Photos or Video?

**GadgetUK437** · 08-07-2018, 00:59

Which do you prefer?
I have noticed that I get less feedback from a post with just a video than one with multiple photos.
I'm guessing folk just don't have time to commit to a 3 minute video?

**Eidson** · 08-07-2018, 01:27

I'm a photo guy. It's not about spending the time watching a video, but rather opportunity.
I work with large volumes of data at work, so while things are processing I have a minute or two to browse the forum on a separate monitor. Plus most videos are blocked on our network.
Browsing the forums on my mobile are typically in situations where I don't want the noise from watching a video.
I'll happily read long explanations and corresponding photos because I can simply bounce back and forth between them and another task.
Ultimately I have to be super interested to actually plan time to watch a video. In these cases I'll bookmark and watch on the home desktop when the wife and kids are in bed.

So I guess some of it is time after reading my post...

I know a lot of work is put into both, so I do always appreciate what you share here.

**sidneyhornblower** · 08-07-2018, 02:46

So many variables that it's tough to say.

Sometimes it's dependent on the platform I'm using to access the forums: desktop PC, tablet or phone. I'm more likely to watch video on the desktop because of the screen and speakers. Also more likely to leave feedback because of the ease of typing on a real keyboard. Right now I'm one finger pecking on my tablet as I drink coffee prior to heading off to work. For me the smaller platforms like phone or tablet are all about consuming media, not so much interacting.

As far as photo versus video, it's easier to stop and study a well chosen photo than a video. Video is wonderful for technique. Photo is better for studying details of the results of that technique, especially if we're talking small details of construction. I'd hate to be limited to just one or the other.

**michigandave** · 08-07-2018, 04:50

I've always geared my trip reports to include lots of photos and detailed trail information about the trip, trail conditions, camp sites, water sources etc. Yes, they are long winded, but I look at them as more of a resource for other travelers who may want to do the same trail. I'll also include a wrap up of links to resources plus my own opinions of what I did right or did wrong.

Sometimes I do video on a trip, but since it's part of what I do for a profession, I really just want a break from it. Short videos are always best and I'll ignore a 30 minute video from someone's overnight trip etc.

**MAD777** · 08-07-2018, 05:08

Depends on how much time I have. I skip the video if I'm in a rush and quickly browsing the forum.

Also some subjects need a video to thoroughly address an issue. For instance, I posted a video last week about a self adjusting under quilt suspension. I felt it needed the live action to show the movement of the system.

But, I keep my videos to less than 3 minutes long.

Sent from my Pixel 2 using Tapatalk

**Bubba** · 08-07-2018, 05:19

I like photos because it's quicker to view and I can't watch videos at work depending on the computer I am on.

**hutzelbein** · 08-07-2018, 05:52

I prefer pictures most of the time, also because people keep it more concise that way. I get impatient quickly when I have to watch a video and listen to all kinds filler stuff in order to get to the meat of it. Also, videos often have a pace that does not correspond to my own pace. To me, uninteresting parts are drawn out, while the interesting parts happen way too quickly to process properly. And I hate replaying sequences x times until I finally grasp it. Photos and descriptions allow for you to read them in any order at any pace. Also, as non-native English speaker, I often find it easier to understand what I'm reading than what I'm listening to.

Videos have their place, though. I watch them when I'm really interested in a specific topic and already have a lot of background information.

**TrailSlug** · 08-07-2018, 07:03

I like both but prefer videos. So much more information about an area can be gleaned from video.

**dkurfiss** · 08-07-2018, 07:17

Photo. I make it a practice not to follow video links.

**Big Flounder** · 08-07-2018, 07:50

I prefer photos, but it's weird because I like them posted into the post and not added as thumbnails. Especially in trip reports. Just adds to the story if I see pictures as I read and not have to click on a thumbnail that may or may not be in the order of the story. Hope that makes sense.

That being said, if a person makes a video and is as entertaining as Shug, I'm all in! That's the key to hiking or hammocking videos. Watching a trail for three minutes gets boring, so toss in some humor/scenery/camp pics/etc.