POLL: Do You Prefer eBooks or Video Courses?

by Dexx
67 replies
In terms of how YOU prefer to digest information-based training, do you prefer to read it via PDF (eBook/transcript) or do you enjoy going through a series of 7-10 videos (assuming quality and content is as good as it'd be in written form)

I've received various feedback from my members on this, but curious what you prefer!

~Dexx

PS - While I understand the "win-win" scenario is a Video WITH PDF (to please both types) I am mostly looking to see -- when presented with one OR the other -- which you prefer.
#courses #ebooks #poll #prefer #video
  • Profile picture of the author Alex Barboza
    PDF for me. Videos waste HD space and take too long to watch.

    However videos have more perceived value than pdf, especially if you are selling outside the internet marketing niche.
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    • Profile picture of the author Steve Wise
      Video every time for me, particularly the watch over the shoulder type as I like to see the computer screen, can follow it step by step and pause to complete each step.
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      • Profile picture of the author noangel
        I like to have both.

        It's nice to have a pdf to refer back to, as well as bite sized videos
        to see how it's done, not long videos that drone on and on.

        A pet peeve of mine are videos that do not tell you how much time
        is left on the recording. I see them often on websites and you don't
        know if it will be a couple of minutes, or if they will go on for an hour!

        Angela
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    • Profile picture of the author Dexx
      Originally Posted by AlexBarboza View Post

      PDF for me. Videos waste HD space and take too long to watch.
      Thanks for the response Alex, what if the videos are streamed online (so that you don't have to download / take up space)?

      Or is it mostly the time issue?

      ~Dexx
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  • Profile picture of the author Alexa Smith
    Banned
    Originally Posted by Dexx View Post

    I understand the "win-win" scenario is a Video WITH PDF (to please both types)
    Call me a skepchick, but I strongly suspect that even the inclusion of a video option will put off some customers (for all that marketers will be almost universally in favour of it) because of "download fears", however inappropriate, and for all sorts of other reasons. One wouldn't think so from some of the conversations here, but just mentioning the word "video" puts many people off.

    It does depend on the niche, though. The consensus view for the so-called "IM niche" is going to be radically different from that for many other niches (and of course the marketers' consensus view altogether different from the customers' consensus view).
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    • Profile picture of the author Dexx
      Originally Posted by Alexa Smith View Post

      Call me a skepchick, but I strongly suspect that even the inclusion of a video option will put off some customers (for all that marketers will be almost universally in favour of it) because of "download fears", however inappropriate, and for all sorts of other reasons. One wouldn't think so from some of the conversations here, but just mentioning the word "video" puts many people off.

      It does depend on the niche, though. The consensus view for the so-called "IM niche" is going to be radically different from that for many other niches (and of course the marketers' consensus view altogether different from the customers' consensus view).
      Interesting feedback as always Alexa, that's a great point!

      Do you think by informing a prospect that "no download" would be required for videos, and that they would be watched online, would help to lower that negative assumption of video being a component of learning?

      ~Dexx
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      • Profile picture of the author Alexa Smith
        Banned
        Originally Posted by Dexx View Post

        Do you think by informing a prospect that "no download" would be required for videos, and that they would be watched online, would help to lower that negative assumption of video being a component of learning?
        Good question, Dexx ... I don't know.

        I think that different people have different reasons for disliking video, and some will be "answered" by that - others not, perhaps? I suspect more people have computers on which (for whatever reason) they don't want to watch video, and/or don't understand the difference, than marketers realise. Some have no speakers. Some do, but don't want anything making sound anyway. Some have dodgy graphics cards and worry that more than a few seconds of video will crash their computers.

        Then again, some people may even be put off by being informed that "no download" would be required for videos and that they're watched online because of thinking "That means I need to be connected to the internet for a long time to see them".

        And I suspect more people are on dial-up than some marketers realise. Even some professional marketers here are still on dial-up, I know.

        It's never easy, trying to please everyone! :rolleyes:
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      • Profile picture of the author AlexR
        Originally Posted by Dexx View Post

        Interesting feedback as always Alexa, that's a great point!

        Do you think by informing a prospect that "no download" would be required for videos, and that they would be watched online, would help to lower that negative assumption of video being a component of learning?

        ~Dexx
        One major drawback with non downloadable information...it tends to disappear after a while, even though the info can be current.

        Many a time, I have bookmarked pages for later reference to find that when I want to review the information, it has disappeared.

