Today, I am sad. It is setting in how vehemently opposed to reading people are becoming. Perhaps Steve Jobs wasn't way off base when he stated that people don't read anymore, which was his reasoning for not adding a Kindle-like option to the iPhone/iPod Touch.

Thanks to the App Store, I found one I could purchase, so I can read from my iPhone when necessary. I love it... and can't imagine not having it.

I still love books. My idea of a relaxing evening involves curling up with a book on my lap and the television off.

More importantly, I prefer to read when it comes to learning things. Reading instructions is a priceless tutorial, and having the printed book also provides a valuable reference in which it is easy to look up something I've forgotten... or require a little more information about.

I don't have to scrub through a video, and divert all of my attention to the screen. Unfortunately, video tutorials are becoming the vehicle of choice among internet viewers. Not only do I not have the bound reference, I get to focus all of my attention on a poorly digitized video and look at someone with a face for radio walking me through the steps, but I have to stop the video, back it up, try to figure out how he did it again.

After watching the video once, you would think I could reproduce the results a second time without the sound... nope, I need to listen to the thing I'm not seeing on the screen.

Clearly, I prefer books, but I think an audio file is an ok way to learn as well. Audiobooks have filled many a road trip with educational value. My ideal world, is being able to half-focus on audio, and have the printed manual for reference.

Some items are more valuable with the sound bytes. Sure, the Harry Potter books were entertaining with Jim Dale's narration... but the added-value really kicked in while learning How to Argue and Win Every Time from Gerry Spence.

Still, this rise in the popularity of video tutorials makes me sad. It just isn't a good way to learn and retain... and it deeply saddens me to hear colleagues reject book references in favor of watching someone else do something on video.

Seriously, is this what the future holds? The end of the printed manual?

What i'm listening to:

You Make Loving Fun
Fleetwood Mac
Rumours