Do you Hate VIDEO Training?

74 replies
Prior to being involved in the Warrior Forum I never heard anyone say that they didn't like video training.

I've heard it said on here in a few different places.

If you don't like video training. What is it that you don't like?
#hate #training #video
  • Profile picture of the author Karen Barr
    I hate it with a passion. Here's a few reasons:

    My hearing is not 100% and if the sound quality is poor then I find myself having to replay sections constantly, which is very frustrating.

    I'm an extremely quick reader and I can read (thoroughly) through a 20-page PDF in 5 minutes. A video covering 20 pages of a PDF will typically be at least 10 minutes long.

    If the training is for some technical process and I only need to access a part of it, then I have to guess at where that particular function was covered and keep skipping back and forth to find it.

    A lot of video producers simply aren't professional - I've heard people coughing, wheezing, and even belching on the microphone! Really off-putting.

    Another non-professional problem is where the person recording the video makes an error - maybe they miss out a section, and then they just go "Whoops" and carry on, which leaves the viewer confused. If I'm recording a video and I make a mistake, I go back and correct it.

    A great example of the above is recently when watching some video training for a software, the trainer (who by the way had a voice like he was about to die of plague) made a spelling error in his code that he was demonstrating, which meant that when he tried to show the finished item, it didn't work. I was then treated to SIX MINUTES of him going back and forth, umming and ahhing looking for the error and swearing mildly, while I shouted at the screen "CHECK YOUR SPELLING!"

    Six minutes, seriously? That's six minutes of my life completely wasted. I know you were using Camtasia, just put the damn thing on pause until you locate the error. Have some respect for MY time!

    Ahem. Sorry to rant. I guess that video still annoys me, LOL.

    So...

    Those are my personal reasons for hating video. However, I do know that a lot of people prefer video, so when I produce my products, I give both a written manual AND a link to a video training session. So far, no complaints
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    • Profile picture of the author jamesrich1
      Originally Posted by Karen Barr View Post

      I'm an extremely quick reader and I can read (thoroughly) through a 20-page PDF in 5 minutes. A video covering 20 pages of a PDF will typically be at least 10 minutes long.
      I see this as the most legitimate reason why people do not like video training. Other then that the unprofessional part is just showing that these people are real people not professional actors or speakers.
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    • Profile picture of the author FirstSocialApps
      Originally Posted by Karen Barr View Post

      I hate it with a passion. Here's a few reasons:
      Actually what it sounds like is that you dont hate 'video training' , it sounds like you hate amateurs who pretend to be professionals.
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    • Profile picture of the author Michael Carlin
      Originally Posted by Karen Barr View Post

      I hate it with a passion. Here's a few reasons:

      Another non-professional problem is where the person recording the video makes an error - maybe they miss out a section, and then they just go "Whoops" and carry on, which leaves the viewer confused. If I'm recording a video and I make a mistake, I go back and correct it.

      A great example of the above is recently when watching some video training for a software, the trainer (who by the way had a voice like he was about to die of plague) made a spelling error in his code that he was demonstrating, which meant that when he tried to show the finished item, it didn't work. I was then treated to SIX MINUTES of him going back and forth, umming and ahhing looking for the error and swearing mildly, while I shouted at the screen "CHECK YOUR SPELLING!"

      Six minutes, seriously? That's six minutes of my life completely wasted. I know you were using Camtasia, just put the damn thing on pause until you locate the error. Have some respect for MY time!

      Ahem. Sorry to rant. I guess that video still annoys me, LOL.

      So...
      Haha, yeah. I go through great pains to edit the uhms and ahs out of my videos. They take 5 minutes to shoot and 40 minutes to edit :p

      You've hit the nail on the head though, so many video guides are egotistical and digress from the subject matter.

      I was searching youtube to find out how to do something with photoshop, and this guy had a 4 minute video to show a 6 second process. AHHHH!
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  • Profile picture of the author Chris Cole
    It's really different strokes for different folks. I personally love video training, that is as long as it isn't like an hour long video and I have to hunt the whole way through it.

