Gina, you're not stupid
You don't know the french press principle of operation, that's it....
The device is very simple and consists of a narrow glass or plastic cylinder and a lid with a rod. The coffee of a coarse grinding type along with water is poured down the press, shaked a little and let to brew for several minutes. Then the rod is pressed down the coffee grounds to force away all the pleasant aroma, taste and colour it possesses. Thus, nothing is lost, moreover this way of preparing coffee is far much effective and natural than in any other devices (except coffee pot)......
Hope this info will help you chose for yourself, ginga