Michy
Boss(y) Lady / Site Owner / Admin
Posts: 7403
Registered: 1/15/2008
Location: Texas
Member Is Offline
Mood: Peaceful
|
|
Writing Classes
We are going to start offering a series of Freelance & Fiction writing classes. Some of the topics covered in these classes will be:
How to Write a Freelance Query Letter
How to Write a Fiction Query Letter
There will be more, but these are two classes where I already have a curriculum of sorts.
What I need from you guys is the following information:
1. What other topics would you like to see covered in a class?
2. How long does a class need to be for you to feel you received value from it?
3. How short of a class is too short to feel you received value from it?
4. How much do you consider a reasonable fee to charge for a class like this, considering you will 'attend' online via an internet interface, will
receive direct critique of your work 'assignments', etc.
5. If I were to offer an affiliate commission for spreading the word and getting people to attend the class, how much is a good percentage of the
class tuition fee to get you to consider recommending the class to others?
Anything else you want to tell me? We're set to 'go' on the first class VERY soon.
What's your feedback? Help me make these classes the best they can be... we will have guest 'teachers' from time to time too... it will all take place
on the new social site that is being built (more info to come on that shortly.
Your feedback is valuable and helps us best provide you with the things you need to make your writing career successful!
Love and stuff,
Michy
~~Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations~~
Do just once what others say you can't do, and you will never pay attention to their limitations again." James R. Cook
-----------------------------------------
|
|
|
moonshadow68
Founding Member/Moderator
Posts: 5108
Registered: 1/17/2008
Location: Southern Illinois
Member Is Offline
Mood: Busy, busy bee
|
|
How to maintain a pipeline (find alternate markets, etc.)
I think a week or two is ually long enough or one day a week for a month. Cheaper will build more interest for those struggling to make ends
meet...if you can keep it under or at $100, you can expect people to buy it for others as a gift too.
Ummm, commissions? Like 5 percent, maybe?
Off to the park to play with the write sisters (great name isn't it!)...
|
|
|
twnkltoz
Founding Member/Moderator
Posts: 2032
Registered: 1/17/2008
Member Is Offline
Mood: Optimistic
|
|
I think you could do a variety of class formats--a two-hour workshop for like $15 or $25 maybe, an hour per week for a month for $50, etc. That would
give some options for people who can't afford much, as well as for those who want to do something more in-depth and can spend a little more. Some
subjects won't take as long as others, either.
|
|
|
itzrissa2u
Literary Master
Posts: 3543
Registered: 2/19/2008
Member Is Offline
Mood: Procrastinatable...wha? it's a word because I say it is
|
|
So, um, does this mean you will be taking down the info from your blog? If so i need to go and save the info I use all the time. 
Teaching classes sounds time consuming though. yikes.
|
|
|
Michy
Boss(y) Lady / Site Owner / Admin
Posts: 7403
Registered: 1/15/2008
Location: Texas
Member Is Offline
Mood: Peaceful
|
|
No, I'm not taking down my blog.
This will be a more in depth training where I coach writers (or the other teachers do) and they get direct feedback on their sample assignments. The
goal would be, I hope, that folks will get a useable query template and use that template to tweak it for each publisher so they have something solid
that they know is good.
then I started thinking about other things writers might like - and I chatted with one of the ex judges of our contests and she said she'd teach some
classes - and it's sorta been in the works.
It would be time consuming, but I'm not the only one who will be teaching.
As it is right now, I get people emailing me, IMing me, PMing me constantly (even had a few call me on the phone at home before!) to ask questions.
I'm doing that FOR FREE. I don't MIND doing it when I can, but sometimes it starts becomign an expectation from folks - I've had people get pissy at
me directly for not responding quickly enough to an email they sent me on such and such site or to my inbox when I hadn't even read it yet!
This way - I can consolidate the teaching into one class and get it out to more than one person at a time, help writers, and make a little money at it
too.
Jennifer, I think that's what I was thinking too - like maybe a few short classes for 15-50 bucks, depending on length and content, then some longer
classes for more money that are much more in depth and include critiques and such from professional editors who work acquisitions.
While it's time consuming - it'll be making money and that money can be turned around and put into the anthologies and the writer's payments on Unsent
Letters to keep them alive.