    I like to bear this in mind when creating products.I create both PDF reports and I even like to keep my videos shorter and just make more bite sized videos.
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  • Profile picture of the author Confined To Life
    It's so much more engaging than the typical PDF. I love it. But only if it's done properly.
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  • Profile picture of the author Nicholas H
    I personally like like both video, and text. If the video Is well created, then you will be able to follow along perfectly and pause when he/she says you should pause now (which Is something that a lot of Inexperienced people will overlook, convenience for the customer).
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  • Profile picture of the author eternalwarrior
    I prefer PDF than watching video. I can print it out (for personal purpose, not distribution lol) and take action while reading it.
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  • Profile picture of the author ocaswiz
    Both PDF and video training are good but not in all situation.
    - When I don't have much time, I'd love to have PDF because I can go as fast as I can
    - When I have something hard to understand, I prefer video
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    • Profile picture of the author marciayudkin
      I like video training ONLY for something that needs to be demonstrated visually.

      For example, when I decided to knit again after not having done it since being a teenager, only a video explained the process clearly.

      However, any video that doesn't truly show me how to do something is wasting my time since I can read really fast and find the info I need very quickly in written form.

      Marcia Yudkin
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  • Profile picture of the author RabbitAnimate
    I like video training, but only if the speaker do something while he talk. maybe powerpoint, or whatever. I can't stand video training where the speaker talk, and do nothing (not even moving the mouse), it makes me sleepy, and bored.

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    • Profile picture of the author yesacpow
      It all depends on what the training is about. Some people can give you the details in just two sentences but yet still they make a long drawn out video which then becomes very boring.

      And again something can only be explain adequately via videos. But if you are creating a training program, I would say do the videos and also provide a pdf with the transcript. Sometimes people just want to scan through and get to the important details without having to listen to a whole lot of fluff.
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  • Profile picture of the author tofrar
    Originally Posted by BrianCampbelldotcom View Post

    Prior to being involved in the Warrior Forum I never heard anyone say that they didn't like video training.

    I've heard it said on here in a few different places.

    If you don't like video training. What is it that you don't like?
    I don't like them but I do not hate them... I usually hit back button when I see video
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    • Profile picture of the author IMDealBox
      Videos are useful for those that read a lot and would like to take a break...but videos have to ALWAYS be accompanied with a transcript or PDF!

      When i see a VIDEO ONLY membership, i think of it as half-done and unfinished product!
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  • Profile picture of the author Bill_Z
    Unless it's extremely complicated then I want to read how to do it. It just takes too long to watch a video. Just my personal taste.
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    • Profile picture of the author Yogini
      I also prefer reading a pdf than sitting through a video. I like when there are links within a pdf to a short video that will explain something in more detail (if it's needed). I think pdfs with screenshots though can often show a lot of detail (ie how to set up a segmented list in aweber). Most people are busy and don't have time to sift through a video to find what they know versus what is new. Also, there can be a ten minute sales pitch within a video (or webinar) which is hard to skip on initial review.

      Debbie
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      • Profile picture of the author ActionToCash
        I've always enjoyed videos as I've never been a fast reader.

        I've created hours and hours of video since getting involved with IM, and one thing I've been starting to do lately is offer both version of the content on my blog:
        1) I write my blog posts as usual in text format for those that prefer to read it.
        2) Next, I create a video where I narrate the the text for other people just like me who like to absorb it using the visual & auditory senses.

        Let me also mention that making videos is no labor of love for me by any means, but as they say, a picture is worth a thousand words, so I use it as I feel it provides significant value to those who want to experience it that way - so I do it.

        My best advice to you concerning people who hate video training would be to offer your product in both written (with illustrations) and video format if time permits. It's a lot of extra work, but if you have the time you might be able to please more people.

        Also, remember - YouTube isn't the second largest search engine by accident - it's because there are HUGE numbers of people who strongly prefer video to text.

