I am asking this because I am deciding between two models right now.

One way is to create video tutorials on my own (make some short free videos and long pay per download/stream videos) or sell them to lynda.com or tutsplus.

The 2nd way is easier, because they will do all the boring business stuff, will host the files to download etc. In that case, everything I need is a good microphone and obey their guidelines.

On the other side if I do it on my own, I have to do all the unwanted business stuff, pay the server and other stuff. This is quite a big downside, however, I will have all the videos under my control in the future.

I know that lynda.com has bigger attention and marketing that I am capable, but if you take e.g. phpvideotutrials.com (r.i.p ;), I think Leigh was very successful with relatively small budget.

The interesting question will be the cost or how much will they pay me. Would it be less than if I sell it myself+monthly server hosting+other expenses?

Any advice from people who actively sell their videos to some companies or do it on they own is highly appreciated.