Do You Prefer eBook or Video? Let's vote!

[Dennis Sim]

Hey members,

Just wondering, do you prefer to receive valuable information through ebook or video?

Or maybe one video and one "cheat sheet"?

Personally I prefer a video + "cheat sheet". But I'd like to hear from you

So, let's vote!

[corvetteking]

I do video marketing but I write ebooks so it's kind of a toss up . I would say ebook with video support .

[Jaysmyne]

I really rather read an Ebook, its not as big as movie file and I can always skim through it if needed. I hate large videos that take up lots of space and drive me bonkers by not being able to find the section I want to review at any given time. So my vote is on Ebooks, especially because you can CTRL + F to find things in an Ebook - you can't do that with a video.

[Sven Schoene]

Well-made video courses rock! Depends on the topic, though.


Explaining hip-hop dance in an ebook is equally bad as trying to explain... Hmm, I don't really have an example for when video sucks. Does that say something about video?


Anyway, I've voted for "video + cheat sheet". That's the perfect unbeatable combo!

[Dennis Sim]

Originally Posted by Jaysmyne

I really rather read an Ebook, its not as big as movie file and I can always skim through it if needed. I hate large videos that take up lots of space and drive me bonkers by not being able to find the section I want to review at any given time. So my vote is on Ebooks, especially because you can CTRL + F to find things in an Ebook - you can't do that with a video.

The video is to explain the how the whole thing works. And the "cheat sheet" is in PDF format which is to summarize the video content (you can hit CTRL +F)

[Virginia M. Clemmons]

My vote is for a Video + "cheat sheet"/ebook. This way you don't have to watch the entire video over just because you might have missed a step in the process (when it comes to an ebook). And, the video allows you to explain things that cannot be explain in an ebook or report. Also, I feel you can address 2 if not 3 different learning styles: auditory(audio from the video), visual(ebook/report & Video), and tactile(video) learners.

Virginia

[dsmpublishing]

I really hate videos if i see one on a squeezepage i always make a swift exit. Give me a quality ebook any day....

kind regards


sam
X

[Steve Diamond]

I get very frustrated with instructional videos. They're invariably much too long. I'd much rather have an ebook. Then I can easily skim over the parts I don't need and zero in on the meat.

Steve

[Greg124]

I can read a ebook much quicker than I can watch the equivalent info in video format, so almost always I prefer the ebook.
The exception being the few topics which can best be understood by seeing a demonstration, rather than reading about it. As an example setting up some types of software or how to do yoga, are topics in which it is worth seeing someone going through the various steps visually.

Greg.

[Rezbi]

I've got so much information overload I hate everything.

Just open my head up and pour in the knowledge.

[travlinguy]

Good videos are great but there are very few out there. Most people think it's okay to be casual and ramble and joke and carry on without ever getting to the point. Then there are people who think they've got it so together that they can simply set the camera in motion and wing it. Most often it doesn't work.

I prefer ebooks hands down.

[Scott Ames]

Originally Posted by Rezbi

I've got so much information overload I hate everything.

Just open my head up and pour in the knowledge.

Haha!! I know what you mean. I like video if it is done right, but like Steve Diamond I hate to sit through "the basics" or have someone uhm and ahhh through mindless banter for a long time before making the points.

My favorite video is a Camtasia with sections that I can skip to if I wish. That mixed with a little live action that really concentrates on telling the "meat" of the subject are best.

[CDarklock]

My time is precious. I can read faster than you can talk.

Making me listen to you instead of reading wastes my time.

That makes me feel like you don't care about what's important to me.

[A Bary]

I don't know who told marketers that 20-100 hrs video courses are any good!

I really really hate videos, and never was able to finish a video course no matter how good it's, just get bored and feel asleep after few minutes..

My vote is for ebook without doubt

[TheDebtEliminator]

I like eBooks htat have a transcript included for the times that instructions are given and I have trouble remembering the steps to take.

If only it is for entertainment , then videos are the way to go

[mikeyman120]

Video all the way. Video is the future. Nothing like a great camtasia video course! I'd rather watch and learn than read.

[AtomicFlipper]

I like ebook.