At this point, I've put out over $10,000 investing in these ventures... I didn't realize that until I started adding up expenses the other day.
Between hosting, bandwidth, email relays, writer's payments, ISBN blocks, PMA dues, advertising, printing costs, attorney's fees, contest winnings,
and on and on and on. In less than 6 months of this year I have already spent more money on this than some people make in income for the same time
period and I have GOT to start getting some of that back now. Donations are awesome and always welcome and appreciated - but they are few and far
between. Adsense on the forum and the writing sites only makes about 100 bucks per month, and trust me, I put a lot more time and money into these
things than 100 bucks per month. Most people nowadays have adblock anyway, so they don't even SEE the ads, much less click on them.
I'm working on other forms of advertising and they will be coming down the pike soon, very unobtrusively and hopefully only things writers will really
want to check into - I refuse to go cheesy like AC has done with its ads, but a girl has to make a living. I want to showcase writing contests,
writing sites, publishing sites, etc, where it's a mutually beneficial thing for both me and the other sites/businesses, but still brings value to you
guys too.
I love all the projects going on and I know they will eventually provide a good return on the investment we are making right now, but right now, I
have several thousand dollars worth of books I have to order, and someone has to pay for those, and I have hosting that needs renewed, and someone has
to pay for those, I have medical bills up the whazoo and someone has to pay for those - hell, we're still sorting out bills that haven't been paid
from last year when I spent a week in the hospital!
So I was just looking at various ways I could still fulfill my purpose of helping writers succeed, making dreams come true, but not going broke while
doing it! (And not going crazy or losing my health in the process - and my health, as many of you know, remains problematic and is worsening - so I
MUST address that!)
Anyway - the classes seemed like an easy thing to integrate and it would be mutually beneficial to everyone... but that's why i wanted to get feedback
from you guys - I want to make sure we'd be providing classes that would benefit you at a price that most people could afford and truly feel they
received value from it. While I want to bring in some money to support these ventures and ease up on my pocketbook, I don't want to do it with schemes
that have no value for writers - that defeats my purpose!
I'm sorta excited about where all this is going. I think we're going to have the best, biggest, and most valuable internet connection for writers from
all walks of life at various stages in their careers and it will be a truly uplifting and motivating thing. WE need something like this in these tough
times where more people are following freelancing as a career choice than ever before. We must maintain the integrity of the 'freelance writer' title
and help people succeed as well.
Damn, I just went on and on... sorry - I get excited sometimes!
Love and stuff,
Michy
~~Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations~~
Do just once what others say you can't do, and you will never pay attention to their limitations again." James R. Cook
-----------------------------------------
|
|
|
kristicramer
Extraordinary Writer
Posts: 196
Registered: 3/27/2009
Member Is Offline
Mood: skippy
|
|
Developing chapter outlines
Character development techniques
Dialogue
All I can think of right now. I'll try to come up with more.
Great idea! I'm sure you could count me in.
|
|
|
Nancy G.
Literary Master
Posts: 3953
Registered: 10/30/2008
Location: Arkansas
Member Is Online
Mood: Happy!
|
|
Michy, I think shorter classes on less subjects at a time, costing less, would be received better. For example, I don't do freelance, so would not be
interested in lesson's on those queries. I do write fiction, and would like a class on queries, not only for publishers, but for agents. Also in that
class could be a 'pitch letter' and how that differs from a query. A 'pitch' is required by the ABNWA, along with a summary, and a bio.
Maybe a separate class for non-fiction proposals for those writers.
My questions would also be about availability and problems with doing this via dial-up. Sometimes it is so slow you can't believe!
|
|
|
Michy
Boss(y) Lady / Site Owner / Admin
Posts: 7403
Registered: 1/15/2008
Location: Texas
Member Is Offline
Mood: Peaceful
|
|
Nancy - that's a good point - I was thinking of doing something along the lines of a 'forum' type setting where there's a transcript and others can
come in at any time. It would be similar to how University of Phoenix does their online classes, but instead of having to do them in a newsreader
(like OE), we would have it fully online in a password protect, invite only forum type setting.
I tend to agree, shorter, cheaper classes is likely the way to go.
