Video , anybody else getting tired of it ?

14 years ago

On the other hand, I find videos to be quite helpful. It's much easier for me to learn by example rather than reading what I see on a screen.

It's definitely preference, but I imagine many IMers are moving to video production because it's much easier than writing out 60 pages of content. No spell check necessary...

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DrewClement

14 years ago

I far prefer reading, but will note that it absolutely comes down to personal preference.

However, that is why there is definitely something to be said about packing video and a PDF together into one product. Keeps the readers happy, keeps the watchers happy, and there are a lot of people I know that prefer both depending on their made on that particular day.

I recently bought a video product and was disappointed with the fact that it was only video, but the creator spend the day creating a PDF for it to appease me.

That is the kind of take charge attitude and customer service that I really value, and what ensures I will be a repeat customer for a long time.

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Steven Fullman

14 years ago

Hi Simon,

The "cost" of fulfilling everyone's preferred medium is so low, I don't know why more people don't publish video + PDF + mp3 as a matter of course.

I'm with you on this one.

Cheers,
Steve

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Michael Oksa

14 years ago

Oh, great!

I'm actually busy on doing my first ever video product!

Seriously though, that's why I'm working on a PDF to go with it. I think that will appeal to most people.

Also, I have seen a few videos where the person keeps talking in circles and goes off on tangents. That doesn't mean their idea or method is wrong, but it could be a bit more concise.

On the other hand, maybe they think a longer video will have more perceived value. Maybe for some. But if it takes someone 50 minutes to say something that could easily be said in 2, then that's too much fluff for my tastes.

All the best,
Michael

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Steven Fullman

14 years ago

Originally Posted by Michael Oksa

Oh, great!

I'm actually busy on doing my first ever video product!

Seriously though, that's why I'm working on a PDF to go with it. I think that will appeal to most people.

Also, I have seen a few videos where the person keeps talking in circles and goes off on tangents. That doesn't mean their idea or method is wrong, but it could be a bit more concise.

On the other hand, maybe they think a longer video will have more perceived value. Maybe for some. But if it takes someone 50 minutes to say something that could easily be said in 2, then that's too much fluff for my tastes.

All the best,
Michael

Mike,

I've seen your videos...and they're very engaging. I think the the narrator is as important as the subject!

And how long does it take to spin off a transcription? An hour? That's a *bonus* in some people's eyes!

Cheers,
Steve

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Michael Oksa

14 years ago

Originally Posted by Steven Fullman

Mike,

I've seen your videos...and they're very engaging. I think the the narrator is as important as the subject!

And how long does it take to spin off a transcription? An hour? That's a *bonus* in some people's eyes!

Cheers,
Steve

You have a point, Steven. However, as I use more of an off-the-cuff, conversational style, a transcription wouldn't work all that well.

That's why I went with a PDF guide. It covers everything in the videos, but it's easier to follow (as my product is intended to be purely instructional) than a word-for-word transcription would be.

Your point is still good. I think the more you can add, the more perceived value a product has. It's usually quite easy to make things in different formats. And getting more return on less work is a good thing in my book.

All the best,
Michael

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Steven Fullman

14 years ago

Originally Posted by Michael Oksa

You have a point, Steven. However, as I use more of an off-the-cuff, conversational style, a transcription wouldn't work all that well.

That's why I went with a PDF guide. It covers everything in the videos, but it's easier to follow (as my product is intended to be purely instructional) than a word-for-word transcription would be.

Your point is still good. I think the more you can add, the more perceived value a product has. It's usually quite easy to make things in different formats. And getting more return on less work is a good thing in my book.

All the best,
Michael

I think a "warts and all" transcription of a conversational video is an *actual* value add...some folks just like reading along. Plus they can read alone, too.

Screenshots + a PDF as an accompaniment to a video will only increase sales...I mean, who's going to turn down a different way to learn something?

Rock!
Steve

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fingers4hire

14 years ago

Originally Posted by Michael Oksa

You have a point, Steven. However, as I use more of an off-the-cuff, conversational style, a transcription wouldn't work all that well.

That's why I went with a PDF guide. It covers everything in the videos, but it's easier to follow (as my product is intended to be purely instructional) than a word-for-word transcription would be.
Michael

I think it depends on how the transcript is formatted.

