[ptmcc]

Structure, guidance, accountability, connections. At least theoretically.

It's wonderful that so much material is free, but it's an overwhelming amount of information for the uninitiated. Some people can self-motivate and self-teach starting from zero. Some cannot. Some would just prefer a formal curriculum and instructor. Nothing wrong with that.

And the best bootcamps have a direct relationship into companies for internships and junior dev positions.

Unfortunately as bootcamp hype has exploded, many bootcamps do not offer these things and are of dubious value.

[amotinga]

structure. assuming it costs 50k to develop curriculum and 1000 ppl take it price becomes 50 per person. more people take it, price if it (theoretically) has to move towards 0. guidance. this one I can understand. having person always available to help out when something unexpected happens, which btw happens constantly is extremely helpful. this is def value added.

accountability. this one I'm not sure what you mean. meaning I invest 10k now I really have to make it work. yeah, unfortunately people tend to value expensive things more than free.

connections. yes, this is perhaps biggest selling point, the idea that they will place the student, or at the very least help significantly.

hmmm... I wonder if there is a way to quantify that. is it really ~ 1k/week to do all of that?