Love and stuff,
Michy
~~Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations~~
Do just once what others say you can't do, and you will never pay attention to their limitations again." James R. Cook
-----------------------------------------
|
|
|
Amy Browne
Literary Master
Posts: 5259
Registered: 8/3/2008
Member Is Offline
Mood: among friends
|
|
I echo Kristie's suggestions. I think the chap outlines is something i have down but I am struggling with stuff like adding descriptions to
dialogue.
I would be willing to do an affiliate thing
sorry I slept 4 hours and got right back up writing and now I am beat.. I'll be back after a nap.
|
|
|
kristicramer
Extraordinary Writer
Posts: 196
Registered: 3/27/2009
Member Is Offline
Mood: skippy
|
|
I agree - shorter and cheaper. Some of the on-line courses that I've looked into run up to 9 weeks. Too long and too much commitment for me (and I'd
assume most of us) that are already trying to do so much other stuff.
|
|
|
Mystress Gaia
Master Writer
Posts: 1663
Registered: 6/23/2008
Member Is Offline
Mood: Dreamy
|
|
Michy,
That sounds awesome and I would be interested in taking that class.
As for the questions...:
1. What other topics would you like to see covered in a class?
I like the first too but I'd like a creative writing class so I'm just putting that out there.
2. How long does a class need to be for you to feel you received value from it?
Class for me should be between 45 minutes and an hour. I feel that is long enough but also lets me deal with life throughout the day. A little longer
wouldn't hurt either. I took a barnes and noble class last year that was approx. 2 hours once a week and it was pretty cool.
I would have liked it 2 or three times a week though.
3. How short of a class is too short to feel you received value from it?
Less than half an hour once a week is way to short.
4. How much do you consider a reasonable fee to charge for a class like this, considering you will 'attend' online via an internet interface, will
receive direct critique of your work 'assignments', etc.
I'm pretty cheap so I would say $50 for the topic being covered. So like $50 per 4 week course or something similar.
5. If I were to offer an affiliate commission for spreading the word and getting people to attend the class, how much is a good percentage of the
class tuition fee to get you to consider recommending the class to others?
I'm not good with percentages but a flat fee of $5 to $10 per referral would be really cool.
Hope that helps.
Please let me know what you have decided because I am extremely interested in both the topics you mentioned.
|
|
|
Melanie
Founding Member
Posts: 4762
Registered: 1/17/2008
Member Is Offline
Mood: At the cusp of my new writing life.
|
|
This is going to be long.
-----------------------------------
The length of the class (and the price) depends on the format. If you are giving an 'in-person' lecture/discussion for the class - via chat or
something similar, 45 mins or an hour is probably all anyone can handle at a time. For the types of topics mentioned here, I can't really (brutally
honest here) see anyone paying more than $10.00. After all, that kind of stuff can be found tons of places free on the web. Also, how much individual
attention can each student receive in an hour-long chat session?
A subscription-based forum which includes classes is an option, but you already have a forum here on which writers discuss and share knowledge about
freelancing, fiction writing, etc. Also, you run into the problem of making different sections available to people who are taking the classes at
different times.
Another option is to use autoresponders. For example, a class on fiction characters might encompass 15 pre-written lessons that get sent out every
other day or whatever. You could field a certain number of emails from each subscriber during the week period. That would give the one-on-one
feedback.
Of course, you can use password protected sections of a website as well with written lessons and assignments that can be turned in via contact form or
something like that. I guess that's what you're leaning to with the social site. Your tech guys are figuring that all out I'm sure.
I took a class from my local community college. It was eight weeks, 2 lessons per week, with a forum and assignments where the teacher (a multiply
published romance novelist) answered questions and gave feedback and editing help. That was $89.00. I think I got my money's worth, but I don't think
it was worth more than that. And that class encompassed pretty much everything about how to write a quality romance novel.
Although your incredible reputation will help attract people, Michy, I think it will be hard to attract people who don't know of you with paid classes
in things like "how to make a fiction character" or "how to query magazines." There are over 3 million google results about magazine queries... and
I'm sure the vast majority of that informaton is free. Of course, that's a matter of marketing. I think it would be easier and more profitable to
have classes that encompass larger topics.
And... as an affiliate marketer, I would only bother with an affiliate program that paid less than 10% commission because it's from YOU, Michy. Definitely needs to be at LEAST 5%.