Of course, a standard paragraph format would not read well for an animated speaker, but there are several different ways to format a transcript to keep it easy on the eyes and engaging....

Just my two cents.

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Michael Oksa

14 years ago

Originally Posted by fingers4hire

I think it depends on how the transcript is formatted.

Of course, a standard paragraph format would not read well for an animated speaker, but there are several different ways to format a transcript to keep it easy on the eyes and engaging....

Just my two cents.

That's a fair point, and that's why I went with a step-by-step PDF guide. For all intents and purposes, it's a transcript of all the steps I take in the videos. There is a solid page for each stage, and those stages are broken down into logical steps.

Trust me, for this particular series of videos, a transcript just doesn't make that much sense. The PDF that will be included is designed to be just as step-by-step as the videos. I also desgined it so it could be read WHILE watching the videos.

The other thought I had goes along with what Takuya mentioned: different learning styles. I have text, video and audio (person can listen without watching the video), and it's made to be followed along in a kinesthetic way, too (people click where I click, etc.).

So, it's not just a video series, it's what I believe to be a complete product that covers all the bases.

All the best,
Michael

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fingers4hire 14 years ago

Using multiple products will definitely reach a wider audience as people do have different preferred methods of viewing documents/products.

It sounds like you have a great process for reaching everyone..............
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JennSpencerIM

14 years ago

I'm the opposite way...I LOVE videos!! I never find time to read PDFs but I can listen to videos while I am checking email or hanging out on Facebook. I listen/watch WAY many more videos per week than read PDFs!!

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-Jericho-

14 years ago

I have zero patience for video. I much prefer readable content. I find when I do need to watch a video I'm skipping ahead. That's why I like to read because I can find what I need quicker and also be able to tell if it is in fact what I'm looking for.

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Takuya Hikichi

14 years ago

If you Google "learning styles", it yields information about different learning styles people use. Visual Learners, Auditory Learners, and Kinesthetic Learners appear to be the simplest form although there are more sub group of learning styles exist.

Once I attended a workshop with 10 co-workers. To my surprise, there were just as many Kinesthetic Learners as Visual Learners among us. The feedback was interesting - Visual Learners all thought that others processed information the same way as they did, and other groups of learners also thought everyone else preferred the same learning style way as them.

Just like not all "LIVE" presentations do not convey messages the same way, neither do all video presentations. But when it's done effectively, I believe it engages audience better than PDF.

I believe this just shows ones who can communicate information better in any modality are people have priceless skills. I cannot write Paul Myers, create video like Josh Anderson, pay attention to details like Kevin Riley does. These skills require years of learning and not easy to come by and that's why it's worth pursuing.

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defaultuser

14 years ago

The "cost" of fulfilling everyone's preferred medium is so low, I don't know why more people don't publish video + PDF + mp3 as a matter of course.

I'm with you on this one.

This is very true. While video is enticing it doesn't NEED to BE everywhere. What many people are noticing is that YouTube has taken the place of Yahoo as the second largest search engine in the world. While no one NEEDS to be read a script, it's certainly a great way to tell people worldwide what you have to offer.

I produced a video information product for Joomla. That does require video explanation, but we didn't limit it to ONLY video. We offered mp3 and pdf formats to follow along, listen to, or read. The scripts are the same either way. Having text for your videos also allows users to find the exact video they need to watch to consume the right information right away.

Video is not the only answer. But it's a good one to have.

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Aj Wilson

14 years ago

I think it's more... "BAD Video" that sucks.
Too much waffle and non relevant information is what kills it.

"I remember back in my dayy... when I was a wee little lad..." :rolleyes:

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GarryMSayer

14 years ago

Originally Posted by Aj Wilson

I think it's more... "BAD Video" that sucks.
Too much waffle and non relevant information is what kills it.

"I remember back in my dayy... when I was a wee little lad..." :rolleyes:

Totally agree with this post.

The amount of times I've watched video products on subjects I have an avid interest in only (after a few minutes) to be disengaged to the brink of narcolepsy is untrue.

There's some REAL bad video creators out there who desperately need some 'Simon Cowell' treatment.

Garry.

