Do You Prefer To Read or To Watch?

[Andrei Rotariu]

Me, i like to watch.

I could sit here all day and watch crap on the internet, or even on normal TV.

I also like to read, or let me re-phrase that. I like to read because i get stuff out of reading that i dont from TV.

But i'd still rather watch. Its entertaining, exciting, i can get comfortable, eat some popcorn, drink a coke (or beer), and basically relax while leaning, laughing or crying, whatever it is that the program im watching is supposed to be doing to me.

Im gonna take a wild guess here and say that YOU like to watch too. You'd rather being watching this as a matter of fact (Well TOO BAD cos im tired and half drunk!).

So then why is so much of the stuff on the web text content? particularly the reviews.

Yeah, yeah, spare all of us the techy stuff, we know. But other then that technical jargon, why arn't we seeing video reviews for things. I mean if i want a review on a tv, laptop, car, phone, or whatever, i would honestly rather watch it instead of reading about it. Wouldnt you?

Imagine the difference between you reading Joe's review on how crap his new plasma tv is. In the text review he saying things like "It just stopped working, and i rang customer care, but the lady was a bitch..." and then actually seeing Joe kick the lifeless crap out of the lifeless crap plasma sitting in front of him, then standing up huffing and puffing in his worn out singlet and footy shorts walks over to the webcam and finishes by screaming into it "SONY SUCKS!"...

..Im sure you get the point.

In finishing, i would rather watch a review on anything from books, to movies to food and to appliances instead of reading about it any day of the week and im sure most of you would too.

Why isnt it happening then?

Now, reply slowly, while i buy domains for this new idea and become filthy rich.

[ShaneRQR]

I agree, video is great and it's much more of an eye-catcher than text.
The reason you don't see more of it is that it's a hell of a lot more effort to make a decent video than to write some text.

Sure, you can make a video that just consists of you talking to a crappy webcam, no editing etc. But you'd better be really entertaining and/or interesting (bonus if you're a hot babe) if you want to keep my attention.
As soon as you want a bit more from your videos, you'll be spending a looot of time with editing.

I've been doing video reviews for a long time, by the way. Non-commercial, however (i.e. not monetizing them).
The best thing is that you'll build something of a following if you consistently produce good videos.

[Dan Klatt]

I like having having the option for both. Often it's a matter of what seems the least costly in terms of how much time it would require. If it's a 3-5 page report, I would read it (skim) instead of sitting through a 15-minute video, especially if the first three minutes are "who I am and my life story". I like the information I want succinctly and fast, whichever format it's in.

Warmly,
Dan

[ODA Marketing]

I like both. There is only one kind of videos I don't like, and that is videos that have hided the option to jump ahead if there is too much boring stuff. I have no time to watch a 40 minute video just to find out it all was a promotion for a product, and no real information I can use.

- Oddvar.

[Paid Surveys]

Video is a highly effective method, mainly because people can see things in action and learn practical skills, that static text can't deliver. I still love reading though and I like the choie of both options

[sloth456]

I think if I really want something to sink in I have to concentrate, and reading achieves that, where as watching is too easy and sometimes my eyes glaze over and don't pay attention.

When it comes to sales pages that have videos I always watch them rather than read, its easier, I get to hear the voice and see the productI'm buying in action.

[pink sapphire]

I much prefer to read. I find it incredibly frustrating to be forced to go at the pace dictated by videos (which is usually too slow), and I don't like not being able to skim the contents first. Plus it's difficult to go back and revisit particular bits. And then there are people who can't watch videos for various reasons, perhaps because their English isn't fluent enough, or they don't have a fast enough connection, or they have hearing difficulties. I know many people prefer video, but it's always best to provide a text equivalent too.

[Andrei Rotariu]

In terms of Internet Marketing i would be much more inclined to buy somehting from somone if they had a video of themselves instead of a piece of text.

[edd666666]

As you know you need to cover all learning modes such as reading, watching, listening. For me, I like to read as I can skip around. OK, thanks, Ed.

[mark z]

I like both.
Video saves my time and deliver results faster. Many useful presentations you can fast forward and still get the idea.
However, reading takes much more focusing, but well written books worth to me more than well made movies. Sounds weird, but they are "painting" nicer pictures.