Melanie 
"Go forth boldly in the direction of your dreams." Thoreau
----------------------------
Going Forth Boldly -- The Chronicle of Becoming a Professional Fiction Writer
----------------------------
|
|
|
Michy
Boss(y) Lady / Site Owner / Admin
Posts: 7403
Registered: 1/15/2008
Location: Texas
Member Is Offline
Mood: Peaceful
|
|
Quote: Originally posted by Melanie  | This is going to be long.
-----------------------------------
The length of the class (and the price) depends on the format. If you are giving an 'in-person' lecture/discussion for the class - via chat or
something similar, 45 mins or an hour is probably all anyone can handle at a time. For the types of topics mentioned here, I can't really (brutally
honest here) see anyone paying more than $10.00. After all, that kind of stuff can be found tons of places free on the web. Also, how much individual
attention can each student receive in an hour-long chat session? |
I was thinking more along the lines that they would send in the copies of the assignment and get a full critique/assessment on them, and would be left
with a good, solid template to use for all their submissions, along with the information on how to go about doing that - with live screen shots and
open question and answers. I was leaning toward $15 for the class and run it about an hour with room for individual questions after.
This way, they get something useful out of it. Also, I'd like to offer freebie gifts, offers, ebooks etc from others on the subject of the class, so
they would get some other value besides just the class info.
One class I saw gave away a compilation of e-friendly agents and publishers. I liked that giveaway. It's not that you can't find that information on
your own - but in one place is a great and convenient start!
| Quote: |
A subscription-based forum which includes classes is an option, but you already have a forum here on which writers discuss and share knowledge about
freelancing, fiction writing, etc. Also, you run into the problem of making different sections available to people who are taking the classes at
different times. |
I was thinking more along the lines of a news reader type forum thread - a big, live chat session. I'd have to show you what I'm thinking, but it
wouldn't be like this board here is.
As for handling the logins - each person would pay and then get an invitation login for their email they used to pay with - and a password - only one
person using that email address combined with that password would be able to get in - it would not be assigned manually, but electronically - Ryan
rocks!
| Quote: |
Another option is to use autoresponders. For example, a class on fiction characters might encompass 15 pre-written lessons that get sent out every
other day or whatever. You could field a certain number of emails from each subscriber during the week period. That would give the one-on-one
feedback. |
I've been thinking about autoresponders - it would allow me to run the class any time, without having to have the student be 'available' at any
certain time... I'm keeping this one in my thoughts and hashing it about.
| Quote: |
Of course, you can use password protected sections of a website as well with written lessons and assignments that can be turned in via contact form or
something like that. I guess that's what you're leaning to with the social site. Your tech guys are figuring that all out I'm sure.
|
Yup... I was thinking the classes would be connected to the social site... I'm not sure how all it works on the backend, but that's not my problem!
| Quote: |
I took a class from my local community college. It was eight weeks, 2 lessons per week, with a forum and assignments where the teacher (a multiply
published romance novelist) answered questions and gave feedback and editing help. That was $89.00. I think I got my money's worth, but I don't think
it was worth more than that. And that class encompassed pretty much everything about how to write a quality romance novel. |
Yeah... one of the issues I have with this is that *I* am not a best-selling anything. I've been pubbed by small presses, but nothing major yet. BUT I
was hoping to get some good folks in to teach some of the classes for the fiction stuff - it's still new to me. The freelancing stuff though - been
doing that for about 7 years now and love every minute of it and have replaced a corporate income - I think I can handle most of those classes.
I do think getting someone who is more qualified in places where I'm lacking would be a good idea.
| Quote: |
And... as an affiliate marketer, I would only bother with an affiliate program that paid less than 10% commission because it's from YOU, Michy. Definitely needs to be at LEAST 5%. |
(giggles) awww, shucks! Thanks... I get that, though. I liked the idea of a flat rate, but each class would cost differently, so I think it has to be
a percentage. Myself, I try to get 15% or above on affiliate stuff, and prefer even higher. I get that. So I'm thinking I need to consider in the
10-15% range at most.
I wonder though - what about - refer friends and get free classes?
Anyway - these are excellent ideas and commentary - thank you for the honesty! That's what I'm needing so I can see how this looks best for you guys
out there who would consider the classes.
