What do you know about AWAI?

Hi FIB'ers!

I was hoping to get an objective opinion about AWAI (American Writers & Artists Inc) and their copywriting course. For those who aren't familiar, they publish educational information and are probably most well known for their "Accelerated Program for Six Figure Copywriting" by Michael Masterson.

After reading all the hypey sales info and then finding and contacting several freelance copywriters who have taken the course, I decided to go ahead and order it. I figured it could certainly help me with all the stuff I'm trying to do online, and it could possibly lead to some freelance gigs writing copy for others down the road.

I received the course a couple days ago, and just last night finished going through the first 6 sections. I have to say, I was a little put off by all the hype and rosy picture painting. Three of the sections were completely dedicated to telling me how much money I could make as a direct-response copywriter due to the high upfront pay and then ongoing royalties for stuff that pulls a good response.

Two more of the sections were about what it does and doesn't take to be a good copywriter. No where in the "what it takes" section did they mention all the difficult aspects of being a freelancer. They skimmed over being a salesperson and made it sound like anyone who recommends a good movie to a friend is already a good enough salesperson. They didn't talk about prospecting, following up, competing with other copywriters, dealing with irate customers or ones that are never happy about anything, etc, etc...

The other thing I've noticed so far is that AWAI keeps trying to sell me (via email) on other stuff they have. I've been solicited about a dozen times to attend their copywriter's bootcamp, and I've received at least 3 or 4 promotions for some China report importing business thing that I didn't even really read so I don't honestly know what it's about.

So...having said all that, I'd love to get opinions (good or bad) from folks here who are familiar with AWAI, or that currently work as freelance copywriters, or that just have an opinion about the matter. :-)

I'm probably going to post this same message over at Anthony Blake's board because I'm told there are some copywriter types floating around over there.

Thanks in advance!