        Hope this helps,

        Randall
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  • Profile picture of the author CharlieMain
    Your learning style may also impact how you like to learn, as well as the quality and the information parted. It is a question of horses for courses, and whether you see (sorry for that) what the trainer is putting across!
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  • Profile picture of the author hgustavs
    I prefer video training if it´s done properly. It´s so much easier to grasp it when someone actually show you step by step how to do it. If it´s not done properly and the person is just spinning around the subject with out ever getting to the point, I hate it. There are hour long videos that could have been shortened down to less than 5 minutes. This is the kind of videos that´s just wasting peoples time and money.
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  • I appreciate all of the comments. Yes, if the video is done badly that's a problem.

    I personally use the video + pdf + (other) approach. Sometimes a spreadsheet compliments a video lesson. I also think it's a good idea to publish audio only lessons as mp3s. Everyone learns differently and even the same person will learn differently by getting the information in a few different formats that reinforce what is taught and works together as a whole lesson.

    I personally think video is the best format for a lot of purposes (like showing someone how to do something on a computer screen). Of course it's not ideal for every purpose.

    Thanks for all the great comments... Keep em coming! This has shed some light on this topic for me
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  • Profile picture of the author Bill Hugall
    I am a very visual learner. I do well with the written word, but I thrive when I can see the process unfold. If I had not purchased a certain video program I would not making a dime.

    PDF that show you 20 pages of images and yapping bore me and I find it hard to follow. I also get better open rates from my list when I use video in the headline.
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  • Profile picture of the author mialove
    I prefer PDF than watching video. (i read very fast)
    Actually i only like watch video for something technical, its much easier to understand the information.

    Many videos are very boring, and i just find my self loosing it and can't concentrate attention.
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  • Profile picture of the author seriousjake
    I like them both. Each have their benefits. Video is awesome for a first-time watch. But it gets annoying if you have to refer back to a long video and can't remember where the bit you need is.
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  • Profile picture of the author shaunfm
    Video training is definently my preferred method of training.So simple to replicate any tutorial if the tutorial has been structured properly.
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  • Profile picture of the author LarryC
    I don't mind video training. What I don't like are long, promotional videos disguised as training. As in "Watch this short (right!) free video to learn how to make $1295 per week" and it turns out to be an hour long pre-sell for an expensive course.
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  • Profile picture of the author jackcarr
    I find that I learn much better through video rather than text.

    Especially if I am actually being taught something I have never seen before. I learnt web development through online video tutorials. Watching how someone made it really helped me I could then go and "reverse engineer" what I had just watched.

    If it was on paper you don't get to see them build it from scratch so its really hard for me to get that connection and understand whats happening.
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  • Profile picture of the author RabbitAnimate
    The problem for video, as English is not my mother language. It's kinda hard to produce my own nice video. But got no problem in understanding people's video.

    I think it's depend on what kind of learner you are.
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    • Profile picture of the author scrunchie
      I hate videos.

      We have a big family. There's always a lot of noise and interuptions. Headphones are not an option because I need to be able to hear what is going on around me. I'd much rather have a nice PDF to read through.

      At the moment I've got around 20 videos that I've got to find a quiet time to watch.
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  • Profile picture of the author Sarevok
    Interesting results.

    As people have mentioned, difficult tasks are often better on video. Mathematics or programming principles for example.

    But there's one crucial thing to consider.

    I'll take a good .pdf over a bad video, and a good video over bad .pdf any day of the week.
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  • Profile picture of the author rontheitguy
    I personally hate video training if it's too long, poorly executed and/or if it's poor quality (audio/video). Aside from those few pet peeves, I think video training can be a very effective way to learn stuff.
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  • Profile picture of the author mrelk159
    If the Video is not high quality then it will make the training extremely painful.
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  • Profile picture of the author Steve B
    Something that frosts my navel is having to sit through a video where the narrator does nothing but read a script or Powerpoint presentation while the exact same text is popping up on the screen . . . bores me to tears!

    Steve
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  • Originally Posted by Craig Desorcy View Post

    For marketers, you're better off offering the same content in different
    formats. This is just smart business.

    Video for the visual.

    Audio for the listeners.

