Question
I'm very interested in the idea that anyone can teach anyone else in the world anything they have knowledge of.
I know, Google Helpouts had this idea and failed, but honestly I dreamt of this concept 2 years ago! I want to create a platform where subject experts can sign up and charge time-based fees for online video instruction, complete with video, screenshare, and blackboard software. As mentioned, I know of 2 companies with almost same ideas that have launched and folded, Google Helpouts and Liveninja. Should I take this as an opportunity to enter the marketplace or as a lesson learnt of it not being a good idea?
I see other companies who take this concept and focus on niches, such as Clarity itself for business, codementor for coding and Doctors on demand for medical.
What challenges and possible solutions do you forecast with live web video instruction site that welcomes all subject matters? How about pairing the idea of setting up your publishing online learning materials ( like Udemy, Skillshare) with 1 on 1 video tutoring with instructor that students can additionally purchase?
Answer
You mention a variety of different ideas here that although tie in to your main concept, are all over the place. I think that in order for you to understand wether it is feasible or not you will have to narrow down your concept. What I advise you to do is to write your concept down as if you are explaining it to a five year old. If you can do that then you know what you want and from there you can analyze wether it is feasible or not. But as you said if two major corporations have tried it and quit then there must be a reason for that (e.g: Too much capital required vs too little potential profit).
