I have a quesion and need help

I am having a running conversation on the value of internet/dvd based self defense training with a friend of mine. We both agree that the vast majority of stuff out there is crap, but there also are some gold nuggets to be found in some of this training on dvd, internet, youtube, etc.

I would like for anyone, hell everyone, to share with me what it is that would make you purchase a dvd from anyone of the thousands of guys out there offering martial arts, self defense, or combative training. How do you know you are not about to get ripped off by some guy just shoveling crap? Can you actually learn anything that can be physically put to use in a real life situation?

What is it that would prevent you buying a self defense dvd online.

The only way to get real world martial art training is with a teacher in the real world. The dvds are a supplement. So join a local Tai Chi or Wing Chun club and ask to learn nei kung to. Look it up on wikipedia. It's like IM and SEO. Until you try those theories and principles out in the real world you don't make money. If you have a real world teacher and he also sells videos you can improve greatly by studying the dvds at home when not in martial arts class or sparring with your buddies.

Do you have previous martial arts experience?

I agree with poster above, if I wanted to learn self defense I don't think I would get much knowledge from a video, even if it's super detailed. Also usually it's not something you can practice alone in your house juuuuust by yourself.
But again, people buy all sorts of things. I personally would affiliate with an academy or something and refer people to their closest branch and then get commission off that.