Ive been practicing permaculture and following its principles for about 10 years now, all my knowledge was gained from the internet, youtube, library and learning from others and from personal experience. Ive never taken a formal PDC course and dont feel the need to, I ‘teach ’ anyone who wants to learn and do so for free which is how I see the fundamental permaculture ideology anyway.

At the permaculture conference in London last year the big question bring asked by many people was “how can permaculture becone more mainstream?” I tried to raise the question of free pdc courses, perhaps being offered via the medium of Mooc (massive open online course). It was not received very well by those I tried to engage such as Gaia, Transition, etc. Ive taken 20 or so free MOOC courses and nearly all had 20,000 plus students signed up at the start. (For examples search; edx, coursera, futurelearn)

I appreciate people have to make a living, but I do wonder if some of the core ideology behind permaculture isn’t, or hasn’t already, been lost within our free market, capitalist, system. Ive considered taking a course in the past but having looked into the many options available, I really didnt see the value for me personally.

Permaculture can already be learned for free, you just have to look. Paid pdc courses do have their place for some people and both options have advantages and disadvantages.

Finaly, while I totally agree with the basic idea behind Johns article, the whole “fuck-you” shock tactics of his language might attract attention, but are unlikely to gain many supporters or converts.

Keep the faith!