        Text based info enables the reader to "swipe" bits of information into a separate file for future reference. Not easy with video, particularly if it's not downloadable.

        Alex
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        • Profile picture of the author Don Schenk
          It depends. If the video is one of those gosh awful talking-head videos - yap yap yap, a written transcript is soooo much easier, and faster. I can read it in one tenth the time it takes to watch the "head."

          If a demonstration is needed to show how to set up software, use a particular tool, or bake a cake, then not much can beat video.


          Originally Posted by AlexR View Post

          One major drawback with non downloadable information...it tends to disappear after a while, even though the info can be current.

          Many a time, I have bookmarked pages for later reference to find that when I want to review the information, it has disappeared.

          Text based info enables the reader to "swipe" bits of information into a separate file for future reference. Not easy with video, particularly if it's not downloadable.

          Alex
          Actually Camtasia 7 (expensive) will let you save videos with the audio, but there is a $15 product from DAK (remember Drew A Kaplan from his printed catalog days?) that will also let you keep a copy of something you have purchased the rights to watch. You will have to Google it. It is really quite good and quite simple.

          :-Don
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          • Profile picture of the author AlexR
            Originally Posted by Don Schenk View Post

            It depends. If the video is one of those gosh awful talking-head videos - yap yap yap, a written transcript is soooo much easier, and faster. I can read it in one tenth the time it takes to watch the "head."

            If a demonstration is needed to show how to set up software, use a particular tool, or bake a cake, then not much can beat video.




            Actually Camtasia 7 (expensive) will let you save videos with the audio, but there is a $15 product from DAK (remember Drew A Kaplan from his printed catalog days?) that will also let you keep a copy of something you have purchased the rights to watch. You will have to Google it. It is really quite good and quite simple.

            :-Don
            Thanks, Don. Yes I'm aware that the video can be ripped easily enough, but they are a bit more cumbersome to turn into a "swipe file" whereas a simple cut and paste can rip the core out of a juicy test for future reference in a matter of seconds.

            I think the general consensus of opinion is (and has been in other similar threads) that there is a place for instructional video for step by step instructions, but not necessarily as a marketing video to push a product.

            As many here have pointed out, you could end up sitting in front of a monitor for a couple of hours to determine whether there is anything useful in a vid. You could scan an equivalent text file in a fraction of the time.

            Alex
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            • Profile picture of the author wordwizard
              Originally Posted by AlexBarboza View Post

              PDF for me. Videos waste HD space and take too long to watch.

              However videos have more perceived value than pdf, especially if you are selling outside the internet marketing niche.
              I'm glad to see I'm not alone in my sentiments, and surprisingly, even in the majority :-)

              Originally Posted by Colin Palfrey View Post

              I much prefer ebooks to video for two reasons.

              1. I hate waiting hours for a 200MB download that could have been a 4mb report.
              2. When it finally downloads I can either keep the massive file or delete it. Neither option pleases me.

              Completely aside from IM, I still like reading books. Maybe that makes the difference.

              Edit: Streaming video is even worse! Then you don't even have the information you've paid for, just the chance to look at it once before you forget or lose the link.

              Cheers,
              Colin Palfrey
              My sentiments exactly! And here's one of the biggest pet peeves, especially with webinars that go on and on (and on and on): Sometimes, after watching literally for hours (which I can't afford, so I'm multi-tasking), it gets to the thing that I need to know and I MISS it, or it's not well enough explained, and so I can't figure out how to implement the darn thing because I'm missing a key step.

              At least, in a PDF I can make a note and explore how to fill in the gap. IN a video, I might have to watch the entire monster thing over again, and might STILL not get it.

              And sometimes I've even been told to "just ask my webmaster" or "any WordPress expert can tell you that" when I asked a question! VERY annoying.

              Originally Posted by InternetSuccess001 View Post

              Written is much better. Too many people are verbose in video, and you might have to 'sit through' a few hours of junk to find a nugget, whereas with written, you can scan to find what you need in five minutes or less.
              See above.

              Originally Posted by Audrey Harvey View Post

              I don't have a lot of free time to sit and watch videos, so much happier with a pdf. I can print out and carry with me on the train, in the waiting room, etc. If a product is video only, I don't buy it.
              Ditto! One of the biggest advantages of printed docs.

              I've paid hundreds of dollars for some courses or memberships and haven't made it past section one or two because those videos take so goshdarn long to watch.

