Stitchnripper

I like both. I still read paper books but also read on my iPad. For tutorials I don't mind a video if it is clear, and sometimes one that is written with pictures is better. Depends on what is being taught and who is doing the teaching.

mindless

Most of the time, by just looking at the multi-lingual pictures that come with that Ikea thing, I can have it all put together before he even finds the correct video on youtube.
However, most videos can be paused, reversed. speeded up, fast forwarded, and they can show me exactly what it should look like when it's done. Or what it should look like from the inside...at the half-way point.
I like written instructions, but I really like pictures & videos too.
I once went to a class to learn something new, and we just watched a video. Then discussed it...answering any questions. Not what I was hoping for.
Maybe both have their place in my world.

dunster

For quilting, I generally prefer written instructions but I also enjoy some videos.

For home improvement projects, a video is better for me. It can be hard for me to visualize the steps when I'm not familiar with the terminology and methods used, and a video really helps. Often I watch several before starting a project, because different people have different methods, and some of them leave out vital steps. That's one of the pitfalls of amateur videos, but the same can be true of written directions.

Aurora

I prefer written tutorials. I will watch a tutorial once, but I find them boring and full of irrelevant chatter. A written tutorial can be kept with the project and is readily available and requires no additional equipment.

pocoellie

I much prefer written tutorials.

MaggieLou

same here.

Rhonda Lee

I prefer the written word. Videos help sometimes.

mac

I am a very visual person. When following instructions, I would rather look at the pictures and then, when all else fails, I will read the instructions. I am an impatient person and to have to read the instructions for 3 minutes or just look at a picture and get the same idea in 3 seconds, works much better for me.

Also, I find that reading instructions can be very ambiguous and therefore very confusing. As they say, "a picture is worth a thousand words."

bearisgray

I like to have both available, too.

Sometimes I just do not "get" what the person means from a written page -

On the other hand, it's easier to write on a piece of paper than on a screen if I want to add some notes to the tutorial.

selm

I much prefer a written tutorial. While I enjoy watching the MSQC videos(and others), to actually follow the instructions I like them printed out also but MSQC only offers a transcript that is one run-on paragraph. Hard to follow. I could copy, paste and divide up on a word document I suppose but haven't tried that yet.