    PDF for the readers.

    Everyone is happy and the value is there.

    -Craig
    Craig sums it up best. And combining that with everyone else's feedback, good quality is important!
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  • Profile picture of the author elperuanito
    I prefer PDFs. You can usually read something in 10 minutes that would take you an hour to watch. It's also annoying to have to take notes of the things you don't know (or are particularly important). If you want to go back and reference something you need to find it somehow. I try and avoid video only courses, unless I am convinced they add some insane value.
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  • Profile picture of the author Bill Hugall
    Originally Posted by Chris Kent View Post

    I hate videos.

    There's a good reason why most of the world's information is in written form and with no desire to translate it all into video. Because that would be totally unnecessary. IM is no exception.

    That is the theory that most schools have gone with as well. As a result there are a ton of brilliant students going by the way side because people cater to what has been and always will be. I think all three versions should be available. We have the technology to do so. So why not make information work for all users at one time. Give all learners the same chance to be successful with what they are learning.
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  • Profile picture of the author mywebwork
    PDF is by far my favorite, I will rarely (if ever) watch a video course.

    I can read very fast and I've worked in IT all my life. I HATE having to go through a 5 minute video to extract 5 seconds worth of information. What a waste of time.

    Karen's response (the very first response to the thread) is almost word-for-word what I would have said. And I too always offer both video and PDF with the courses I produce, and going forward will also offer EPUB and MOBI files as well (first thing I do these days with any PDF is use Mobipocket Creator to convert to MOBI so I can read on my Kindle).

    And when I do offer video I do it properly. I have a script. I record the video and audio independently and then use Final Cut Pro to mix them. I edit out all the errors before publishing. And I ensure that the audio is clear, loud and distortion free.

    Most importantly I try to aim for 2-3 minutes in length.

    Bill
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    • Profile picture of the author Indecision
      Video can be helpful but most people that do it spend way too long explaining stuff that they don't need to.

      I once watched a video regarding some php code for making custom databases to import into wordpress and the guy spent half the video explaining how to find and open notepad.
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  • Profile picture of the author RogerzWorld
    Everyone has a different preference. I think for me it depends on quality and what type of videos are used. I like tutorial videos quite a bit especially when the info is helpful and the quality is good as well.
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  • Profile picture of the author DeanJames
    It all depends on what type of learner you are. Auditory, Visual (visual-linguistic and visual-spatial) or Kinesthetic. One or two of these learning styles usually takes precedent and it will vary from one individual to another. Personally if I had to choose one I would probably pick pure audio closely followed by video (for learning). For relaxation and indulgence I will read a book.
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  • Profile picture of the author Jodel
    I pretty much a newbie and I can say that video training has help me a great deal. I like PDF too but I am a visual learner.
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    • Profile picture of the author Martin Luxton
      One thing that hasn't been addressed properly in this thread is quality.

      One of the biggest complaints seem to be about poor quality video with lots of fluff. Yes, I hate them too but I also hate poor quality PDFs with lots of fluff.

      And where video usually wins hands down over a PDF is in showing a process. How many PDFs have you read where the author seems to have left out a step here or a click there? I find a lot of PDF authors make too many assumptions of what the reader knows/understands, while if you do a video (in real time) you can't forget anything otherwise the process doesn't work (as Karen Barr's software trainer discovered in a video but probably wouldn't have noticed his mistake if he'd done a PDF).

      Martin
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  • Profile picture of the author BrianGroan
    I like good video training with good audio. But I HATE bad video training with bad audio and a background noise.

    I seen some poll around the forum that people prefer both video+pdf over pdf or video.

    I like to watch the video to see it being done, then refer back to the pdf for resources and stuff.
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  • Profile picture of the author Brains Gone Wild
    Love it under the right conditions:

    -If the videos are quality
    -If the training is structured properly, in order
    -If the instructor/product creator "tags" or references hot spots/times in the description (i.e., "skip ahead to 4:45 if you are familiar with Adwords set up", etc)
    -If the creator also includes transcripts/guides for those that prefer reading

    We can't be all things to all people but we sure as heck can try!
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  • Profile picture of the author rmolina88
    I prefer PDF by far.