              I do have to say that I have also come across some fabulous videos that are very well made, include all the needed details to put things into action, and are clear and fluff-free. So there are videos that are definitely worth it, but if given a choice, I still prefer PDFs, preferably with screen shots where needed, every time.

              Elisabeth
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  • Profile picture of the author Colin Palfrey
    I much prefer ebooks to video for two reasons.

    1. I hate waiting hours for a 200MB download that could have been a 4mb report.
    2. When it finally downloads I can either keep the massive file or delete it. Neither option pleases me.

    Completely aside from IM, I still like reading books. Maybe that makes the difference.

    Edit: Streaming video is even worse! Then you don't even have the information you've paid for, just the chance to look at it once before you forget or lose the link.

    Cheers,
    Colin Palfrey
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    • Profile picture of the author Dexx
      Originally Posted by Colin Palfrey View Post

      Streaming video is even worse! Then you don't even have the information you've paid for, just the chance to look at it once before you forget or lose the link.

      Cheers,
      Colin Palfrey
      Interesting perspective Colin, that's a great point!

      Has the fact that a product -- which you were interested in -- stating that it would be delivered in a video format, ever made you decline to purchase? (a purchase that had been an eBook you WOULD have purchased)

      ~Dexx
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      • Profile picture of the author Colin Palfrey
        Originally Posted by Dexx View Post

        Interesting perspective Colin, that's a great point!

        Has the fact that a product -- which you were interested in -- stating that it would be delivered in a video format, ever made you decline to purchase? (a purchase that had been an eBook you WOULD have purchased)

        ~Dexx
        Dexx,

        Yes quite a few times, I don't like video at all.

        I did buy a very good course delivered as video just yesterday, reluctantly I should add.

        Half way through the 200mb+ download it stopped downloading, and I had to pester the bloke to get a new link. That isn't good for anyone!

        Cheers,
        Colin Palfrey
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  • Written is much better. Too many people are verbose in video, and you might have to 'sit through' a few hours of junk to find a nugget, whereas with written, you can scan to find what you need in five minutes or less.
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    • Profile picture of the author Dexx
      Originally Posted by InternetSuccess001 View Post

      Written is much better. Too many people are verbose in video, and you might have to 'sit through' a few hours of junk to find a nugget, whereas with written, you can scan to find what you need in five minutes or less.
      Very good point! I've found myself sitting bored in several videos waiting to hear some good stuff...I guess the fact that I could have the video going while doing other stuff allows me to "multi-task" while waiting for the good stuff...

      ...but as said above...the time factor being wasted can be an issue...especially when it's 10-15hrs of content to go through (as opposed to a 200pg ebook/course)

      ~Dexx
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  • Profile picture of the author Joe Motion
    A big percentage of these video courses are so slow - thank god for VLC player letting me play them at X2. Even PDF's are padded out nowadays.....

    I think it depends on who is delivering it.... some people can babble on in text and on video.
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  • Profile picture of the author vheissu28
    I love videos! The video revolution is upon us, peoples!
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  • Profile picture of the author Demond Jackson
    I really like videos. I find myself reading so much that its good to just sit down and absorb the info by video
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  • Profile picture of the author ThelemaqueTip
    I think video is good because you get to see exactly what they during if its a coaching product or services
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  • Profile picture of the author MexHilary
    Video can help to explain what the person is doing - and you can pause it and see the move again and again. However, I find that what I do is make notes as I watch/listen to the video - which means I'm spending time putting the video in written format. That annoys me - particularly when I can't read my own writing. But the big thing for me is that when there is a point that I want to review I've got to find it again - or if the video is one that I can't fast forward - I've go to listen to a whole bunch of blather to get to the point I wanted to clarify. In one program I recently bought, the training video was over and hour long. With a pdf I could have used my fast reading skills. That would have been so much better for me. I can read a lot faster than the presenter can talk. However, a video is easier for the creator. Some videos are downright boring with many-many "ahs" and "oms". There is a great need for Toastmasters' training.
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  • Profile picture of the author Audrey Harvey
    I don't have a lot of free time to sit and watch videos, so much happier with a pdf. I can print out and carry with me on the train, in the waiting room, etc. If a product is video only, I don't buy it.
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    • Profile picture of the author marcuslim
      Generally pdf. Cause I can skim read quickly and pick out just the key bits of information that I need.

      But video is perfect if someone is explaining how to use a piece of software, or anything that involves going through something step by step on the screen that is visual. In this case, video works much better than the written word.

