Hand Saw Foundations is Now “Pay What You Can”
I have just changed the format of my Hand Saw Foundations course from a fixed price to Pay What You Can. In essence, it is now completely free to enroll in the course, with the added option on the course page to offer a donation of any amount, if you are able and so inclined.
There is no obligation to donate in order to take the course. I realize that not everyone is in a position to do so. However, the course reflects about six months of work for me in planning, organizing, building, filming, editing, producing, uploading, hosting – you get the point. My hope is that by changing the course from a fixed price to donation based, more people can benefit from the months of work that I put into it and the hours of information that resulted from all of that work.
Perhaps a bit selfishly, using donations to track the usefulness, desirability, and perceived value of courses like this will also provide me with some feedback on my efforts. I had originally planned for Foundations of Traditional Woodworking to be a six course series. The return on my efforts for Hand Saw Foundations, though, was just short of abysmal in a fixed price format (the sales of the course did not break double digits – not even enough to cover the cost of the video hosting subscription). It was a bit disappointing after all of the work I had put into the project.
I do blame myself, of course. The performance of this first course is almost certainly due to my pitiful salesmanship and reluctance to “advertise”, and not the quality of the content itself. The reality is that I’m just not very good at promoting myself – it turns my stomach to do so. However, before I put in the years of effort that it will take to complete the six course series, I want to make sure that the time I will need to put in will be worth it. I’m hoping that making the courses donation based will add the additional value and allow me to reach more people. While deep down I know that my efforts are not wasted if I can help just one new woodworker, it’s hard to justify spending months to years on a project for it to only be seen by a handful of people.
So if you have been on the fence about enrolling in the Hand Saw Foundations course because of the cost, that barrier has now been removed. You can now sign up and take the course free of charge on the Hand Saw Foundations course page. If you are able and inclined to make a donation, I thank you in advance. If not, that’s OK too. I hope you find the course helpful to you all the same.
Tag:Classes
7 Comments
Class was spectacular – taught me to saw – for which i am forever grateful.
Bob: I’d be very happy to pass a couple hundred $$ your way if that could help get the Hand Plane Foundations course out the door (Paypal or whatever you like). Cheers Bob
Thank you for the amazingly generous offer, but no need. If the hand plane course happens, it will be set up differently.
You’re more than welcome Bob. Offer still stands if you change your mind. Thanks
I’d also add that the bench I made from this course is gorgeous – as good as in Bob’s photo – though no doubt not as good when 6 inches away! THis design is very elegant and you will come to appreciate the quality of this design as you go through this course.
I made mine with one 8ft long 1″x 10″ squared 4 sides piece of pine from a “big box store” – fits in the back of a small car – and a Ryoba saw (fastest and easiest way to get a quality saw). Skip the curves if you want: need a coping saw and sandpaper for cleanup after coping saw.
Finish is boiled linseed oil – just need a place to put stool for drying if doing this in a cold/damp climate or wait for next warm spell – it does tend to give off odour for a week or so, which your spouse may complain about (mine did! But now she appreciates it).
Quality of the course and all of Bob’s stuff is top notch – quality craftsmanship + quality teaching. And if you doubt online learning – don’t. It is no different than in person. Its all about whether or not the instructor has put thought and care into their planning of their instruction and Bob has done this in spades.
If you don’t need this course – point other beginners at this – they’ll thank you and we’ll keep support going for Bob’s work. Thanks
Hello Bob,
I only recently discovered and followed your blog, so I was unfamiliar with what you had put out prior to my follow. I recently signed up for an online woodworking course because I was truly interested in learning the fundamentals of woodworking and furthering my interest and skills.
Your decision to offer your online course on a donation basis should open the door to an audience of enthusiasts – Good Luck!
I happen to be one of those enthusiasts, and began viewing the video segments to determine if this course is truly for me. I got to Demystifying Saw tooth Geometry, Lesson 2.4 when all the video content ceased. There seems to be a glitch – I thought you should know.
The ability to generate interest and awareness of your course would be extremely enhanced if and when you decide to promote through advertising.
I personally do not own a workshop, or have a work space (yet) or know anyone who does woodworking, I’m simply a middle-aged lady living in a foreign country looking to enjoy a craft which has always impressed and excited me.
Best of Luck!
Thank you Kate! I hope you enjoy all of your classes!
I looked at the videos and they all seem to work on my end, so it is possible that the glitch was only temporary, or possibly on your end. Please try again and see if you are able to view now. Thanks!
Hello Bob,
I recently discovered your podcast (i think it was via a Worth the Effort video). I’m thoroughly enjoying them and am almost through listening to the entire series (Episode 8 seems to be missing, btw).
Because of your podcast, i discovered your blog and I’m really enjoying your written form of teaching woodworking. You clearly have a skill for it.
I’ve been a YouTube subscriber for a while and seen some of your videos in the past, but to be honest, i haven’t really appreciated them until now. So I’m also working my way through your videos. I hope you will continue to make more.
I’m really looking forward to your handsaw class.
Thanks so much for your work. I really appreciate your teaching and passion for sharing knowledge. I’ll definitely be contributing some money towards the handsaw course, and all future courses.
Thanks again!