    Back when I was working a 9-5, I hated coming home all tired and realizing the video course I just bought is 10+ hours long.
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  • Profile picture of the author jgant
    Unless I need to watch a technical process, I prefer all digital products in the written word. Videos take way too long to watch. I can digest much more info more quickly with a PDF. Save videos when demonstrating a technical tutorial. In fact, I often won't buy a product if it's video-only because I know I'll sit through way too much nonsense.
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    • Profile picture of the author V12
      I don't like video training because I am a fast reader, the same as many other Warriors. Videos can take ages to watch and waste a lot of time (not always, but quite often, in my experience).

      Give me the equivalent of a clickable contents page link (like those in some PDFs) with the videos and then I'll go for video training much more often.

      Until that happens, I'll take the PDF first.
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    • Profile picture of the author Paul Hooper-Kelly
      Hi Guys and Gals,

      Video training can be very good and it's been shown to increase understanding a retention dramatically.

      However,far too often it's shoddy produced and the creator doesn't bother to edit the video properly, making it a great time waster, when you have to sit through all their mistakes and endless minutes watching stuff download.

      I agree with Michael that - to do a proper job - the actual shooting time is dwarfed by the amount of time you need to spend editing video to remove all the mistakes, coughs, and shorten the download sequences.

      And as been remarked - many folks may be hard of hearing or cannot tune into a strange accent. So they prefer to read a pdf.

      Why is why I also produce an illustrated, printable checklist with all my technical videos. That way my members get the very best of all worlds.

      That means a five minute video can really take me nearly a day to produce, but - at least - I can sleep at night.

      Paul
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  • Profile picture of the author Greg guitar
    It depends on the material, how the video was done, etc. I am a little tired of IM products which use video for the sole purpose of using the word "video" in marketing the course. One WSO I bought had a guy using about 4 headlines per 5 minute video, so it was just a recording with a couple of phrases written out. The visual aspect added nothing; it might as well have been audio only, or better yet, written words, since he wasn't very succinct with the content anyway.

    There are a ton of people that make such "videos", and call themselves "video marketers", but all it seems to mean is that they use the video format to upload their vocal ramblings. It saves time in product creation, and the perceived value of a "video course" still seems to be higher than audio or PDF, but with these minimalist videos, the only thing the format does is make it harder to find the material you need.
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    • Profile picture of the author NathanCee
      I Like videos better.

      I hate reading and I don't like it. I also easily forget things I read than things I have seen.

      I think, It really depends on the subject.
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    • Profile picture of the author Daniel R
      I think most videos should come with a related PDF, that way you can watch the video the first time and then if you want to come back later to refresh your memory you don´t have to sit though the whole video again, just have a quick read.
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  • Profile picture of the author Paul Gram
    This has been a VERY eye opening thread. I love video training and many of the products we create have video training but not much in terms of PDF's etc. It's obvious that there are plenty of people who prefer to read over video so I am going to start adding PDF stuff ASAP.
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  • Profile picture of the author DubDubDubDot
    What can be written in just a few sentences often turns into 3 minutes of blabbering.

    "Copy and paste the URL of the video into your reply, but do not include 'http://'"

    Turns into this nonsense....


    When you've got some bumbling fool doing that constantly throughout a 20, 30, 60 minute video it gets old fast.
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    • Profile picture of the author FirstSocialApps
      Originally Posted by DubDubDubDot View Post

      W
      "Copy and paste the URL of the video into your reply, but do not include 'http://'"
      Sounds like you have not done much tech support ever. I do a lot of support for the apps we sell myself and I can say with 100% certainty that if without a video showing exactly that you should copy and paste the URL in the browsers nav bar, at least a good 25% of the people would not know what URL you were talking about. They would copy the embed code, since there is a URL in there. OR they wouldnt copy the full URL, or something.

      This is actually why people in situations like this where there teaching you how do do something with the computer prefer to use videos, believe me I have worked with hundreds of customers, unless you show them exactly what to do they will mess it up.

