Who agrees with me on this ?

I agree with you.

I can see your gripe there, I think it too sometimes. Sometimes it can just be faster to read a PDF but really, I like to have both. If a video has controls you can actually get through it faster and just follow what's on the screen especially if it has a lot of text.

I think the optimum would be both videos AND a PDF for most products. They can compliment each other. But with video you can just do some things that you can't do with a PDF, even with screenshots. And if you are having to put a ton of screenshots into a PDF, it's usually easier to just make a video.

But you bring up a good point. Maybe it's best to have both to fit both tastes.

most video courses now come with pdf transcripts which you can read if that is your preferred learning method.
Don't pass on good training just because it is a video course. You could ask for pdf transcripts with your course.

I'm with you, I definitely prefer pdfs. But several newbies don't
since they find it easier to understand by video. That's why
most products that target newbies consist mostly (if not
all) of videos.

I think video tutorials are great, so long as they are a tutorial and not just a load of blurb!

PDF are interesting and useful, but Video formats also have their advantages. You can't just rely on pdf every time. Both are useful and I like both the format of learning.

Regards
~ Fazle

I agree that reading is probably the most effective way to acquire information for many of us, even though there is large part of the population who'd rather watch a video clip to get that information. Probably due to a habit from early on by watching television and movies, etc.

I agree with you, I prefer reading for the most part as well. There are certain times I prefer videos over text however. If the subject matter is anything technical or has to do with website setup or alterations I prefer a video where I can see each click and keystroke. Videos are highly effective for all things technical, even more than screenshots, but more often than not I like a good old fashioned pdf.

Video tutorials are ok up to a point.

Personally I prefer to print something out, read it through and then if there is something I didn't quite 'get' I would want to view the video and skip to the bit that would explain it visually.

So a video should be accompanied by a text version.

Plus - the video should be skip enabled. I simply have not got the time to sit through a 'Guru' telling me something in half an hour, that could actually be explained in two minutes if he would just let me skip through the video.

I think that I prefer both. Have the pdf and the videos. That way, if i cant get something from reading the pdf, then maybe it will click for me if i watch the video.

I'm with the OP-both is best, but unless the course really needs movement to demonstrate every stage of what it teaches, PDFs are better and quicker, and you can instantly go to the section you want should the need to freshen up arise.

I like the pdfs.

Well so many replies....thanks folks.

Lately, most of gurus think they are Deepak Chopra or Dr. Phil and you have to go through so much before you really get some learning point.

I am currently going through course where they have highly recommended to go through all videos now just imagine going through 50 videos anywhere between 7 minutes to 30 minutes and total time would be good 24-36 hours. No pdf to accompany and I can not go faster through it, can not make any notes which I frequently do on printed documents and then if wife or kid is watching youtube then issue of buffering/slow loading etc.

I like videos only when you really have to demonstrate something which is exceedingly difficult in print format.

For Internet Marketers, they should provide pdf with every video course.

Sometimes I come across a course where they say you will get 20 dvds and each one is very detailed, just imaging going through those 20 dvds for a period of month.

I can't even think of that.

Just my 2 cents.

Yes i would like to read because take time in loading. I can read files with piece.

I understand the OP gripe, as the Consumer; because that's what it is... a Consumer's gripe. As a Marketer/Business owner, I'm paying attention; as its the Consumer that dictates what we (as Marketers/Business owners) sell.

The first eBooks were in compiled .exe formats; which was changed to PDFs due to a number of factors that I won't get into; and the Consumer griped loud enough and frequently enough to change the landscape from .exe to PDF.

(Actually, you can do a whole lot more via an .exe eBook than with a PDF)

Now that video has become easier to consume; (it wasn't a couple years ago); more and more vendors are providing video. I think its more of a matter of marketing maturity; (or rather immaturity); that gives the OP the gripe that he/she has.

Many "product creation" courses teach that it is "easy" to create video courses. Fire up your PowerPoint, (or equivalent), and read the slides.. viola, instant product.

Yet, this approach is what causes a LOT of the shotty quality that we find on the net, today.

Then there's those that take more time with their "initial" production, but know very little about POST-production and Consumer behavior. Which is why Hollywood produced DVD movies come with "chapters".

Once more vendors learn (and/or adopt) the idea that the technology is greater than how they're currently using it, we'll see more easily consumable product.

Just my 2¢
PLP,
tecHead

I definitely like to get pdf and have the option to see a video if I want further instruction or clarification. There can be a lot of rambling in videos and going over material that is already understood. Often many videos will start with how to pick a product at clickbank and I'd like to get past that to the meat of the product. It also is easier to copy/paste from pdfs into notepad to have an outline of the critical parts to review and with a video this is not possible.

Debbie

If I had to pick between video and pdf, I would choose pdf every time. I can read far fastest than a video can speak, and when the information is in video form, I need to keep pausing it to take my own notes. With a pdf, I can cut and paste notes. I also agree that you have to watch the entire video so you don't miss something important. With a pdf, you can skim to the parts that are new to you.

jamx03,

I FULLY agree with you. HECK, sit around for like an HOUR to watch a 20minute video that tells you NOTHING!?!?!? 40 minutes is DEAD waiting for it to download. NO THANKS! If it has NO worthwhile info, I want to know ***NOW***! If it has value, I want to be able to get that ASAP. BTW documents are cheaper to provide, can be less trouble to make, and are just better ALL AROUND!

Steve

I prefer both. I like being able to read a .pdf at my own pace but the videos can prove valuable. For example, I read Tiffany Dow's PLR ATM ebook straight through but then watched each video as I built my own site. It was helpful to see her demonstrations on the screen. Others, however, aren't as helpful...