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Old 09-22-2018, 01:34 PM
  #36  
HettyB
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Lincolnshire, UK
Posts: 175
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Like many others, preference depends upon the subject.

Once upon a time when I was studying mechanical engineering part of the course was Technical Writing. It was harder than imagined but I still get seriously annoyed at poorly written instructions.
I prefer written instructions for patterns, equipment lists, measurements or anything numerical. For practical instruction, YouTube works well for me.

Video, if done right, is faster, gets straight to the point and no written instruction are necessary. I find videos produced by engineers are the best. As well-meaning as the YouTubers are, some videos are so poorly done, I find myself shouting “Stop bloody waffling” or “Get your hands out the way!”. A good video gives me an opportunity to observe other things such as behaviour of the materials and how a craftsman holds or moves a tool. Written instructions don’t have that subtlety. And don’t forget the importance of sound.

HettyB
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