What's the story behind Make Better Software?

In the summer of 2005, filmmaker Lerone Wilson followed around a group of Fog Creek summer interns during a whole summer as they built a new product from the ground up, Fog Creek Copilot. That footage became a movie called "Aardvark'd: 12 Weeks with Geeks" (IMDB / Official Site). After working with Wilson, the team at Fog Creek wanted to make another documentary, one that would go more in-depth into the software development process. For over a year, Wilson practically lived in the Fog Creek office, conducting hundreds of interviews and getting hundreds of hours of footage of the software development process. This footage is at the heart of Make Better Software.

How can I use the training series on my team?

First, set a schedule. We recommend doing one of the six modules per week. Distribute the student packs to everyone who is participating; they include some required reading and some optional reading on each chapter. Then, get together and watch the DVD. Allow one hour to watch the DVD and one hour for discussion. The instructor's guide includes some discussion topics to get you started.

How many copies should I buy?

You need one copy of the training series, plus one student guide for each student who will be participating. There are five free student guides included in the main box. So, for example, if you have ten students, you'll buy the training series itself, plus five additional student guides.

Can students share one student guide?

No. The license requires you to buy a student guide for each student who participates.

Isn't most of the printed material online?

Yes. Most of the printed material is reprints from Joel on Software, the website. The DVD videos are only available as a part of this training series.

When will it be available?

Now!

How much does it cost?

The instructor's guide including the six movies and five free student guides is $1995. Each additional student guide is $59.

Are academic discounts available?

Yes. Email customer-service@fogcreek.com for details.

What if I'm just a sole developer, and I want to purchase the training series?

You are welcome to buy it, but it is really priced for typical corporate training budgets, not individuals.

What format are the DVDs in?

They are in NTSC format. Most DVD players sold internationally should be able to play the NTSC format. If you have any problem at all, let us know and we'll find a way to make it work for you.

What if I'm not satisfied?

Ah, that's easy. Call us up and get your money back. Thanks to the Fog Creek Promise, if you're not satisfied, for any reason, you get a full refund, period, no questions asked. We don't want your money if you're not amazingly happy.

What if I have further questions?

Email customer-service@fogcreek.com and we'll get back to you within 24 hours.