I was thinking we could also add some 'free' classes as prizes in the contests and such too.....
Love and stuff,
Michy
~~Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations~~
Do just once what others say you can't do, and you will never pay attention to their limitations again." James R. Cook
-----------------------------------------
|
|
|
Heather
Accentuate Writer!
Posts: 877
Registered: 6/15/2008
Member Is Offline
Mood: Pleased
|
|
Michy, I think I may be the only one here who thinks you're selling yourself short. $15 for instruction and critique is bargain basement cheap. Ok,
maybe not if it's just a one-shot deal on how to write a query letter. But anything more in-depth and longer running surely deserves at least $20-25
per session. Am I crazy for thinking that?
I would love a course that runs 4 to 6 weeks in short stories and flash fiction. I like the way Renegade Writer runs their classes. The facilitator
draws up great long "lectures" (written pieces with advice, how to's, etc.) that students can log into at their leisure. Each week a new lesson is
added.
|
|
|
Melanie
Founding Member
Posts: 4762
Registered: 1/17/2008
Member Is Offline
Mood: At the cusp of my new writing life.
|
|
Your last paragraph there is exactly how the community college class worked.
I think the best idea would be to have multiple types of classes. Big, long ones for $99.99  and then shorter, more focused ones for less.
And Michy... you may not be a best-selling anything, but you're a professional editor, fer chrisssakes! I'd rather learn how to write from an editor
than another writer. A combination is the best though. 
Melanie
"Go forth boldly in the direction of your dreams." Thoreau
----------------------------
Going Forth Boldly -- The Chronicle of Becoming a Professional Fiction Writer
----------------------------
|
|
|
russelllindsey
Founding Member
Posts: 246
Registered: 1/17/2008
Location: Bay City, MI
Member Is Offline
Mood: Happily Ever After...
|
|
Michy, this is an absolutely wonderful idea. I'm looking forward to more information on the classes. I like a lot of the suggestions at this point.
I've been looking for something similar to this for a very long time.
|
|
|
Anita M Shaw
Member Writer
Posts: 51
Registered: 1/17/2008
Location: Set up in my sister's living room - Torringto
Member Is Offline
Mood: Missing my girl and boys . . .
|
|
I love taking classes online. It's how I learned HTML and how to set up my first web site. All of my writing classes were home study classes - two
through the mail and two online, one with a chatroom class every so often. I did have trouble with the chatroom end of it since it triggered my stupid
social anxiety. But, I think I'm a bit better now for things like that.
LSVonline is where I took classes for HTML, website building, and Paint Shop Pro 6. The lessons were posted on a website and we posted our homework on
our own sites. There was a forum where we'd let the instructors know we'd done our work, and someone would go look at it and tell us where we needed
to improve.
It was $10 - $20 at the time, they now charge $30 and more for the classes, and have added a ton of new subjects since I was there, including writing.
They charge the inexpensive prices now for self study courses. No support. For those of us who were students before, we get to still pay the cheap
price we paid at the start. I re-enrolled because I was looking for inexpensive but decent writing classes. But I'll hold off for a while. I'd rather
take them here if possible!! Looking to expand my graphic arts skill, though. So probably will sign up to learn the much newer PSP Photo X2.
Anyway, maybe you could do something similar here. Have unsupported courses for those who don't mind self study, but want a class really affordable,
along with the regular type. Different lengths is a good idea. Sometimes two weeks just doesn't do it for me. Yet, as some have said, 9 weeks might be
too long. Although if the class was about something I really wanted to learn, I would go for it if I had the money. Most courses I've taken were from
2 to 6 weeks long with a couple of workshop types that were for a day. A day being a couple of hours for the actual class, and then we did the work,
and emailed the instructor(s) for feedback. Can't recall, but I think at least one of the workshops was free. But it persuaded some of us to sign up
for a paid course sometime later.
I also agree with whoever said your teaching credentials are fine as they are! Although I know how you feel. I was told I ought to teach writing for
kids, but I turned it down, feeling that no way was I qualified for that. Pretty rough to get people to believe in a course from a self published
author with limited sales. So, I'm even further from being a best selling author!!
