The Duggars and CollegePlus

[sanantone]

If he did charge $3000 to mow my postage stamp of a lawn, it would still be my choice whether or not the cost was worthwhile. And if part of that $3000/year grass mowing service was that he would pray to keep my lawn weed-free, it would still be my choice if I wished to see value in that. I do not require my neighbors to chip in; the funds come from my budget alone. My choice to take part in his offered services impact no one else; in fact, they benefit others (my grass gets mowed so it keeps my part of the neighborhood looking nice). Just like CP's services honestly only impact the specific family that chooses to take part in their services, and in the long run help the larger marketplace by putting another college-educated person in the job market. Their choice to hire CP for whatever reason they do has absolutely no impact on you or me or anyone else.

Sanantone, I respect you because you have made significant contributions to this forum, but I'm confused why this entire debate has gone around and around so many times. The entire argument is based on the simple concept of business economics, supply/demand, and whether CP and DF are direct or indirect competition. The ultimate decision for each of those questions is answered by each individual consumer, not by you or me or anyone else. Clearly, some consumers feel DF and CP are not direct competition - they both offer some similar services, but not identical. It's their choice whether they spend their money on it. I'm not sure about you, but I do not have the time or interest in dictating how every other college-seeking student spends their money, but this entire argument and thread appears to be an attempt to do just that.

My criticism is mostly of CollegePlus and not the naive families. Looking at the CP website today, their marketing has become vague. I wouldn't be surprised if they're monitoring this thread. They'll probably change their website back.

DF is not a business or even a non-profit organization. It's not in competition with anyone.