      Here is a great example, my Facebook apps, they use log in with Facebook. All you have to do literately is click the log in button and give the app permission to get your info and your logged in. Sounds simple right. I get about 5-10 emails each week from people saying they cant log in, its always the same, they didnt approve the permissions for the app, even though the instructions they get after purchase tells them that they need to approve the permissions. When I ask people if they approved the permissions they say no. When I remind them that they need to and that the instructions said they need to they answer: Oh, you mean those permissions

      Point is people are not very good at following even the most simple instructions so it is often more efficient to just show them.
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      • Profile picture of the author wordwizard
        The word "hate" might be a bit strong here, and there are occasions where video training helps (in short, very clear and focused increments).

        However, in general, I MUCH prefer PDF files because I can read them quickly and then put little stickies in places that I want to go back to, which will take seconds to find.

        With some videos, on the other hand, it can take HOURS, unless the videos are short and very well structured and labelled, as I just said.

        I have several reasons for my preferences...

        1) I have a Mac, and it doesn't play nice with Flash, so I keep Flash turned off 90% of the time, which means that most videos don't work unless they're downloadable as MP4's. And yes, this means that I also can't see the sales videos in a lot of the WSOs...

        2) Like many of the folks who have commented above, I find the info I need more quickly in PDF's, and I like to refer back to the info too, which is a huge pain with videos (and audios too).

        3) Some videos with important information are literally HOURS long, and stream of consciousness as the creator teaches, or sometimes rather explores in real time how something works, and then, when they get to the ONE thing I really need the specifics for, they kind of fly through it so quickly I can't figure out what they just did, and I have to go over it again and again multiple times, and sometimes it's still not clear.

        Also, I don't have the time to sit in front of my screen hours at a time in addition to the hoursI already have to spend there writing stuff (plus it hurts my back), and when I get back to the video after interruptions, including having to reboot my computer because it ran out of RAM, I often have to start over.

        I have videos I paid for that I was never able to watch all the way to the end...

        I have pretty much stopped buying video trainings from certain people, even some whom I respect very much otherwise, unless they come with PDFs.

        I like PDFs WITH accompanying SHORT videos, as others have also indicated above.
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      • Profile picture of the author Greg guitar
        Originally Posted by FirstSocialApps View Post

        Sounds like you have not done much tech support ever. I do a lot of support for the apps we sell myself and I can say with 100% certainty that if without a video showing exactly that you should copy and paste the URL in the browsers nav bar, at least a good 25% of the people would not know what URL you were talking about. They would copy the embed code, since there is a URL in there. OR they wouldnt copy the full URL, or something.

        This is actually why people in situations like this where there teaching you how do do something with the computer prefer to use videos, believe me I have worked with hundreds of customers, unless you show them exactly what to do they will mess it up.

        Here is a great example, my Facebook apps, they use log in with Facebook. All you have to do literately is click the log in button and give the app permission to get your info and your logged in. Sounds simple right. I get about 5-10 emails each week from people saying they cant log in, its always the same, they didnt approve the permissions for the app, even though the instructions they get after purchase tells them that they need to approve the permissions. When I ask people if they approved the permissions they say no. When I remind them that they need to and that the instructions said they need to they answer: Oh, you mean those permissions

        Point is people are not very good at following even the most simple instructions so it is often more efficient to just show them.
        Your point is well taken, but so is the one you were replying to. Even in the cases where people do need to be shown, there really isn't a need to spend so long doing it; video creators often seem unaware of how much time they are taking to make their points.

        Right now, I have a couple hours worth of video to watch because I agreed to review a product before it launches. There is one long one and a handful of short ones. So far, every short one I have checked out starts off with a statement, and then repeats it with slightly different phrasing, at least 2x. That drives me nuts.

        Fortunately, the creator is looking for feedback and says he'll create PDFs in response to my suggestion; unfortunately for me, they probably won't be done in time for me to avoid watching all the videos to get my review done on time.