      A mix is good. Have the ebook with all the key info, like a quick start guide, but have links interspersed that link to the videos where appropriate.
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  • Profile picture of the author ngywng
    I like pdf more than video because can print it out and read it in any place. But if more complicated step the video is more easier to understand.
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    • Profile picture of the author Rob Cornish
      My preference is for video (especially for "how-to" guides) with the proviso that it gets to the point quickly!

      I find it much easier to skip head to the gem of information I'm looking for in a PDF than in a video. So if if the video is very long then it can get quite frustrating. I've especially found this to be the case with a lot of webinars that are put out.

      Cheers, Rob.
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  • Profile picture of the author marciayudkin
    Dexx,

    I answered "written," but the whole truth is that there are a few topics where video - or a great series of photos/illustrations/screen captures - is the clearest way to demonstrate something.

    For example, when I decided to take up knitting after not having done it for 40 years, written instructions took me only so far. I had to hunt down a video to see for sure the way to do something specific.

    Too many people who make videos waste the viewer's time. A two-minute video showing how to do something can be priceless, but a 30-minute video with a talking head just telling me something shows a lack of respect for the viewer, I feel.

    Marcia Yudkin
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    • Profile picture of the author pringrod
      I think PDF for most subjects, but a short to the point instructional supporting video good help or enhance when covering certain more complex areas
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  • Profile picture of the author mgpweb
    I prefer pdf, i have a very noisy household and while reading a pdf I can tune out the noise, but if I am watching a video I can't concentrate on it with noise around me. But in saying that, if the video is a 'over the shoulder' type video then I prefer that, I just have to wait to watch it when everyone is out!
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  • Profile picture of the author WillR
    I much prefer having both variations included. I like the videos to go through and demonstrate everything in a simple step by step manner. Once I have watched those I like to have a simplified pdf checklist that outlines the main steps and resources talked about in the video.
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  • Profile picture of the author Sarah Bosen
    Both! I think they are both great separate, but sometimes you need to read something, such as the e-book before watching the video. I have seen some WSO's where there were both and I personally understood it better by reading then seeing the video.
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  • Profile picture of the author MarkWrites
    For concepts, abstracts, and processes that I'm somewhat familiar with I prefer PDF because I can always skim/read faster than the video takes to... get... to... the... point.

    For processes that are truly innovative or step by step instructions involving something I'm not familiar with, watching it on video is EXTREMELY helpful... but I still like a PDF to refer back to when I'm doing it myself later.

    And yes, I have passed on ordering something that sounded enticing because it was only available in video format.
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  • Profile picture of the author PabloVTB
    I normally prefer videos, although sometimes the narrator speaks so incredibly slow or with a boring tone voice that it makes me go crazy.

    And, with pdfs you can pretty much read the whole thing a lot faster.

    So in my opinion, Video + Video Transcript (the biggie) is the way to go
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  • Profile picture of the author VOnline
    eBooks work well. Then for certain confusing parts/complicated. Or parts I might have not understood. Videos can be a good additional resource to help you understand better.
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  • Profile picture of the author Rach72
    Count me in the streaming video group - having a transcript is really handy for quick referral and controls on the video are a must!
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    • Profile picture of the author wordwizard
      Originally Posted by Rach72 View Post

      Count me in the streaming video group - having a transcript is really handy for quick referral and controls on the video are a must!
      I agree with you! And especially with the point about the transcripts and the controls!!

      After all, it's not always an either/or situation but often a question of integrating both for best effects.
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  • Profile picture of the author iuditg
    I prefer video over ebook as it gives a lot more clear instruction and makes stuffs really easy to follow
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  • Profile picture of the author justen_mllr
    I would use both. Make a video, then as a bonus have transcript available for those that would rather read. If you don't want to do that, then I personally would go with video simply because it can be more personal and I like watching video. The secret is having a video that is worth watching....
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    • Profile picture of the author tchavez
      I like both but I prefer ebooks - I understand better when reading than watching a video. A video is too fast and if you need to go back to a certain topic it's going to take time sometimes.
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    • Profile picture of the author Ralph Moore
      Well, if I have to choose, give me a pdf over a video any day.

      But if you are going to make me watch a video, it had better be downloadable so I can take it with me and back it up.

      Streaming video always leaves me wondering if it is going to be there when I want to watch it.

