FW5: Screen-Cast's Update!

For a while now I've been recording free instructional screen-cast's on how to do various tasks, often outside of the program, for Softpress' Freeway web software. All of them seemed to be well received with download counts and views in the thousands and I want to thank everyone for taking the time to watch them. Although I will admit a few comments here and there were unnecessary and unfounded, I kept going and what I didn't know was that what started out to be a fun hobby could turn into a business. With that said I want to make one announcement and then present my readers with a question.

The big announcement is that any new screen-cast's will now be split into free versions and paid versions. The free versions, which there will be plenty, will cover simple topics and plenty of in-program tasks. The paid versions, with a brief preview available, will often be series types and will involve a bit more advanced knowledge and understanding in HTML and CSS. I've received quite a few e-mails from people who disagree about splitting things up, but I can't afford my time being given away.

I don't do these screen-cast's to feel like a "god" or for personal self-worth issues or for any kind of respect and recognition, I do these because I enjoy simply helping people and it also helps push my name a little bit further out there as I continue looking for full-time work.

I consider my time to be just as valuable as yours and, since in reality I'm helping you out, it's only fair. As far as pricing goes that will be announced soon, but don't expect anything more than a few dollars.

Now for the question part of this post, I'd like some feedback on this topic. A while back I was approached by someone who suggested the idea of doing hands-on training services to be offered over iChat through screen-sharing. The idea would be to charge a fee and then later remotely connect with them and show them how to do basic things in Freeway. Basically an interactive screen-cast / web-inar. The idea intrigued my entrepreneurial side of trying to create a successful business but I'm not sure how the Freeway user base would feel. Well, what do you think?

Thanks for reading!