[-Jericho-]

For me unless I want a descriptive walk thru of something I prefer to read. I get bored so quick watching videos. I want the ability to scan through information that I find relevant or important. Whenever I watch a video I find myself clicking ahead to find what I am looking for.

[bobsstuff]

I MUCH prefer reading. I a likely missing out on a lot of "probably good" material because I do not want to spend the 10 minutes to one hour watching a video of material I could read in 3 minutes or 30 minutes.

As a marketer, I guess it would pay to offer both. Those that do will not leave as much money on the table as those who only do one or the other.

[SeanSupplee]

Watch, A picture is worth a thousand words while a video can be worth a million Is the way I look at it. Its just the way I learn its easier and faster for me and also I can remember it better.

[Mike Shain]

I am a speed reader and my mind tends to run faster than I like so I prefer reading where I can control the pace and easily go back if I missed something.

If I still don't understand then a video would likely get me through it.

If I had a choice between video or ebook I woud have to see the price first. If the videos are $97 and the ebook is $27 I am going with the ebook since that would suit me better anyway.

I also agree that video on the sales page and even the thank you page is a good thing. It takes the anonymity out of the internet and lets them see who they are dealing with and that yes they are a real person.

[ladyjane]

I'm probably in the minority, judging from the other responses, but I MUCH prefer reading. I learn more from it, I get more out of it, and I can take my time with it. Reading allows me to easily go back to spots I want to go over again, and it's just so much user-friendly than video, in my opinion. I simply don't buy information products that only come in video form, because I find having to sit and watch a video to be irritating. For me to even consider purchasing an info product, there has to at least be a text option if a video is involved.

I just learn more and learn more easily from reading. I'll forget nearly everything I saw in a video immediately after watching it, plus it's too hard to go back and find specific sections you want to see again in videos. For me, it's reading all the way.

[dmderoeck]

In most cases, I prefer to read. However video is more conducive to get across points in some topics. That said, I like a balance of reading and video, but more inclined to absorb more through reading.

[LIndaB]

I'm with you, ladyjane. I much prefer reading than watching someone's video, particularly some of the lame IM launch videos I've seen of Porsche's and waterfront properties. Just get to the damn point, please, and tell me what your product will do for me. The only time I prefer a video is when I want to learn how to use a complicated piece of software. In that case, actually watching someone else use it really reduces the learning curve. But for most subjects, give me an ebook every time. I want to easily be able to go back later to find certain points without having to watch an entire video. Plus, in some cases, I want to print it out and mark it up with my own notes. Definitely can't do that with video.

[Fraserb]

I guess it depends on what you want to get out of it...I love reading but when it comes to techie stuff then i prefer to watch and then maybe read after.

The only time I read is on Holiday and that's under duress !

Fraser
:-0

[LilBlackDress]

Read read and read. I grew up in Europe without a TV. I learned to read and fast (I read pages not sentences) I can barely stand to watch most videos they are so slow. I just want to read and move on.....

[Charles Washington]

I hate watching videos for learning purposes. When reading, I can go as slow or fast as I want. With Video, I am forced to watch the boring fluff parts of the presentation. I would rather read a 47 page ebook than watch a 20 minute series of videos on the same topic. The reason being, I can usually read faster than the timeit takes to watch the videos.

I think marketers that only use video in their products are simply LAZY. I have created videos, and it takes a lot less time to make videos with camtasia, than it does to write the same amount of words and take screenshohts.

[Adam Carn]

Video is good if you have time to sit there and watch it. But I like text because I can choose to read the bits I like.

Adam

[Lisa Gergets]

I like reading. I'm much more apt to buy something instructional if it has a pdf included instead of just a video.

[Alexa Smith]

Originally Posted by ladyjane

I'm probably in the minority, judging from the other responses, but I MUCH prefer reading. I learn more from it, I get more out of it, and I can take my time with it. Reading allows me to easily go back to spots I want to go over again, and it's just so much user-friendly than video, in my opinion. I simply don't buy information products that only come in video form, because I find having to sit and watch a video to be irritating. For me to even consider purchasing an info product, there has to at least be a text option if a video is involved.