I'm looking forward to this!
|
|
|
AudreyStarJ
Superlative Writer
Posts: 490
Registered: 7/17/2008
Location: Lexington, KY (i.e., humidity central?!)
Member Is Offline
Mood: Trying Not To Be So Bleh
|
|
have been sort of AWOL for, like, ever, but just read this thread, & was wondering if anything ever came of the idea, or any more was said on the
matter (maybe elsewhere?)?
|
|
|
LittleCricket
Accentuate Writer!
Posts: 740
Registered: 11/20/2008
Location: Limbo
Member Is Offline
Mood: is hot therefore is in hell
|
|
EDIT: I just realized that this was posted quite a bit ago.  Been
awol as well, and like I said, some days I'm just slow....Still think its a good idea, tho :P
This is a FANtastic idea! 
While I agree that our overlord and master Michy is worth easily the $20-25 for her knowledge (if not more), I can't help but think that with most of
us on here not living exactly high life that even though we might desperately love love love *me* to 'attend' such a class - our expenses can't allow
it. Now if it were just me, I'd just be like 'aw man' but I know a lot of us on here (and everywhere really) are in the same leaky boat.
To really get what I think Michy is wanting, it might be a lot better to teach 10 or so people at one time at $10-15 bucks a pop than a short few at
$20-25 - not to say that some classes wouldn't be like that, say, the more in depth or longer sessions might be.
Does that make sense? Do i ever make sense? >_> Now to the Questions!
| Quote: | | 1. What other topics would you like to see covered in a class? |
If they were short bursts of classes the wide range might cover query letters, blog writing, article forming etc. etc. to fiction/non-fiction themes
ex: editing (even tho michy's blog is AWESOME for that), character forming, climax building, storyline pace etc. etc. etc.
And since Michy wouldn't be the only teacher, I can only imagine what some might be more comfortable with sharing knowledge and teaching others while
another person might not be as knowledgeable.
Depending on the topic it can be very informing to the newbies, the self taught, the classically taught, and the very-informed-already!
| Quote: | | 2. How long does a class need to be for you to feel you received value from it? |
Basic answer, 45 min to 1 hr
| Quote: | | 3. How short of a class is too short to feel you received value from it? |
Less than a Half Hour
| Quote: | | 4. How much do you consider a reasonable fee to charge for a class like this, considering you will 'attend' online via an internet interface, will
receive direct critique of your work 'assignments', etc. |
Since it is a internet based class, I should think that for a 45-60 min class (depending on the participation of teacher and students expected)
$10-$15 doesn't sound bad at all. Affordable, but weeding those idiots who like to bash chat things and waste time =_=
Just a thought - the speech/lesson plan-like things talked about being written and posted for teaching 'round the clock, there is an author that has
been doing just that: Chuck Palahniuk has been posting little teaching workshop speeches on his website that you have to actually be a paid member to
acquire. I don't remember how much it was exactly, but it was a yearly fee that sounded pretty good (I'm just broke). Something like that might be
extremely helpful, which can either be included with the particular class (like an announcement beforehand and it being sent to you after you
'enroll') or just available on your site for like $5 or something...wow I'm spit balling ideas now 
| Quote: | | 5. If I were to offer an affiliate commission for spreading the word and getting people to attend the class, how much is a good percentage of the
class tuition fee to get you to consider recommending the class to others? |
This took me a few minutes of reading and re-reading to fully get Some days I'm
just slow. I'm not good with percentages and such, but like those Rent-A-Center places or those satellite companies who offer a refer a friend deals
like maybe a free class of your choosing (from a category) or some 'coupon' thing for a class later...seems simple but effective.
I'm very excited with the prospect of such an idea.  Also if I understand
what Michy is talking about as far as a more 'chat' based learning format, it might also bring together the students involved, like High School
without the drama. 'Hey, you have a problem with [topic]? I can help you, give me your email and we can chat.'
[Edited on 8/1/2010 by LittleCricket]
[Edited on 8/1/2010 by LittleCricket]
|
|
|
Michy
Boss(y) Lady / Site Owner / Admin
Posts: 7403
Registered: 1/15/2008
Location: Texas
Member Is Offline
Mood: Peaceful
|
|
Don't worry about it being a long time ago - once things settle down after the first of the year, a couple of the people who have acted as judges on
our contests are going to be offering classes through a site Ryan is building for us.