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Monkey Jones 14 years ago

I for one whole heartedly agree that video instructions are out of control. I much prefer a PDF, especially one that has an index that is bookmarked.

People all have different levels of knowledge and speed in learning. It is like watching paint dry to watch an instructional video that has 10 minutes rehashing basic concepts before getting to the part I need to know.

Then, there are all the people making videos, that apparently don't know how to edit video. If it's a product screen cast they are constantly screwing up and saying "uhhhh". This wastes our time.

If people want to make instructional videos for products at least include a PDF for as well.
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CDarklock 14 years ago

Originally Posted by Aj Wilson

I think it's more... "BAD Video" that sucks.
Too much waffle and non relevant information is what kills it.

A lot of people have said "will video kill sales copy?!" and copywriters have responded "video IS sales copy."

And people have turned around and said "well, that means everything we say about sales copy is true for video!"

So they do long-form videos with stories and open loops.

But video sales copy is not the same as text sales copy. The things we do on a long-form sales page do not work and have never worked in telephone or in-person sales. If you want to do good video sales copy, you need to be watching Billy Mays and other pitchmen. Check out Gazzo and other professional street performers. Watch magicians and comedians. Watch infomercials, for God's sake. Stop trying to read your damn sales page over a PowerPoint presentation on video.
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xatsmann

14 years ago

I quite agree unless I need to see a screen shot or something else that is difficult to explain--I prefer it in writing as I find it is much easier to use written material as a reference. For example, its easier to skip ahead on a pdf than a video or I can toggle between two documents much faster than two videos.

I also like being able to print out a pdf so I can refer to it while I am doing it on the computer computer. If a video is helpful and there is not a pdf version I often end up taking notes because its such a pain to reference.

I also have noticed that I can read a pdf much faster than the watching the video. The longer the video lasts, the more easily I can find I can beat the video. For example, i can usually read the pdf of a 15 minute video in less than half that.

Of course, it could just be my old man side coming. Next I'll be telling these damn warrior kids to go play in front of someone else's house as I pull up my Bermuda shorts up over my naval and make sure my black socks aren't getting caught in my sandals.

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raydp

14 years ago

PDFs every time for me. I used to print instructional PDFs out and found them easier to follow that way.

I don't know how many of you use two monitors, but it's a lot easier to follow a PDF on one monitor and work on the other instead of printing it out.

If I do have to use a video, again, I play it on my second monitor and work on the main screen.

Ray

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~kev~

14 years ago

Originally Posted by SimonHarrison

But it's getting to the point where products are all video, and a lot
of it is content that could have gone in a PDF.

I think it needs to be balanced. I think there is an old saying - man can not live on bread alone.

Like all things in life, there needs to be balance - balance between work and family, a good balanced diet, balance between on-line and off-line life,,,,.

Because of this, I think there needs to be balance in the ways that we promote stuff. Dont focus on videos, and inore PDF files - do not focus on PDF files and ignore blogs,,,,,, and the list goes on and on.

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schabotte 14 years ago

To me, video is great to show something - how to use a piece of software, navigating a particular bit of the web, etc. but when it is someone talking about techniques, I prefer written material or video/written material together so I can make notes about what I'm listening to without needing to make major notes.

Its much easier to make a quick note or jot an idea in the sidebar of a pdf when it pops up than it is constantly pausing a video to write down the main idea and hope that any thoughts that pop into my head also get preserved.

But with the start/stop nature of taking notes, there is a huge break in the flow going on in the brain so I find that video alone watched once isn't too effective because of all the pausing to record major concepts for review at a later time.

So instead of investing X amount of time to watch once and review my notes on an accompanying pdf (or of reading just a pdf), I find I need to invest lots more time watching the video training multiple times - at least once to get the main points written down and one more time to allow the flow to develop while being immersed in the video training.

But that is me - and as pointed out in another part of this thread, we all have our own optimal learning style.
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Midas3 Consulting

14 years ago

@Kev

I agree, I did try, probably fruitlessly to clarrify my position with a number
of caveats early on.

I like video to learn with, especially as it relates to software etc, I want to
actually see somebody click on the menu items etc.

What I object to is when I'm watching a video where somebody is basically
just talking and there's no basis for it needing to be a video at all.

