Generally, I'd have thought, it's fairly clear from the context that a link is to a video. I suppose sometimes it's left open whether it's just audio or video.

I don't think it'd be right to avoid providing video links, because they do provide something extra. I think Broadband connections are now pretty widespread among Mudcatters. Most connections in the UK now are Broadband.

Most browsers (maybe all) will show the address form the link before you open it, when you move the cursor over the link, so it's pretty easy to avoid opening youtube links. And easy to shut a link down, if it looks like it's going too take too long.

I've had some trouble with slow-loading links recently, even on Broadband. If it's a clip I seriously want to see, I made a practice of opening it up in another tab or another window, and letting it load away in the background, while I read other posts etc.