both for me, i love to learn something new esp when it comes to knitting

nodsnodsnods. I like the latter, but I'm also a geek.

both

I like to learn new stuff too, and sometimes wonder if my patterns provide too much extra 'stuff'.

I like to know why I'm doing what I'm doing that makes what I'm doing make sense (though this plurk probably doesn't!)

Perfect sense, theknittingpatch patch. And I agree. Things make much more sense to me when I understand the why.

I like patterns that explain things along the way. It saves me from hunting around to look things up...

...and if I don't need a particular explanation, I can just skip it!

I want to learn but I want EVERYTHING I need 2 know provided in the pattern. Having to stop to do an Internet search bugs me.

I like an explanation if something is done differently from the usual (like why, what's the benefit)

when there are suggestions for modifications - a little longer, a little shorter, a little wider.)

the option of reading explanations... bit more 'teach a man to fish' type of thing

I adore learning something new but I also like to have the gist of the pattern all on one or two pages so I can conserve paper when I print

mmmm... it depends on if it is truly a new technique. If it is something I already know, I wouldn't knit it, I bet.

both. I can't always skip the extra stuff but I like if it's there. I think the challenge is the layout. Sidebars are good.

I like to print or refer to only the basic instructions and read the wordier stuff in an intro. It helps if they are grouped separately.

educate me, educate me!