Many of us, especially people playing lots of RPG's, have likely used a strategy guide to find all the missables, find some secrets, and as of recent times, get trophies/achievements easily. I certainly have used those when I was a teenager. I especially liked paper guides, as you simply can't beat colorful, game themed "books".

Trying to do so recently however, makes games feel like chores and work, not to mention that in my opinion it leaves you much less liberties in taking your "own path" in games that allow choices. Guides don't let me get absorbed into the game, as I have to look at some text and side crap, again and again, so I have stopped using them - it's not like games are difficult these days, so one can do just fine without them as far as I am concerned. 

Nevertheless, there is a big demand for guides as evidenced by the supply kind souls provide on the internet and through youtube. What is your stance on guides?

I think that while guides can be nice to collect if you are really a fan, their usefulness is somewhat limited these days. You can get all the help you want through websites walk throughs and Youtube videos for free, not mentioning communities where you can discuss problems you have in games for help. Buying a guide is an option indeed but a redundant one in this day and age.

As for the poll I want to answer that I'm not interested as I neither love, nor hate them nor use them sometimes but you did not add that option.