I'll be taking all these comments into consideration when doing the class outlines and how they are handled and such, so thank you!
Love and stuff,
Michy
~~Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations~~
Do just once what others say you can't do, and you will never pay attention to their limitations again." James R. Cook
-----------------------------------------
|
|
|
Nancy G.
Literary Master
Posts: 3953
Registered: 10/30/2008
Location: Arkansas
Member Is Online
Mood: Happy!
|
|
Please be sure any classes can be fully utilized by people with dial-up. I know I'm not the only person on AW that can't get anything else. I can't
access any videos, YouTube, voice, etc. It takes approx. 30 secs. to down load 2 secs.
|
|
|
Michy
Boss(y) Lady / Site Owner / Admin
Posts: 7403
Registered: 1/15/2008
Location: Texas
Member Is Offline
Mood: Peaceful
|
|
Yeah - some of the classes will be interactive dynamic classes, with webchat technology, streaming live - so you dialup sorts of folks will be out of
those. But I plan to offer summary classes after that utilizes the transcribed texts of the live classes - those summary classes will be self study
stuff, like reading ebooks and things and will be a lot cheaper.
What we really want is a newsgroup type of thing - like the old Outlook Express or Newsgroup readers. That was ideal, but we can't find any of the
software that supports those newsreaders anymore that is still supported itself. Thunderbird offers some newsreader features I really like - and it's
free - so we might consider that.
This is about a year 1/2 away still though - we are still writing curriculum and such. I don't want to go into this the same as with the publishing
where we're learning and setting things up as we go. I want this prepared and very professional, with real professional people in the industry helping
to teach the classes and such. And I want it to really be of value to those who are participating - really interactive with real assignments where -
for example, let's say the class is on how to query and submit to a magazine publisher - the class would work on all the hows and such, with the final
result being a successful query to a real-life publisher and hopefully a successful submission to them as well.
I don't want bookwork. I think in writing and freelancing we learn better by doing, so I want these to be really very interactive classes with people
in the trenches who have really been there teaching others how to do it from both an academic and tried and true perspective, 'cause doing is so much
different than reading about it. I've read all the books, but nothing in the world can make you push 'send' on that query when you're heart's racing
and you're worried you've screwed something up.
Love and stuff,
Michy
~~Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations~~
Do just once what others say you can't do, and you will never pay attention to their limitations again." James R. Cook
-----------------------------------------
|
|
|
Skwerly
Literary Master
Posts: 3475
Registered: 5/17/2008
Location: Yucaipa, California
Member Is Offline
Mood: Determined.
|
|
x2 on character development. Interesting discussion, here!
I seemed to be looking down from an immense height upon a twilit grotto, knee-deep with filth, where a white-bearded daemon swineherd drove about
with his staff a flock of fungous, flabby beasts whose appearance filled me with unutterable loathing.
My AC page:
Derek's Junk
My Horror Writing Forum: http://writersofhorror.myfreeforum.org/index.php
I **love** creepy trees!
|
|
|
lydya
Accentuate Writer!
Posts: 728
Registered: 7/31/2009
Location: Indonesia
Member Is Offline
|
|
After the class ends, summarize it and sell it as e-book. I would definitely buy the e-book. Not sure if I can attend the class due to time zone
problem, but I hope I can.
|
|
|
RaiscaraAvalon
Accentuate Writer!
Posts: 542
Registered: 12/5/2008
Location: Lost In The Realms
Member Is Offline
Mood: Need To Learn How To Sleep...
|
|
Anything on writing would be great...like a how to get rid of query letter fear would be wonderful. *giggle* I will say this though, as far as
length...it depends on who's teaching it and the subject matter. I've had 15 minute $5 courses that had far more value then a 3 hour seminar that
cost me $400.
I'll also say this: no matter how prepared you are, there will be millions of tweaks. In my experience you often spend the first two years of a course adjusting things based on feedback from those who take the classes.
Well, if you care, which I know very well you do. Then again, its been 5 years
since I've done online teaching, so maybe things are easier now.
|
|
|
![[*]](images/engage/default_icon.gif){kind=icon}
Don't make me go all Ninja on yo ass! 