I think eBooks should be split into 2 most times, 1 to discuss all the different aspects, and 1 for putting it into practise (step by step)

[JAIDEEP2959]

Video is the latest trend and many clickbank vendors are using it.

[DennisFMaloney]

My vote is for a e book. I like to go back and reread it. Always pick up a few more tips the second time.

[pi365]

I like videos that get to the point with no fluff along with a cheat sheet that gives you hands on experience.

[Clayton Jolin]

I voted the third one. Sometimes, you do get bored going through a video because it includes all that you already know.

However, if you're a product publisher, you've to keep a vast amount of information in small packages to have a low refund/support queries rates.

ClaytonJ

[Emily Meeks]

It depends. Most of the time I'd take an ebook, but there are cases where I'll learn better visually and thus a video would help. However, I hatehateHATE any video that sets to automatically start - I always have music going while I work, and I take it VERY seriously when my music gets interrupted by some crappy video (especially when it's one of those standing ladies in the corner... why do they have those?? >.<)

[Rich Struck]

I prefer video but only if it is short and to the point and very few of them are.

[Truffle]

ebook wins every time, I tend to read faster then the video goes. But if you're going to make a course or a product you should do ebook, video and audio. That way people have a choice what they want to listend, watch or read

greetz,
jobic

[cbproductreviews]

I prefer only e-book, but also video sometimes.

[bizideas]

Here's my perspective.

It's obvious that they both have their advantages and disadvantages.
I'm surely not going to get stuck on one medium or the other.
The trick is knowing when and how to effectively use either.

Just because someone's handed a camera doesn't make them a video producer. The route from a good concept to a good creation takes a LOT of consideration when contemplating an audience's attention.

Likewise, just because someone gives you a pad and paper doesn't
make you a good writer. Remember there's just as many crap ebooks out there as there is video. In fact, I'd wager anyone 20 bucks that there's probably more!

"You could fill Yankee Stadium with the world's mediocre novelists" Robert Redford's Quiz Show

Eric

[SuzanneR]

Agree with those saying they like a video/ebook combo (with cheat sheet if possible)

I see videos and ebooks complementing each other--not really a replacement in most cases.

[CDarklock]

Originally Posted by Sven Schoene

Hmm, I don't really have an example for when video sucks.

Explaining how to spell difficult words.

[ny_mariposa]

I prefer the old fashioned e-book... one that I can print out to read at my leisure away from the computer screen.

I don't care for videos because my mind tends to wander or something is always distracting me and I miss everything. Unless it's a very very well done and captivating video.

[Rob Anderson]

well.
first my vote is for the e book.
but a short video does help get a sale.
and then the product should be both.

but right now i also have information overload!

so i am just gonna go play some reggae

( and i must add that i am glad that i never started this one.
last time i got into a bit of hot water over the video thing.)

[MReco]

I think it depends on the product. eBooks and Videos are both good, but you can utilize them for different things!

[Don Schenk]

I go for ebook because I can read it a lot faster than watching a video, I can print it out and make notes on it or highlight parts I find important.

This is impossible with a video.

But.....

That said, something complicated which requires demonstration, is perfect for video. Put the ebook with it.

Last year warrior Kevin Riley did a couple of very well written courses for warriors using both written word and videos for demonstration and transcriptions of the videos. It was a perfect blend.

:-Don

[midasman09]

I've done lots of "Tape" videos and found that if the Vid is going to be more that 8 minutes....to BREAK it into 8 min segments.

I always included a "Printed Manual" with the Videos so viewers could "follow-along".

AND...with the "new" videos that have NO WAY to "Fast Forward"...I just click out.

With "Intro" or "Sales" Vids, the "Attention Span" of viewers comes into play, these days....and you may have to break your vids into 4 minute segments.

Midas Man

[Karen Connell]

My vote goes with an ebook.

I can skim an ebook to pick out the bits of relevant information - then read the whole thing at my leisure.


Karen

[kettlewell]

I love video - it rocks.

Until I'm looking for something in the video and I cant find it... waste hours looking for one phrase or section.

So video should be "bite size" -- I prefer about 15-30 minute chunks with cheat sheets/outlines/summaries and supplemental materials that go with each video.