      The best solution is all of the above if you want to please everyone and elevate the perceived value of the offering, as long as the product has value to begin with.
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  • Profile picture of the author Kecia
    I prefer PDF's. They are easy to skim through as well as reference when I need to. If a product owner insists on video, the least they could do is add written cheat sheets covering the most important information discussed in the videos.
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  • Profile picture of the author paulie888
    I know you're going to hate me for this, but the optimal form of instruction is ultimately going to depend on the material being taught. Certain material is better taught via video (i.e. a complex process that can be illustrated via a over-the-shoulder type video), and sometimes a PDF is much better, especially when it comes to expounding on concepts and ideas.

    In any case, when there is video, I think that the product would be more well-rounded (and more appealing to a wider audience) if it at least came with PDF transcripts and mind maps, if applicable.

    Paul
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    • Profile picture of the author TeamGlobal
      Originally Posted by paulie888 View Post

      I know you're going to hate me for this, but the optimal form of instruction is ultimately going to depend on the material being taught. Certain material is better taught via video (i.e. a complex process that can be illustrated via a over-the-shoulder type video), and sometimes a PDF is much better, especially when it comes to expounding on concepts and ideas.

      In any case, when there is video, I think that the product would be more well-rounded (and more appealing to a wider audience) if it at least came with PDF transcripts and mind maps, if applicable.

      Paul
      Paul read my mind. I agree that it depends on the material being taught as well.

      For the most part, though, I prefer video as long as it is well done.

      All The Very Best,


      Tony
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  • Profile picture of the author wncmarket
    I prefer videos over ebooks. For streaming videos online, a large capacity external hard drive, firefox and the DownloadHelper add-on makes capturing/ storing them very easy. You can rip the audio from the videos using free software like Any Video Converter to listen to on your mp3 player. For ebooks I usually copy the text or bullet points that interest me, paste them in Wordpad and convert them to mp3 files using TextAloud with ATT's natural voices. Then I can listen to them on my mp3 player wherever I go.
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  • Profile picture of the author Ernie Lo
    I prefer ebooks because I feel more in control!

    When watching a video, the video is in control of the pace of learning...if that makes sense.

    Still the odd video here and there can be entertaining and sometimes more effective if not over used.
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    • Profile picture of the author Dexx
      Originally Posted by Ernie Lonardo View Post

      When watching a video, the video is in control of the pace of learning...if that makes sense.
      That's a good point -- if the video presenter is talking slow, or not getting to the point, it's not like you can skip ahead -- since you might miss something important.

      At least in a book you can skim through and realize whether it's worth reading that section or not (or go back and review it later).

      ~Dexx
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  • Profile picture of the author ShaneRQR
    Video if it's done right. I've seen too many products containing video that was just badly produced. If you don't know how to properly make use of the video medium, the results can be pretty horrible.
    I guess the same is true for written information, but I think ebooks are harder to screw up than video.
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  • Profile picture of the author PetaYan
    Ebooks are good for me.
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  • Profile picture of the author Trent Brownrigg
    Sometimes I like videos because they can actually show you something instead of just reading and trying to figure it out on your own. However, for the most part, I would rather have an ebook over a video.
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  • Profile picture of the author Dexx
    So assuming the information product wasn't on how to USE something (i.e. software, etc.), but just on learning a concept/strategy...I assume most people would prefer an ebook then?

    ~Dexx
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    • Profile picture of the author Edward Thomes
      I'd prefer a book, because books are portable.

      Videos flick on and off, and is a hassle to refer to every now and then.
      Although it might be good if you're showing some new stuff which are hard to capture in still pictures.
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  • Profile picture of the author Intermission
    I very much prefer it in pdf form, although in some cases having both would be ideal. I don't have the patience for all the 'umm's' and stuff. I do like to watch over the shoulder and see video when its a demonstration tutorial, but I like them short, sweet and to the point. Not many are like that.
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    • Profile picture of the author M Thompson
      Interesting replies, and lots of food for though for those of us who produce courses. Thanks for the thread and the comments

      One thing i am surprised about is the number of people who print out .pdfs to watch on trains etc.

      I would have assumed , wrongly obviously, that as internet marketers we would try to keep on the cutting edge of technology so we can deliver the content on our sites to as many people as possible in as many formats.. ( I am including people who build sites in this not just vendors)

      Do you check if your sites are mobile friendly?

      The number of gadgets we have access to that makes watching videos easy is mind boggling, phones, tablets, notebooks, notepads, handheld games consoles, ipods etc etc.

      last time I was on a train i think about 70% of people were indulging in some electronic activity
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      • Profile picture of the author Dexx
        Originally Posted by M Thompson View Post

        One thing i am surprised about is the number of people who print out .pdfs to watch on trains etc.
        I must admit, when I get large ebooks (100+ pgs) I print them out, staple/bind them, and then read them...I even did it this morning!

