There's a lot of talk here lately as to which format of content delivery is king. Text, audio, images, and video are the types of media that we can expect to find populating the web. But which format will be given the scepter of digital supremacy and rule as the preferred method of communication across a global digital platform that's occupied by an evolving cyber culture? To help shed light on the issue, I will provide some detailed information about the advantages/disadvantages of text vs video - and leave you to draw your own conclusion.
Text
Human Resource Software
You might say that textual communication bares the birthright to digital supremacy, or that crafting the right copy for a particular niche requires a skill that is second to none. However you see it, technology is changing the way we communicate with one another. The evolution of communication is enough to boggle any mind. Some might even say that one day we will communicate through some form of osmosis. Whatever your belief, the human vernacular makes it possible to divulge even the most intimate of thoughts with nothing more than a type-pad.
What are some advantages of text?
* Skimming (Consuming content on the fly)
Speaking for myself, I would rather be able to skim a body of text to locate the key points that apply to my interest rather than sit through an entire presentation via audio or video. Imagine if all the RSS feeds that you subscribe to offered only video content. You would have to make a determination on title alone as to whether you would spend your time reviewing the clip. However, a message can be communicated through video much quicker than through text if it's producer leverages the power of multimedia to create a dynamic user experience. Nevertheless, skimming text to locate key phrases that stimulate curiosity is a clear advantage of textual content.
* Craftiness (Taking pleasure in consuming intelligently crafted content)
I can appreciate a good wordsmith. I have always enjoyed reading the work of a true craftsman when it comes to wordplay. The skill and creative nature that is required to carve out a thought into consumable content is rare. Therefore when I find such a rarity, I would rather savor the moment while consuming each line of text with utmost respect for the skill it took to produce it.
What are some disadvantages of text?
* Distant (lacking the ability to convey intense emotion)
Remote in manner, text lacks the ability to convey intense emotion. Similar to how history books lack the ability to transmit the finer nuances of subtle indifference's that would otherwise be revealed in sarcastic tones, enthusiasm, or facial expressions. For instance, the eye has the ability to convey in a split second what might take a few paragraphs of text to communicate.
* Stagnant (What you read is what you get)
Despite my own personal romance with text, I can't deny that technology is taking communication to a level that far exceeds the ability linear text has to perform. Unfortunately text based media reached its pinnacle when it was hitched with the better half, hyperlinks. I am not saying that text is, or ever will be, replaced by other forms of media. I am simply recognizing the overwhelming response to technology and the experience it can provide to the end user by cooperating with other forms of media.
* Superficial (Merely scratching the surface of the user experience)
Text has the ability to take the mind on a journey through time and space, but lacks the centripetal accuracy to engage it's reader in a sensual expedition. In other words, where text is limited to describing certain things through words and images - video has no such limitations. While you're talking about something in a video you can actually show your viewers exactly what you mean (live!) so that there is no room for misunderstanding or miscommunication.
Video
According to recent stats, Video blogging, marketing, advertising, etc. is quickly becoming the preferred method for content consumption. I am a writer. I enjoy mining my thoughts and carefully crafting their logical expression into words that convey the most reflective suggestions. So regardless of this comparison, my preferred method for communication will always be text. With that said, lets take a look at some advantages/disadvantages of video.
What are some advantages of Video?
* Dynamic (characterized by degree of personality)
The compelling nature of visual content provides efficient incentive for it's consumers. With HTML5 soon to become a Web standard, the capacity for video content that loads faster, integrates easier, and cooperates better with other elements of content distribution will exceed all expectations.
* Explicit (Precisely and clearly expressed)
Leaving nothing to implication, video content has the ability to demystify a concept by providing precise instructions using visual aid. There is nothing more powerful than a visual demonstration to awaken the mind and breathe life into a script - I guess this is why movie theaters are more popular than libraries.
* Intimate (fosters a friendly atmosphere)
The feelings expressed on a person's face provide context to conversation. Video content that features the founder or representative of a brand is more likely to appease your audience than faceless text. Using video to foster a warm or friendly and informal atmosphere while delivering a message, is confronting to fact and therefore worthy of belief. Just because you may not offer video content on your site does not mean that your visitors will sense a lukewarm reception.
What are some disadvantages of Video?
* Extrinsic (requires external aid)
Unfortunately, competent content is incidental to quality production. In other words, you could have the ability to mesmerize an audience by your cunning words, but if you do not know how to operate even the most basic of software then your message could be rendered impotent. Creating video content that is unique, and qualified to represent your brand, can take extra time to produce. Hence, your efforts will be met with opposition if your intent isn't married with skill.
* Circumscribed (subject to limits)
Streaming video is subjective to the limits of current technology, bandwidth, and browser compatibility. Therefore you cannot expect your video content to reach as wide an audience as text. For instance, the majority of your subscribers will choose not to receive your delivery into their inbox in HTML format. Hence your content must be able to deliver your message using a reliable format, otherwise your rolling the dice.
Stats and Resources:
* YouTube serves 1 billion videos per day. The average person watched 182 online videos per month.
digitalbuzzblog.com
* Cool infographic http://www.clicker.com/blog/the-world-is-watching-the-state-of-online-videos-7517.html
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