Text with pictures.
Like most, a quality video is enjoyable, and throwing it up on the big tv makes it even more so. But......
For forum consumption, my vote is text with pictures, with an optional link to the video version if provided. My reasoning is that while most folks can snap a picture, capturing quality video footage is a complete skillset that then requires extensive editing, which is another skillset. Add quality audio, another skillset needed.
If the forum ostracized text with pictures, in favor of video becoming the standard, how many are then going to shift from being a paddler/tripper, to concerning themselves with the production of video?
Was the day paddle, or even the simple overnighter, done for a video, or for the pleasure that pre-dated the perceived need for video?
Having had several paddling companions completely alter the feel, pace, and mood of a trip, all in the attempt to capture it on video, I no longer enjoy that as part of my paddling.
For those that can video, all while maintaining the feel of a non-videoed trip, my hat is off to you.
Most times, I forget to even grab a picture, and being in that moment, is more important to me, and is why I go paddling.
Bill