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Do You Prefer To Read or To Watch?

by goindeep
50 replies
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.
#prefer #read #watch
  • Profile picture of the author 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.
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  • Profile picture of the author 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
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  • Profile picture of the author Oliver Hart
    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.
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  • Profile picture of the author Lightlysalted
    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
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  • Profile picture of the author 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.
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  • Profile picture of the author 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.
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    • Profile picture of the author goindeep
      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.
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      • Profile picture of the author 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.
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      • Profile picture of the author TheBrainchildGroup
        Originally Posted by Andrei Rotariu View Post

        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.
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      • Profile picture of the author drmani
        Originally Posted by Andrei Rotariu View Post

        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
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  • Profile picture of the author 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.:rolleyes:
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  • Profile picture of the author -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.
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  • Profile picture of the author 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.
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    • Profile picture of the author 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.
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      • Profile picture of the author 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.
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        • Profile picture of the author 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.
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          • Profile picture of the author 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.
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  • Profile picture of the author 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.
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  • Profile picture of the author 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
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  • Profile picture of the author 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.....
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  • Profile picture of the author 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.
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  • Profile picture of the author 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
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  • Profile picture of the author 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.
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  • Profile picture of the author 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.
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  • Profile picture of the author 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
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  • Profile picture of the author 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.
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  • Profile picture of the author 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.
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  • Profile picture of the author SteveRenner
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    • Profile picture of the author goindeep
      Originally Posted by SteveRenner View Post

      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.
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  • Profile picture of the author 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 View Post

    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.
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  • Profile picture of the author michalgordon51
    i like to watch
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  • Profile picture of the author 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.
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  • Profile picture of the author 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
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  • Profile picture of the author 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.
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  • Profile picture of the author jedz
    Banned
    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.
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  • Profile picture of the author 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.
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    • Profile picture of the author 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
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  • Profile picture of the author rwb24
    My preference is video only because it is more personal.
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  • Profile picture of the author 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.
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    • Profile picture of the author goindeep
      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
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  • Profile picture of the author 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
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  • Profile picture of the author SamanthaHall
    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.
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  • Profile picture of the author 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.
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    • Profile picture of the author goindeep
      And is this with relation to IM reviews?
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    • Profile picture of the author 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.
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    • Profile picture of the author Hesaidblissfully
      Also, it depends on the type of product. If you're talking about a course that teaches you how to sing or act or play a musical instrument, then video would have an advantage because you can demonstrate notes, emotions, etc.
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  • Profile picture of the author 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.
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