I don't think a survival guide is meant to elicit sympathy, it's just supposed to provide practical advice for people in similar circumstances. If someone wrot

I don't think a survival guide is meant to elicit sympathy, it's just supposed to provide practical advice for people in similar circumstances. If someone wrote a personal guide on how to survive if you're bitten by a snake, my first thought wouldn't be "man, they must really be looking for sympathy."