I just learn more and learn more easily from reading. I'll forget nearly everything I saw in a video immediately after watching it, plus it's too hard to go back and find specific sections you want to see again in videos. For me, it's reading all the way.

You said it all for me as well as for yourself - thank you.

[Kirahster]

I am a reader. I have to really, really, really want to hear the info if I press play on a video or sit through one completely.

[Ralf Skirr]

I prefer reading, because you can get the same amount of information in 1 tenth of the time.

The only aspect where videos are better are how-to videos that actually show how a specific process is done. For example: How to create a data base in cPanel.

The worst videos of all are those where some lazy marketers talk and the video shows nothing but static text of what they are saying. Those don't even deserve to be called videos, and the people who made them should be kicked hard for wasting our time and bandwidth. :-)

Ralf

[cowy]

I'm a reader, and if it comes to product, I prefer ebooks than video. When connection is slow, watching video is a really big pain. I'd love video when it comes to entertainment, but when a guru show his video in his/her opt tin page, I usually pass.

[TheBrainchildGroup]

Originally Posted by Andrei Rotariu

In terms of Internet Marketing i would be much more inclined to buy somehting from somone if they had a video of themselves instead of a piece of text.

I agree. I prefer to see a video, which provides more personal interaction.

[drmani]

Originally Posted by Andrei Rotariu

In terms of Internet Marketing i would be much more inclined to buy somehting from somone if they had a video of themselves instead of a piece of text.

I love to read, learn better that way, and have often NOT bought a product
because it was only audio or video material, without text transcripts.

All success
Dr.Mani

[AllyW]

Read, every time. Videos are big time wasters, and so are audios or recordings of calls and webinars. I won't buy a product that is video or audio only. If a product comes with an ebook and a video, I don't even bother to download the video part. And you know how some people send audios or videos to their subscribers, instead of written messages? Delete. Probably unsubscribe if they keep sending them regularly.

[Alexa Smith]

Originally Posted by SteveRenner

Everybody likes videos.

If you'll forgive the observation, Steve, it's very clear from the 29 posts above yours in this thread alone (not to mention those in many other, similar discussions here) that there are many people who intensely dislike videos.

[AaronSnider]

Personally I love video. It saves me time and is more entertaining than reading. I just
don't have the attention span for reading. My son on the other hand reads up to 200
pages a day. literally.

Originally Posted by Andrei Rotariu

In finishing, i would rather watch a review on anything from books, to movies to food and to appliances instead of reading about it any day of the week and im sure most of you would too.

Why isnt it happening then?

Now, reply slowly, while i buy domains for this new idea and become filthy rich.

It is now Andrei. Check my WSO and send me a PM. We can be the first ones out.

[MurphSmurf]

I can't stand watching IM-related videos. I'd much, much rather read a detailed PDF to learn how to do something, than watch 15-minutes of someone's desktop while they stammer through directions. I can't learn anything that way. It wastes a lot of time, too.

Sometimes videos work better to illustrate certain things, but I never ever buy any products that contain a lot of video.

[michalgordon51]

i like to watch

[patselby]

I think that video is the best option because there are people that don't like to read and, besides people can see who you are. You become more real to them that way.

[ruch1v]

watch watch watch, without question, why spend an hour reading when you can watch/hear it in 15mins, also i feel like i learn more listening or watching

[1960Texan]

Reading, because, um, when I like, uh, watch vids n stuff, um, sometimes maybe the, maybe I want to um, strangle the person that's taking so freaking long to get to the point oh my God just spit it out for crying out loud you're killing me!

Sorry.

[Sara Young]

Originally Posted by 1960Texan

Reading, because, um, when I like, uh, watch vids n stuff, um, sometimes maybe the, maybe I want to um, strangle the person that's taking so freaking long to get to the point oh my God just spit it out for crying out loud you're killing me!

Sorry.

lol. This is exactly how I feel...

[jedz]

Depends on the subject. If I have all the time to watch then I'll go with it. however, most of the time I prefer reading because I can skip those sentences or paragraph that isn't that important of what I need.

[GeorgR.]

i am one of those guys who likes to read.

