Just registered for GPYC

doo108

Hey guys,

Just signed up for onDemand version of GPYC. I always wanted to automate things and just thought Python was the best language to learn. I am brand spanking new to Python though. Just wanted to know what to expect and if I have bitten off more than I can chew.

E Double U

I am also gaining some python knowledge this year, but I have been recommended the following Udemy course https://www.udemy.com/course/complete-python-bootcamp/

Curious to hear your experience with GPYC. I am a big fan of SANS and like to take advantage whenever budget is available.

doo108

That looks nice. Yeah, I am a huge fan of SANS as well and love how the courses are organized/structured. That is why I just went this route. Most people's issue with the course is not the content, it is the price. But price isnt the issue for me soooo that is why I went this route. I will circle back and let you know how everything went. Probably in the next 4 months. Lol

SteveLavoie

I agree. Most "bad" comment about the SANS class are about the price. IMO I cannot understand why it is the same price for On-Demand, Live-Online and Live In-Person, but it is their choice. 

I have budget for 1 SANS per years (with travel) so I am considering myself lucky. Wish I could get 2 per years. 

JDMurray

SteveLavoie said:

IMO I cannot understand why it is the same price for On-Demand, Live-Online and Live In-Person, but it is their choice.

Because what you are paying for is the course material, content, and instruction regardless of how it is presented and consumed. All of the extras that you get from SANS by attending a SANS course in-person during a SANS event are free.

E Double U

JDMurray said:

SteveLavoie said:

IMO I cannot understand why it is the same price for On-Demand, Live-Online and Live In-Person, but it is their choice.

All of the extras that you get from SANS by attending a SANS course in-person during a SANS event are free.

Is anything ever really free? I would imagine all of the money generated from students helps fund the free food/drink at the venue, the free swag, and free social hour. 

Not that I have a reason to complain because employers have paid for all five of my SANS/GIAC engagements. I still think it is a good idea to have different pricing for each delivery method. 

SteveLavoie

JDMurray said:

SteveLavoie said:

IMO I cannot understand why it is the same price for On-Demand, Live-Online and Live In-Person, but it is their choice.

Because what you are paying for is the course material, content, and instruction regardless of how it is presented and consumed. All of the extras that you get from SANS by attending a SANS course in-person during a SANS event are free.

So I will continue to get there for the freebie   

JDMurray

E Double U said:

I still think it is a good idea to have different pricing for each delivery method.

Then 99.9% of the SANS course attendees (or their employers) would choose a cheaper, non-site training alternative, and the SANS events themselves would disappear due to a lack of attendance.

SteveLavoie

JDMurray said:

E Double U said:

I still think it is a good idea to have different pricing for each delivery method.

Then 99.9% of the SANS course attendees (or their employers) would choose a cheaper, non-site training alternative, and the SANS events themselves would disappear due to a lack of attendance.

I agree... Their attendance are decreasing, so imagine if the live-online class was half price of in-person. I attended 2 SANS event, both in New Orleans, one in 2020 (pre-pandemic) and in 2023. I would say that for the same event there is less than half the people from 2020. In January, I took SANS 450, we were only 4 in the class on-site and 10 live-online. I would also say that most class were small.  SEC 560 (pen test class), one of their most popular class, had only 30 student on-site compared to 55-60 in 2020. 

It would be a shame that their on-site event stopped. There is definitely a big value to attend in-person, just for the interaction you can have with your instructor and others. I met very intelligent people and keep contact with them afterward.. Would it happen with an online class... probably not. 

E Double U

JDMurray said:

E Double U said:

I still think it is a good idea to have different pricing for each delivery method.

Then 99.9% of the SANS course attendees (or their employers) would choose a cheaper, non-site training alternative, and the SANS events themselves would disappear due to a lack of attendance.

SANS events will not disappear with that model, but could downsize. That model could also bring in customers that already steered away from SANS only because of the price. With the reputation that SANS has for providing quality content, I think lowering their prices would make hurt the non-SANS alternatives.

JDMurray

Since SANS was founded in 1989, has it ever significantly lowered the prices on any of their products? I'm not talking temporary discounts due to promotions, but bottom-line price cuts to generate sales. I'm remembering no news that such has ever happened. Perhaps their business people realize that part of the perception of higher quality is the higher price you pay for it (i.e., ultimately, you get what you pay for).

MichaelGabor

Congratulations on registering for the GPYC! Learning Python for automation is a great choice. As a beginner, expect a gradual learning curve. Start with the basics, build a strong foundation, and don't be discouraged by challenges.

E Double U

JDMurray said:

Perhaps their business people realize that part of the perception of higher quality is the higher price you pay for it (i.e., ultimately, you get what you pay for).

Like Apple