This is going to sound crazy but about a few years ago I sent you an email about learning Javascript. I think you were at Unsplash about to go to Khan Academy? Or was it the other way around haha.
I just want to say thank you for your kindness - the tips and advice you gave me definitely contributed to the career path I have today. I know that responding back to some random kid may not seem like a big deal, but I would not have been able to get here without the help and generosity of experts like yourself.
I did notice that there is not many platforms that support fullstack projects. A lot of it is simple bitesized function/method exercises (LeetCode, HackerRank, CodeSignal, etc.) and don't encompass building applications from spec.
There is definitely some resistance here on HN about pricing, but I wouldn't worry about it. There are plenty of people who pay $$$ for courses (Udemy, CodeCademy, PluralSight) so the market is there. If each workout provides at least about 1-2 hours of content, then the price is in-line, if not a bargain, compared some Udemy courses around the same length.
For what it's worth, while I understand that your business model is based around finder fees, there is an extreme amount of value from building a solid platform that can handle interactive fullstack courses like what you have so far. There is serious acquisition or licensing/support potential (enterprise onboarding) if this platform grows the correct feature set.
If the self-taught candidate can pass an interview screen at the same level of a new grad, then how does hiring the former become more riskier than the latter?
When my 6 broke, I decided to switch carriers (from prepaid) to try out the new (at the time - earlier this year) XR. For the 1 week I owned it, there was something strange about it that I just can't describe. It wasn't buyers remorse, but it just felt wrong in my hands. I genuinely asked myself if spending 1k + 100/mo was worth it. Ended up returning the phone, returned back to my old carrier, and ended up going with a 6s making my purchase at 250 + 30/mo. No qualms.
I just want to say thank you for your kindness - the tips and advice you gave me definitely contributed to the career path I have today. I know that responding back to some random kid may not seem like a big deal, but I would not have been able to get here without the help and generosity of experts like yourself.