        As for the example of how to embed youtube videos in the forum, why does it have to take almost 2 minutes to show people where the address bar is? Even though your point is valid, why not just "ignore all this embed stuff, and simply go up here to the address bar, copy it, and then paste it in over here"; does it really need to take more than 15 seconds of video to demonstrate that? The introduction about why he made the video took longer than I would take to show the entire process.
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        • Profile picture of the author JohnMcCabe
          I don't hate video training. For some things, it's the ideal medium.

          What I hate is badly done video. It wastes my time, is often confusing, and shows laziness and lack of caring by the maker.

          I think that we are reaping the whirlwind from all those "create a product in ten seconds" courses...

          To be fair, I also have a high level of disdain for badly written, formatted and edited PDFs, audios, and any other product that fails to accomplish what it purports to do.

          And please, if you are charging money, don't give me "at least I took action..." Custer took action, and look where it got him.
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          • Profile picture of the author SandyDuPlessis
            As for several other members here, I too have a hearing problem plus I am a speed reader, so much prefer PDF to video.

            However, having said that, when I need to learn something more technical like trying to get to grips with photoshop :confused: I find video very useful. But... I would much prefer it if the videos were kept short and sweet and dealt with only one point at a time.

            I would rather watch 10 videos of one to two minutes each than 1 video of 10 to 20 minutes. This ensures that I easily am able to find that one specific bit of information that I need.

            Video though has become very popular and it is essential that we all take note of the fact that like it or not, we need to incorporate video into our arsenal and to do so in a way that makes the viewer happy.
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  • Profile picture of the author KriiV
    I personally like video training as long as the presenter gets STRAIGHT to the point.
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  • Profile picture of the author GBM
    The great thing about PDFs is that you can read them at your own time. It's a lot friendlier than a 30 - 60 minute video.
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  • Profile picture of the author sbucciarel
    Banned
    I access the Internet via tethered Droid so watching videos is painful. I also hate them, but even if I didn't, they aren't feasible. I prefer pdfs. I can skip over stuff I know, speed read to get the pertinent information and save a lot of time.
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  • Profile picture of the author seobro
    I like video training, but some times it is hard to read the tiny text in a mini movie. Please post 1080 and make the text big, sharp and crisp. Also, highlight what we are suppose to see. It is hard to read light gray.

    People need to speak in a loud clear voice. Also, please remove back ground noises. For example, loud high pitched bird song. Those can get very annoying.
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    • Profile picture of the author lurkylurkyloo
      This is a great discussion. I've been held hostage by video training in the past...

      1. Video is such a commitment to me. I just want the information. Like others said, the key minute that I need isn't worth listening to someone make small talk while he randomly molests the screen with his cursor.

      I'd prefer short videos where each video is about one VERY specific thing and clearly titled so I can go back to that one video as a resource. With longer videos, I have to blindly try to find the point where I stopped paying attention.

      2. Marketers use total length of video as a selling point, but when I see "10+ hours of video," that's when I hit the back button or delete the email. I get that it adds perceived value for some people, but I will have to invest 10+ hours watching the videos in addition to the time I'll have to spend doing whatever it is that I'm learning.

      I watch people ask "How much will I need to invest to actually do this" before they buy products. I consider my 10+ hours part of the investment and attach a dollar amount.

      I feel like video training is a chore where I have to prepare, set aside time, etc = commitment. I'm less likely to watch the entire series than I am to read a pdf. That means I'm less likely to take action... which means I'm not going to accomplish whatever goal... which means I'm probably not going to be a repeat buyer or higher-ticket convert.

      3. And you know what makes me REALLY not want to buy video training? When the sales pitch is a guy speaking his sales page as he stands in some affluent-looking room (or in front of a pool or car). It makes me feel uncomfortable. He's awkwardly standing there not knowing what to do with his hands like a teenage boy on a first date. Cut away to some screencasting or something. It makes me wonder how much of the video in the series will be similarly weird and pointless.

