I tried learning to make sourdough bread by reading the Tartine Bread book.
The problem is, baking bread is such a sensual activity.
You need to understand what it feels like when the texture of the dough is right.
You need to learn how to fold and stretch the dough and shape it in ways that are very difficult to describe.
None of this translates well into English, no matter how good of a writer you are. And photos are of limited utility.
Learning in person from a knowledgeable teacher is ideal. Just as with a board game.
But, since we are talking about media here, what helped me the most with bread baking was Instagram.
I watched videos of bakers doing each stage of the process and talking me through it.
I saw the texture of the dough they were using, and how they worked it.
I learned by example.
And I wonder if board games are similar to bread.
Would I rather read a 70-page rule book, or watch someone play the game for a while or teach it to me in a video?
I'd prefer the video content, and then I'd want rulebook as a reference guide rather than a tutorial.
I suspect it’s a per person thing. I’ve taught myself how to bake sourdough with a book. I’ve taught myself how to knit by reading as well which is also very tactile.
When reading a good rule book/instruction manual I get little moments where the respective explanations click.
But I assume everyone has a preferred method that works for them and has a similar experience when learning.
The problem is, baking bread is such a sensual activity.
You need to understand what it feels like when the texture of the dough is right. You need to learn how to fold and stretch the dough and shape it in ways that are very difficult to describe. None of this translates well into English, no matter how good of a writer you are. And photos are of limited utility.
Learning in person from a knowledgeable teacher is ideal. Just as with a board game.
But, since we are talking about media here, what helped me the most with bread baking was Instagram. I watched videos of bakers doing each stage of the process and talking me through it. I saw the texture of the dough they were using, and how they worked it.
I learned by example.
And I wonder if board games are similar to bread.
Would I rather read a 70-page rule book, or watch someone play the game for a while or teach it to me in a video?
I'd prefer the video content, and then I'd want rulebook as a reference guide rather than a tutorial.