dec 04
Moves: 53321

22 Apr 13

Originally posted by Kepler
The same reason toast usually falls butter side down.

The USB plug is heavier on one side?

sonhouse

Fast and Curious

slatington, pa, usa

Joined: 28 Dec 04
Moves: 53321

22 Apr 13

Originally posted by Grampy Bobby
"Children smile on the average 400 times/day; Adults: 15 times/day. Ever wonder why? (Quote from unkown source)" [flickr.com]

Adults KNOW why things are going to shyte.....

Kepler

Demon Duck

of Doom!

Joined: 20 Aug 06
Moves: 20099

22 Apr 13

Originally posted by sonhouse
The USB plug is heavier on one side?

No no, Murphy's Law. If it can go wrong it will. I prefer the quantum version myself, if it can go wrong it probably already has.

RJHinds

The Near Genius

Fort Gordon

Joined: 24 Jan 11
Moves: 13644

22 Apr 13

Originally posted by Grampy Bobby
"Children smile on the average 400 times/day; Adults: 15 times/day. Ever wonder why? (Quote from unkown source)" [flickr.com]

No.

Soothfast

0,1,1,2,3,5,8,13,21,

☯️

Joined: 04 Mar 04
Moves: 2709

22 Apr 13

Originally posted by Grampy Bobby
"Children smile on the average 400 times/day; Adults: 15 times/day. Ever wonder why?

Because adults have children, that's why.

coquette

Already mated

Omaha, Nebraska, USA

Joined: 04 Jul 06
Moves: 1121374

23 Apr 13

1 edit

Originally posted by Kepler
The same reason toast usually falls butter side down.

answered above. deleted by me.

FMF

Joined: 28 Oct 05
Moves: 34587

23 Apr 13

Originally posted by Soothfast
Yeah. Gets on my tits, it does.

Well I'd imagine you're getting way lower than 50% success rate if that's where you're trying to insert your USB.