        Something about being able to read from an actual sheet, as opposed to scrolling through screens, makes it easier to digest. lol

        ~Dexx
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        • Profile picture of the author M Thompson
          Originally Posted by Dexx View Post

          I must admit, when I get large ebooks (100+ pgs) I print them out, staple/bind them, and then read them...I even did it this morning!


          ~Dexx
          Think of the Trees man!!!
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          • Profile picture of the author Dexx
            Originally Posted by M Thompson View Post

            Think of the Trees man!!!
            I recycle.
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            • Profile picture of the author M Thompson
              Originally Posted by Dexx View Post

              I recycle.
              Lol, seriously thanks for the thread, it's given me a lot to think about ..and probbaly a lot more work, going to test ways of providing transcripts of my videos...
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  • Profile picture of the author Traffic Eagle
    Must admit, I like the "look over my shoulder" type instructional videos, provided they are somewhat professionally done, can't stand the uhm, uhm, eh, sort of nonsense. I don't like the powerpoint style videos or a guy just talking without showing examples of what he's talking about. But that said, pdf is good too, especially for anything complicated like a technical instruction.

    Great thread by the way.
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  • Profile picture of the author Clara H
    I prefer PDFs... to be honest I do get slightly disappointed when I find out the product I'm buying is all videos and no eBooks. This is because I much prefer reading an eBook at my own pace than sitting around waiting 20 minutes for the guy in the video to say the exact same thing.

    Visual cues do come in handy with some products... but this can be done with eBooks by putting in a screen captured image (which works for some things... video would be better for martial arts or something).
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  • Profile picture of the author RaduX
    I prefer tutorials mostly. I usually learn a lot from online tutorials. Next come pdfs and then videos. I like to select what to read and learn, doing that in video is uncomfortable as you can miss important parts by skipping.
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  • Profile picture of the author siteline
    I like also like both, I think they compliment each other. I like to be able to follow someone using screen shots over the shoulder teaching but I also just like to kick back and read as well so for me I really like both. In addition I like mp3 audio formats as well as I have about an hours drive to work everyday and that gives me the opportunity to listen while I'm driving.
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  • Profile picture of the author JPaston
    I hate it when there is ONLY videos. Here's why...

    I like to refer back to what I've learnt. It's easy to do that with a pdf, not so with a video.

    I like to sit down and learn at my own pace. With a video you're almost forced to work at the video's pace.

    I like to have something I can download quickly. I hate waiting for videos to load (not all countries have a fast internet service)!

    And last, but not least, I enjoy reading. Not everyone does so, maybe, a combination of videos and pdf is the perfect answer.
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  • Profile picture of the author Gaz Cooper
    Instructional Videos all the way easy to follow over the shoulder instruction works well and I find it a very easy way to learn with short step by step videos.

    Kickin it on Amazon

    Gaz Cooper
    Amz Training Academy
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    Beginners Guide to getting started in CRYPTO, FREE Ebook on a Massive Opportunity as the World shifts to Digital payment http://amzauthorityzone.com

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  • Profile picture of the author design2convert
    I think video is more effective then just reading the text, it can get bore readers, video is much productive.
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  • Profile picture of the author bestfriend
    Hi Dexx,

    My choice is written, mainly because of the time factor. I like to know what I'll get/learn before, because most of the time you can encounter information that you already know. I can quickly scan the text format, and decide to dive in or not. Like many internet users being scrollers, I'm also scanning the document for most interesting parts of it (It's something motivates me to read the whole document.).
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    • Profile picture of the author ItsChrissy
      Most of the time for me it's PDFs. As already mentioned you can scan a bit if you need to, print out and highlight the good bits.

      I like videos sometimes too, but more for technical stuff.

      If videos are being used, they should be short and sweet. Lots of small videos is much better to me than one or two really long videos. If you need to go back and refresh yourself on a certain aspect of the course, you don't then have to watch through the whole thing to get to the bit you really want.

      I also like to have the audio available so I can listen on my ipod while doing my housework

      Chrissy
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  • Profile picture of the author Gary Ning Lo
    I prefer video course for ONLY for really technical stuff...

    I hate having to go through and whole 20 minutes video to learn something that i would have read in 2 minutes.

    Cheers,

    ~Gary
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