A guy talking, if you want to do that then by all means do so but provide a
dam transcript.

I don't actually love being at my PC , and I would far rather print out a PDF
and go sit in the company of my better half and read it than sit at a PC
listening to somebody drone on.

I'm not anti video, I just think some folks are getting very lazy and because
video works beautifully as a medium for some content, think it's ok to now
not ever bother putting "pen to paper".

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~kev~ 14 years ago

Originally Posted by SimonHarrison

What I object to is when I'm watching a video where somebody is basically
just talking and there's no basis for it needing to be a video at all.

For me - sometimes making a video is easier then writing an article. I can take a camera, film a few segments, then edit everything together.

But when I'am writing an article, (a good article by my standards), it could take 3 or 4 hours to it to where I want.
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maggie2

14 years ago

I personally love to read what I'm learning. It seems to seep into my brain more easily than watching a video. Besides, if I'm working at the computer and need to follow some complex instructions, when I have a pdf I can print out a couple of pages with the info on them. If I'm watching videos, I have to keep going back and forth between the video and my working screen...a real pain. Give me a good old pdf file any day over a video. I do realize that there are others who learn differently and prefer other methods, however, so I agree that with products, presenting many formats is a good plan.

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Schicks 14 years ago

It's nice to get both - a video and a pdf transcript. It's much easier to reference once you've gone through the video rather than playing the video trying to find the right spot again. Besides, some of the video presenters sound so bored that I lose interest. Has anybody listened to Chris X on video? He just puts me to sleep.
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gjabiz

14 years ago

First, sales or landing videos. I want to control them, if I see they don't tell how long they are, I probably don't watch them. If they are over 15 minutes, I want to "skim" them.

As for the products, I'm OK with short HOW to instructional video (Bill Myers does a great job with his YouTube videos)...BUT I also want the pdf and MP3 too.

I guess it all depends on who your customer is, or whom you want them to be.

gjabiz

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Adam Nolan

14 years ago

Originally Posted by SimonHarrison

I'll just clarify the subject line.

I would prefer to be instructed on many online processes via video,
I'm not anti-video as such.

But it's getting to the point where products are all video, and a lot
of it is content that could have gone in a PDF.

Note to product creators, some of us actually prefer to read, I'm quite
happy to see images in a PDF, doesn't have to be video.

I don't need to have a video read out to me what could have just been
read by myself, I don't need a video to show static images or charts.

There's a place for video, a big place but it really does feel like it's
becoming a means to churn out content quicker rather than putting
a nice PDF together.

I'm sure I'm probably swimming upstream here, but I'm starting to
sigh when I open another product and just find 200 hours of video
staring back at me.

Thats why I always try and do both

Some people will always like video while others will prefer to read. Personally, I like video for technical "step by step" stuff but MUCH prefer theoretical and concept based ideas in a PDF.

Cheers & thanks for the good point
-Adam

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TimG

14 years ago

Originally Posted by SimonHarrison

I'll just clarify the subject line.

I would prefer to be instructed on many online processes via video,
I'm not anti-video as such.

But it's getting to the point where products are all video, and a lot
of it is content that could have gone in a PDF.

Note to product creators, some of us actually prefer to read, I'm quite
happy to see images in a PDF, doesn't have to be video.

I don't need to have a video read out to me what could have just been
read by myself, I don't need a video to show static images or charts.

There's a place for video, a big place but it really does feel like it's
becoming a means to churn out content quicker rather than putting
a nice PDF together.

I'm sure I'm probably swimming upstream here, but I'm starting to
sigh when I open another product and just find 200 hours of video
staring back at me.

I agree with you 100%....There are many times I'm unable to have my laptop with me and if a product I purchased doesn't come with a PDF then I'm unable to go through it at my leisure.

Like yourself, I'm more of a reader then video watcher for IM related products. I'm an avid movie watcher so I prefer to watch things for pleasure (not sure if that sounds right -

) and not as instructional material.

However, with that said I am trying to make use of both mediums for my products so I'll provide a PDF and then perhaps include some video if the process is difficult to explain via PDF or if it helps to enhance the learning aspect.

Respectfully,
Tim

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Video , anybody else getting tired of it ?

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