For people who are heavily into programming, $100 AUGI membership to get a free Standard ADN membership is a good deal. But what about the thousands of people who only do occasional programming work? They cannot justify to pay that cost themselves and the boss will not pay for it either. So they have to do without ADN membership and the development of their skills is impeded. The guys who do have ADN membership can improve their skills. Hence the gap gets bigger between the two groups. What was that saying "The rich get richer and the poor get poorer".
As an underpaid, undervalued employee, and occasional programmer, who's boss will not pay for the membership... I can personally relate to your sentiment, yet find relating this to a matter of rich vs poor to be a stretch (
with great respect for you, Tyke).
I would also simply point out that one who is an occasional programmer, often is not adept at the free documentation already available (the quality of which is not being argued)... Fact is, occasional does not equal professional, which is the term (or tier) under which AUGI has bundled the ADN membership.
As one who has occasionally dabbled in programming over the past few years, I've only joined ADN as a result of this 'benefit', and even then, I didn't pay for it... Had I not received it as an award (one of five who received this), I still would not have a membership, as I cannot justify the personal cost. I have it, so I am striving to make the most of it. That's all.
In my opinion AUGI is NOT the best source of information. My experience is that here in theswamp and over at CADTutor a far better service is offered in a much friendlier atmosphere, as can be verified by the number of members that frequent both of these sites.
I whole heartedly agree... The problem I have is that it's the only place (that and the Autodesk forum) that is recognized by my employer (based on my limited experience). I am not arguing the validity of my observation, only that this has been observed.
I know damn well that TheSwamp offers more knowledge, and often wisdom than AUGI, but it does not have the recognition that I'm sure we'd all wish TheSwamp to have. I mean where else do ADN staff go to be corrected so frequently?!
While I started out at AUGI first as a result of the office culture at my place of work, I found that I did more mentoring there, and at CADTutor (generally speaking), yet still wanted to continue learning for myself... Ultimately, I found TheSwamp. This is truly a place where I can come, and humbly learn from others which I look up to, and greatly respect. I am never just given the answer, yet all of the guidance and direction I need is available (again, generally speaking), and I am fortunate enough to have such an environment here to grow.
AUGI will not be getting any money from me, even though I can afford it!!!
I do not agree with the new model either, personally... I accepted an offer to become a moderator there, in part, to avoid the scenario altogether. *shrug*