I remember when I started blogging and purchased a couple ebooks and brief programs to get started. No expensive courses, but what I did purchase helped me to fast-track what might have taken an additional few years to learn on my own (and associated overwhelm of all the information spread out online). I think there's a point where you can collapse the learning curve and that's where the value is. However, I will not deny that there tends to be an almost (dare I say) MLM-esque structuring to some of these "passive income" promises and affiliate programs when it comes to the blogging community. There are some expensive, fluffy, cotton candy courses out there. It's necessary to do some homework on the creator nowadays to see that they actively practice what they preach (or if they just sell courses on making money through selling courses).