I don’t want to come off like a grump, but I am grumpy about Loom.

They proudly declare “faster than typing” in their marketing, and they are correct if you are the sender. But if you are the recipient of a Loom recording, you have to watch all of it, digest it, and then decide if you will record a video reply or type out your response.

If you don’t know what Loom is, it is essentially a quick way to record videos of yourself sharing an idea or screen and send it to whoever you are trying to communicate with. For the record, I don’t think it is a bad idea on the whole. There are plenty of times when a video can express your tone far better than an email can or show something that screenshots would not quite capture, like user experience. But it is worth considering, is this the best way to communicate this content.

My problem is when Loom is a phone call or email replacement. In other words, the conversation needs real-time feedback in the case of a call, or you could’ve written out an email more concisely but didn’t. In both cases, the sender is burdening the recipient with more work to save time.

It turns out I don’t have a problem with Loom; instead, it is a lack of basic manners. I implore you to be considerate. Think twice when you are communicating with clients and colleagues – how will this communication method impact their day. Sometimes a Loom will be best, or a Zoom call, or an email – but think it through. Develop an ethic around communication that achieves your goals while considering others. In the end, that is the foundation of good manners: the consideration of others, and it is critical in business.

So Loom or don’t, but consider that impact on your team – not just resorting to what is easiest for you.

P.S. – If you have sent us a Loom and you are reading this, don’t despair; we aren’t talking about you.