It allows me to skip and "navigate" to interesting parts way quicker. Most of the time, when i watch a video i am flooded with irrelevant stuff, fillers etc..and i cant skip nor do i know at what position the interesting part(s) start.

>
taking so freaking long to get to the point oh my God just spit it out for crying out loud you're killing me!
>

exactly. I think that many "high profile" marketers actually use video to artificially "bloat" the content - because it sounds better (and more) to sell a course "coming on 5 DVDs consisting of 12hrs of video" - while they could deliver the SAME content in a simple PDF.

But then i know that many customers do actually prefer videos. Personally i just dont have the nerve for it.

[Yogini]

I also prefer to read and often won't buy a product if the sales page talks about it being 4 or 5 long videos. I feel I have more control over what I read in terms of speed. There is a lot of filler in videos. On laptops you often can't even hear the voice as it's a bit too low. For instructional videos and tutorials videos can be very helpful but I still would like a pdf first to see if I want to watch a video or if I can learn it from the pdf first.

Debbie

[Andrei Rotariu]

Originally Posted by SteveRenner

Hay Andrei,
Great Post, has provoked a lot of response. I am assuming you are
referring to the people who buy the stuff we sell as Marketers.

There are 2 types of people in marketing readers and skimmers. Readers are
analytical, the will read every word twice in a 30 page sales letter and then
think about it for a few days, come back and read it all again 3 times before
they decide to buy.

Skimmers get it right away and hunt for the order button.

Everybody likes videos. But they need to be short and to the point,
nobody has time to watch a long drawn out video.

Long videos are for diversion, like Movies, not to make sales.

Sorry cant agree with that.

Firstly you cant bundle people into 2 groups just like that. I bet if you done the market research over a year or so and then created a pie chart that you would have a few more categories to mention. I can put money on it if you like

You say videos need to be short and to the point. Yeah if your the typical internet marketer and are in it just for some quick cash yes. But otherwise you can brand yourself in the videos and make them catchy and or even funny like some of Frank Kerns videos... Dont tell me you guys dont watch those.

[rwb24]

My preference is video only because it is more personal.

[Olga Schipilow]

I like both, since sometime I can't understand when him or her is talking. Then I can read it and I can come back and read it over again, and I don't have to listen to the whole video.

[Andrei Rotariu]

Just to finish up... The reason i ask is because im doing initial research into a new site i plan to launch next year. It will be a NO B.S. internet marketing product review site.

Personally i have noted that so many 'reviews' are sugar coated, false, inaccurate or plain untrue, that i felt it would be so much more powerful to WATCH a screen capture of the reviewers screen as he/she uses the product and picks it apart, or even watching over their shoulder, listening to them think out loud the moment they note something.

What would be better, a video review, or text review?

I guess it might not even have to be a question of either or, as these days i could probably even do both, with the size of screens and browsers always increasing or at least split test and find which one converts into longer length of time on site, better feedback and of course sales.

Please add your input, and thanks so far.

Andrei

[Steven D Smith]

I much prefer reading to video. I prefer to read and study the material away from my computer. I spend enough time at my computer that I prefer to get away from it whenever I can.

Steve

[Arun Kumar]

More ever, I prefer to watch than reading. Reading strains me a lot than to watch something and i can learn more through watching than reading.

[Steve Powers]

Well,I have to say watch is really good just as you said.But I still like to read.Maybe it's just personal habit.Read can make me self-absorption and I also have time to think it over carefully.But watch can't make it.I mean,you have to follow the step of the video.But that may make you uncomfortable.

[Andrei Rotariu]

And is this with relation to IM reviews?

[Wakunahum]

I prefer reading most of the time cause I will just skim the content and figure out the main message behind it.

If I watch, I want it to be a download so I can watch it back at at least 1.5x speed as sometimes people just talk too slow on the videos.

[Hesaidblissfully]

As far as absorbing information, sometimes it's easier to read then watch. The problem with video is that you can't just scan for what you want, unless you happen to know exactly where in the video they talk about what you want to know. With text (espcially if there's a table of contents) you can just scan through the junk and get to the good stuff.

That's why I generally prefer information products that have both written material and video. And if I had to choose just one, it'd be text, although video is obviously more engaging.