      I dislike video training in general, but I DO like short videos that complement pdf training, especially when they walk me through things that are easier explained by watching someone do them.
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  • Profile picture of the author donny531
    I would not say that i hate video but i undoubtedly prefer pdf to video. The reason why I would say is that i spend most of my time on the internet on my mobile device and as said earlier video is a pain to watch sometimes. PDF's are easier for me also because while im at work they are more easily accessable. Now if a product does not offer a pdf version it is a big turn off for me.
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  • Profile picture of the author JasonBennet
    I personally prefer to have video training course when it also comes with the video transcript in PDF format and explain what that particular video is about. This will make both the party happy as I can read through the PDF fast if I have no time or I can watch the video if I am not clear of any concepts that is explained in the video.
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  • Profile picture of the author khooster1
    I love over-my-shoulder video training. These are the best in explaining tedious technical instructions which are not easily illustrated in text.

    I agreed that text based videos are craps.. More for SEO usage.
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  • Profile picture of the author finebird
    I like the pdfs. I can make notes - copy&paste the text to the place I want. I don't have to move back and forward to find the place where the video contains a single piece of information that I need. And also, there are usually more sense in the written material, 'cause somebody took time to think before he/she wrote it...
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  • Profile picture of the author JingQuimPo
    I do prefer video maybe because I'm also a video editor.
    But only if the video is made in a very good visual way, not like the the old Powerpoint way, where the guy just reads his script while bullets are flying all around. If that's the case, PDF will be much better.

    but Like what RandallKowalenko said...
    YouTube isn't the second largest search engine by accident - it's because there are HUGE numbers of people who strongly prefer video to text.

    Chinese proverb:
    Bai wen bu ru yi jian : Hearing a hundred times is not as good as seeing once

    Jing Quimpo
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  • Profile picture of the author vtotheyouknow
    I'm reminded of a story...

    A young seeker made a long journey to study under a great Zen master. He finally arrived after his arduous trek and went before the master. The master looked at the man and suddenly yelled to the man to get out and never come back!

    Shocked, the young man left the master's house. A disciple of the master who watched this scene unfold became indignant with the master. "What kind of master are you?" he said, "you don't even have the compassion to take this man and show him the way."

    Patiently the master listened to this remonstration and said "soon there will be a demonstration." Just then, a bird flew in through the window. Apparently lost and in a great confusion, the bird darted around the room frantically.

    The bird finally settled for a moment on a piece of furniture, when the master suddenly clapped his hands loudly. Shocked, the bird flew straight out of the window through which it came.

    "To the bird," the master said to his disciple, "that must have been quite a shock."

    The man already knew the way. To take him in would be a great disservice.

    The end.

    Video is just a medium.

    You can provide crappy training via PDF, Video, Audio or in person.

    It takes a LOT of effort, thought and "active empathy" as Eben pagan calls it, to put yourself in the user's shoes and ask yourself whether this actually gives the person the result they NEED.

    Most so called training is just knowledge regurgitation.

    Any old schmuck can tell you the way to the top of the mountain. It takes a sensitive marketer to lead someone to the sunlit peak.
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  • Profile picture of the author Raydal
    Now if a picture is worth a thousand words how many words
    is a video worth?

    It goes without saying that videos are great teaching tools. We all
    learned from them. Think Sesame street.

    But once you are a reading adult some things are better communicated
    through the written word than the spoken word.

    Any subject that needs to be demonstrated--processes, plans,
    "how to do", operational manuals--gives video a clear advantage.

    -Ray Edwards
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  • Profile picture of the author Joey Starkey
    Originally Posted by BrianCampbelldotcom View Post

    Prior to being involved in the Warrior Forum I never heard anyone say that they didn't like video training.

    I've heard it said on here in a few different places.

    If you don't like video training. What is it that you don't like?
    Not everyone learns the same way. My preferred method is to read. I have bought some video products. But I like to have a pdf file as well. It sure is an awful lot easier to flip back a few pages or to make a few notes.

    One other plus, if you sell me a video course, give me a download link so i can have it on my computer. I live in the sticks and do not always have an Internet connection.

    Joey Starkey
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