club-art.net — Tue, 09 Apr 2002 17:20:10 +0000

You will learn faster if you learn by your self, at least at the begining.

Megan — Mon, 08 Apr 2002 18:14:12 +0000

I think this whole question really depends on what, exactly, this library of lessons contains. Or have you two (Busy & The Professional) used them before? How extensive are the lessons? How detailed? Are they meant for complete newbies or more advanced users? How many topics are covered? How does this compare to purchasing books on each subject? Is the quality & convenience better than free online tutorials?

You also might want to keep in mind that Macromedia (I think) is planning to release new versions of all of these software packages sometime this year, starting with Flash MX which is already available. It may be a better idea to wait until this library is available for the new versions.

This whole decision really depends on the questions I posed above, which I unfortunately don't know the answers to. My inclination is that it might be a better idea to buy books on technologies you are particularly interested in studying - they tend to be much more thorough than online tutorials, although they will cost more.

theprofessional — Mon, 08 Apr 2002 16:50:15 +0000

I agree with the above and add:

Besides dreamweaver, Macromedia produces these higher level courses in good faith to help the already established website designer/developer to advance his skill set and further his horizon of knowledge. And as a bonus, they can advertise their product too. If you can't build a "nice" site with HTML alone then don't waste your time or money. These classes will not help you to build a better site. This comes from within, and you most certainly will not find it without extensive experience with the core, the backbone, the cornerstone of the Internet, HTML. Without it, your a rock climber without a rope. Or at least a rock climber who is not good with a rope.
IMO, everything that can be done with a website can be learned from the web and for free. If someone can't find it and learn it on their own, maybe they ought to find another hobby. The business is tough and the competitors are quick.

Busy — Sun, 07 Apr 2002 00:30:54 +0000

If your a complete beginner I'd say learn some first from the web, heaps of free tutorials around, then once you have the basics and feel comfortable with them, and money isnt an issue do the course.
going into it not knowing much you wont get your moneys worth, knowing what the things in the library do, are for etc will help advance your knowledge

just my 2.5 cents worth