Just adding a comment ---Part of that craze is a result of a level entrepreneurial playing field. People from all walks can start a business, but it may not be a terrific business model - a framework for offering products and services. Plus there are some services/products that have low barriers of entry - it's part of the reason why MLMs are doomed to be pyramids, for example, because people are trying to build scale on low-margin, low demand offerings. The value and approach to online courses can be diminished as much as anything else can be. Doesn't mean it's not valuable, but it does mean to be selective on what online course and teacher to follow.