I would like to eventually offer to teach people full Windows API programming tutorials, DirectX API programming tutorials, fully, no cost, as best as I can, no strings attached.
Seriously... But would that be a problem with Microsoft, you know, since so many people like to charge money for teaching/learning but I'm willing to do it for free, as best I can, to help others accomplish what I can, if possible(there's always greater as well).
But is it wrong?
Would Microsoft care about this? Illegal?
The Windows API documentation is freely available on MSDN. The DirectX API documentation is included in every free download of the SDK. While copying whole API descriptions or code examples from either of those sources might be illegal (I would advice to read the respective licensing agreements included with those sources) I cannot remember ever signing an NDA never to explain either to someone else, free or not.
However, there are already countless sources on the web to teach you both for free. Unless you are absolutely sure you can add something they don't (which is doubtful if you do not yet have the experience to answer your original question yourself) then I would rather suggest you do not.
However, there are already countless sources on the web to teach you both for free. Unless you are absolutely sure you can add something they don't (which is doubtful if you do not yet have the experience to answer your original question yourself) then I would rather suggest you do not.
There's nothing wrong with teaching for free. There's lots of people who write free tutorials.
People charge for quality teaching, because people are willing to pay for quality teaching.
People charge for quality teaching, because people are willing to pay for quality teaching.
IANAL, but as far as I can recall, the only time Microsoft has cared about anyone teaching is if they offer some sort of certificate. Which basically means that if you say that taking your class will achieve anything other than taking your class and getting knowledge. This doesn't sound like what you are planning so you're probably safe.
IANAL, but as far as I can recall, the only time Microsoft has cared about anyone teaching is if they offer some sort of certificate. Which basically means that if you say that taking your class will achieve anything other than taking your class and getting knowledge. This doesn't sound like what you are planning so you're probably safe.
I think Microsoft do care about people teaching others about their platforms, in a good way (They definitly appreciate the fact that tons of people are writing tutorials and other learning resources for free for their platform), Third party developers are extremely important for Microsoft, its one of the main reasons they are the dominant player they are today, It should be fine to Offer certificates aswell as long as you don't use Microsofts trademarks (You can offer a AndyWonHarglesis Game development certificate without any problems).
Basically Microsoft wants people to develop software for Windows and they want that software to be as good as possible, that is why they are spending massive resources on providing msdn, free versions of their development tools, and much more.
Even if Microsoft somehow wanted to have a monopoly on teaching they don't have any support by law to do so.
The bottom line however should always be, Are you capable of actually adding anything relevant ?
There are hundreds of tutorial sites out there for Windows and DirectX, will your site just add to the noise or actually provide some real value ?
I admire your resolution. If you're going to do that to build up a team from scratch, I seriously wish you to succeed but be warned - this is hard stuff.
I would like to eventually offer to teach people full Windows API programming tutorials, DirectX API programming tutorials, fully, no cost, as best as I can, no strings attached.
Author
I admire your resolution. If you're going to do that to build up a team from scratch, I seriously wish you to succeed but be warned - this is hard stuff.
[quote name='AndyWonHarglesis' timestamp='1303197526' post='4800232']
I would like to eventually offer to teach people full Windows API programming tutorials, DirectX API programming tutorials, fully, no cost, as best as I can, no strings attached.
[/quote]
Who said anything about building a team? O.o
http://www.gamedev.net/topic/600185-really-important-question-i-could-use-help-on-with-game-development/
Try not to let this degenerate into a troll thread, as well. I really doubt he's working on 3+ projects at once, but on the off chance someone does need information on this, I'd continue discussion. Best to start with learning the API's you want to teach, before planning how and where to teach them.
Try not to let this degenerate into a troll thread, as well. I really doubt he's working on 3+ projects at once, but on the off chance someone does need information on this, I'd continue discussion. Best to start with learning the API's you want to teach, before planning how and where to teach them.
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