Proper labeling of the supplemental/cheat sheets to know with video it goes with helps.

Matt

[Pete Egeler]

Originally Posted by JAIDEEP2959

Video is the latest trend and many clickbank vendors are using it.

Being "The Latest Trend" doesn't mean it's all that great.

Just because someone is getting 80-gazillion hits on their dog playing ball, doesn't make it "THE" ultimate marketing tool.

But, some self proclaimed guru said it was the "wave of the future", so everyone took it as gospel and jumped on board.

That's probably good for me though. I know I've saved over $1000 this year by not buying those video only programs.

Pete

[TyBrown]

No category for audio? I prefer to listen to stuff in the car.

[henrysy]

ebooks, Videos, audios - in that order.

[Kekoa]

Write an ebook, do a video presentation (talking head, with perhaps a mix of camtasia) using your ebook as the script. Then read your ebook aloud and turn that into an mp3.

Go above and beyond, give your customers all 3 options.

That is how you will win.

[RanD]

Certain things are better on video, software training, for example. For stuff like that, it is definitely better to see it being done than reading it. You usually watch it once, maybe twice. After that you can get by with a cheat sheet. Video should be done when there is something to show, even if it's ust the excitement of the other person for motivational purposes.

Books are better for learning complicated processes that you will be referring back to frequently. I never read an ebook, it drives me crazy. I print them off and read them at my leisure away from my computer. Highlighting all the key points as I go. I hate when people make videos of them sitting at their computer talking about something that could just as easily been read. I hate having to take notes from video, and hate having to keep rewinding to catch things I missed. I don't want to be strapped in front of my computer any more than I have to be, which is already a lot. And videos suck for quick reference. If you do video, make sure that it has a purpose.

Though, not asked about, audio has a purpose to. Motivational stuff and interviews are good for audio, I don't like it as a stand alone training tool though.

Actually, the real answer is give me them all, and let me choose what to use and when. Sometimes it's nice to have audio in my car that I can listen to after reading the book. It can help reinforce concepts or maybe elaborate on them more. But only give it to me in a downloadable format. You can keep the streaming stuff. I am not interested.

[SusanUSA]

I prefer eBooks. But on some topics, the videos are helpful. Depends on what you are trying to communicate to the individual. But when eBooks will suffice, I much prefer them to videos.

[Mike Calvert]

By and large, I prefer ebooks for instructional manuals and reference. (Can you imagine if the dictionary were a video instead of a book? Yikes!) Just because it is now possible to do video, doesn't make it the best choice in every circumstance.

As many have already expressed, ebooks can be read more quickly, skimmed over to find the "meat", highlighted and indexed for later reference. I also like that ebooks can be printed out and read at limitless locations. You don't need to wear headphones while reading an ebook in a doctor's office, and I've never had to stop reading because the batteries in my printed ebook ran down.

I actually prefer MP3 audios to video as well, because you can't watch a video while you are driving, walking, or engaging in other physical activities.

Tutorial screen-shot videos can be helpful at times. However, other than a very short video greeting on a web page to establish rapport, I find seemingly endless "talking head" type videos mind numbing.

Just as tedious are the Power Point text-only "Let Me Read You A Story" type of videos. If it's a long video of a live seminar, give me a quality recording on a DVD, so that I can at least kick back in my recliner with a cool one and watch it on my television. (I already spend too much time in my desk chair.)

Finally, the new long-form video sales letters with no controls are horrible, and for the most part, I refuse to watch them. I can skim multiple text sales letters for benefits, price and terms in the time that it takes some sellers to describe just one benefit in a video sales message.

Dennis, thanks for the good choice of topic, and the opportunity to express some thoughts that have been on my mind lately.

All the Best,

Mike

[Hardi Wijaya]

Originally Posted by Dennis Sim

Hey members,

Just wondering, do you prefer to receive valuable information through ebook or video?

Or maybe one video and one "cheat sheet"?

Personally I prefer a video + "cheat sheet". But I'd like to hear from you

So, let's vote!

Dennis,

I prefer the product in many media. Reading if I've time.... Watching it on Saturday or Sunday... Listening it while driving. I'd pay high bucks for this.


Hardi