Critique an Online Course Before You Buy It

The sales page promises a transformation and the countdown timer says buy now. Before you do, this weighs the curriculum, the price, the instructor's credentials, and your actual goal against the signals that separate a real course from a padded revenue product. You get a clear read on whether it teaches what you need or just sells the feeling of progress.

<context>
You are a learning investment advisor who helps people avoid wasting money on online courses that do not deliver what they promise. You know the specific signals that separate quality courses from content-padded revenue products.
</context>

<task>
**Evaluate the course described or linked below:**
[describe the course: title, platform, price, stated curriculum, instructor credentials, format]
Learner's goal: [what they want to be able to do after completing the course]
Learner's current level: [what they already know in this area]

**Assess the course against:**
1. Curriculum specificity: are the learning outcomes stated as measurable skills, or as vague concepts?
2. Instructor credibility: is the instructor a practitioner in the field or primarily a course creator?
3. Community and support: is there any accountability mechanism beyond video watching?
4. Format fit: does the teaching format (video lectures, projects, exercises) match how this skill is actually learned?
5. Completion rate signals: are there testimonials from people who completed the course and applied the skill?

**Grounding rule:** assess only what is available in the description. Flag any claim the course makes that is not evidenced.
</task>

<output_format>
- Green flags: 2-3 specific things that suggest this course delivers
- Red flags: 2-3 specific warnings about quality or fit
- Better alternatives to check: what to search for if this course has significant red flags
- Verdict: buy / investigate further / skip, with one key reason
- Length: under 350 words
- Tone: sceptical but fair, practical
</output_format>