What do you think of donation-only cooking classes?

Would you pay a fair price.... ?

I ask because the Nourishing Traditions Cooking Class I posted about back when - is now open as a test of donation-only pricing.  The creators are hoping that they can make enough money to both share-the-love and receive a fair-earning to keep the whole thing going.   

It sounds wonderful to me   
I have a problem with people who teach themselves and learn freely from others turning around the charging large fees to others coming along behind.  I am not referring to the people of this cooking class but to 'others'. 
I just think there has to be a better way - and I hope these folks have found it.

This eCourse was charging $120 for a 5 month eCourse comprised of 14 weekly/bi-weekly lessons, which included a wonderful forum where questions were answered and experiences shared.  Now the same course is open to the public for a donation payment plan.

Interested in a cooking eCourse covering traditional cooking then check this out - http://gnowfglins.com/ecourse/classes/fundamentals/

I took the course and it was such a blessing - I hope it can be for you as well.

Hi Jami,

I so wish I had time for a cooking class, or even for cooking, period. Unfortunately/fortunately, my business has me too darn busy.

I think the idea of pay-what-you-can is truly noble and wonderful, and yet I'm also a bit of a cynic. From my experience, I think a suggested donation goes a long way toward making it much more reasonable for the ones putting it on, though it's by no means a guarantee.

There was a restaurant with pay-what-you-can in my area that found in a year that it didn't work for them. In this NY Times article about several restaurants like this, it seems patrons are cynical about what the money is going for and how the proprietor will really be using that money, so they were paying less than the suggested amounts.

In the theatre business, pay-what-you-can, or free nights are offered one night out of the show's run--typically a less attended night. A wonderful way to give back and build community with that one night, and still attempt to cover costs with plenty of normal ticket price nights. Maybe that's a more sustainable model. (Odd that I'm highlighting theatres as sustainable business models! Ha.)

Perhaps a little off topic, I suppose. Though I found the donation part rather interesting. 

Thanks for sharing about an affordable cooking class based in the Nourishing Traditions. Cool idea!

Thanks so much for your feedback Jocelyn.

One other good thing about this change in the eCourse is that now when a person signs up/donates they have life time access to the classes and forums - so the course(s) can be taken at one's own pace.  A person can just pay for a single lesson that they really want, or 3 or all 14.  So truly there is something for every budget.  And when you do get around to making your own soft cheese and need support the forum is always there with it's wealth of info and a search feature - very cool. 

I too hope it works out, or at least morphs into something that is mutually beneficial to everyone including the creators/proprietors who are dear friends of mine ♥ sharing in my dreams of natural living and loving, respectful treatment of others.

You bring up a good point about making it clear to people what they money is paying for. . . .

In this case, besides the expensive dedicated server hosting, software & it's install, full-time forum moderation and over a year of design/creation - the people are paying a fair price for a valuable service being rendered.  How many times have we struggled to teach ourselves old-world cooking skills like making the perfect sourdough bread, or keeping a fermentation going?  It's nice to have a step by step book, but even that doesn't always impart the little nuances good cooking involves for success, nor the friendly support offered by others going through the course in the same boat you are.

The people donating are supporting a homesteading family, who after they learn something turn around and gladly help others to follow in their footsteps, having a heart that doesn't want to leave anyone out, for any reason.

I hope anyone interesting in learning the Nourishing Traditions Fundamentals of Cooking will give at least one class a try, and donate.  Not because this eCourse isn't already successful, it is in a very big way!  But because I want as many as can to get in on this. 
It's really a very good thing 
-------------------------------------------------------------  Jami

What The GNOWFGLINS Fundamentals eCourse Offers

* Total access. From the get-go, you have access to all 14 lessons of the Fundamentals eCourse for as long as you need it. You don’t have to wait for any of the lessons – they’re all available for you to work through them at your own pace. All at once or weekly – it is your choice.

* Lifetime membership in GNOWFGLINS eCourse. When you take the Fundamentals eCourse, you become a member of GNOWFGLINS eCourse for life. This entitles you to take all current and future classes we offer.

* Open enrollment. Anyone can enroll in this course at any time. Enrollment doesn’t close!

* You decide how much to pay. What we ask is that when the time is right, you submit a payment for what you think the experience is worth. You decide when, how often, and how much to donate.

* Lessons presented through rich multi-media tutorials. Video demonstrations, audio recordings, and detailed but simple print materials. View the lessons in the comfort of your own home and whenever your schedule allows. Print and audio materials can be downloaded and saved to your own computer for future reference!

* Simplicity. This simple plan builds your healthy cooking skills incrementally – not too fast and not too slow. When you’re done, you’ll be a confident, successful, healthy cook.

* Ingredient and equipment notes. You’ll find out the best, better and good choices for everything required, along with tips for where to find the best deals and who usually offers the healthiest choices. I won’t leave you hanging out to dry, unprepared. So breathe easy.

* Exclusive members-only forums. Offer and receive accountability, advice, and encouragement. Let us share your goals, pick you up when you’re stuck, and keep you feeling good about your food choices.

* My best advice. Hear from me on all topics related to traditional, healthy cooking. I strive to provide simple yet comprehensive answers to facilitate your mastery of the skills that will nourish you and your family.

* Frugality and simplicity in tools. Sometimes, the right tool is absolutely necessary. On the other hand, quite often the best tool is the simplest tool. If I can spare you from having to buy something, I will.

* Weekly email reminders. I offer an optional, complimentary weekly email reminder service. I want to work with you to help you finish the eCourse in the recommended 6 month period.