[srconstantin]

Honestly, I think introductory courses are useful. This looks like a good program, and focused on getting you to the point where you can build something simple. At the risk of (gasp!) admitting ignorance, I think I'd probably find a program like that informative. Yes, you can always teach yourself, which is what I usually do, but social reinforcement is great if you can get it.

It's kind of ugly for established members of a profession to react badly when somebody tries to teach novices the basics of that profession.

[yummyfajitas]

People are objecting to sex discrimination, not teaching novices.