Where has Changye gone?
paulinurus
September 30, 2009, 10:07 PM posted in General DiscussionIt's been a long time passing since we've heard from wordsmith Changye. . No last words, no farewell, zip, nada, suddenly one day he just disappeared!
Cpod's informal wordsmith has been the most prolific contributor on the discussion boards. Day after day he has helped poddies learn Chinese with his lucid examples and practical explanations. You don't need to ask Changye specifically to share his deep knowledge of the Chinese language. He just offered his assistance whenever he could. .
Is Changye now just lurking? If so, why?
Has his Cpod subscription ended? If so, let's petition Cpod to award him as an honarary poddie. His contributions to poddies imo far exceed the cost of an annual premium subscriber.
Or is Changye still a subscriber but there are health reasons for his absence. I pray not.
His last post was on August 28th
paulinurus
October 04, 2009, 06:07 PMI don't know if others have the same problems accessing Cpod's site these last two days like I have... it has been so frustrating! Either the site is down with a fatal error message, or it is 慢死了！Looks like the computer servers take National day holidays too.
Calkins, thanks for informing me that in the past Cpod have recognized Changye's contributions. It is gracious but also appropriate of Cpod to do so (是应该的）considering what a great asset Changye has been on the discussion boards.
Reading Suxiaoya's post, I assume an email has been sent from Cpod to Changye inviting him back to the site. If Changye does not return then I would speculate that there is something 'creepy' about Cpod which is not motivating him to come back. He has been so enthusiatic and active in his daily postings that makes me think it is unlikely that he wants to take a break from the activity. Rather I think something in Cpod's current environment could be pissing him off. Can't be the Cpod lessons or his love for helping others on the discussion boards, so it very likely has something to do the environment having created by Cpod's management. Perhaps it is the constant shadow and reminder of George Orwell's Big Eraser hanging over the Discussion boards to keep the animals in line which has created a dull and dried up environment on the Discussion Boards?
Knowing Changye of course he would be diplomatic in any of his communication if he decides not to participate further on Cpod. But we know he had said he was not in support of the Big Eraser policy.
p.s. slow site, continuing quality control issues with the materials, and yet managment's priority seems to be in monitoring the boards closely to keep poddies in line. Poddies are adults and not 8 year olds needed to be looked after. They can mostly resolve differing views and hot arguments without a moderator. Constant reminders of the Big Eraser discourage postings and board participation, as well as, stifling postings of differing views. Besides, heated battles tend to create more excitement and fun for participants and spectators alike, attracting more subscribers instead of repelling them.
BIG ERASER IS BIG BOREDOM!
kimiik
September 30, 2009, 11:29 PMI also miss Changye's help and knowledge.
If it's technically possible and can be of any help, I agree to transfer 1 month of my current Cpod subscription to Changye.
RJ
September 30, 2009, 11:35 PMI would also donate one month of my subscription. Gladly.
chanelle77
October 01, 2009, 12:05 AMSame for me, if it helps please donate my month. I was wondering already where he was. I thought that he would have a lifetime membership or been offered a job (now pete left etc :-P).
Of all languages: German ;-) !?
bababardwan
October 01, 2009, 12:32 AMHey Paul,
I think you have voiced what many of us have been thinking.I've been wondering for some time where Changye got to and only yesterday was contemplating PM'ing him to see how things are but thought I'd give it more time.I've been hoping it's just been a holiday or some temporary hiccough as life does get in the way sometimes.I also wasn't too sure whether it would come out the wrong way as I didn't wanna put any pressure on.But yeah,he will be sorely missed if his subscription has run out.I'm in with donating a month,if it is feasible.If he's still listening and doesn't take up this offer because he's pursuing other interests then I'd just like to express my thanks and gratitude for all the help he's provided both directly and indirectly [posts to other poddies].Ganbei mate. :)
Tal
October 01, 2009, 12:41 AMWell changye, wherever you are and whatever you're doing, I wish you the very best. I'm sure you know the high regard we all have for you here. Thank you.
学为宝库 永远傍身。
zhenlijiang
October 01, 2009, 06:20 PMIf Changye gets a 'gift' subscription he will still have to be motivated to come here and take the time and trouble to post. I guess we shouldn't take for granted that he has that motivation now.
Perhaps in time this will become an interesting place for him again.
For me of course it was such a treat to be able to talk with another Japanese about Chinese and Japanese and English, in English, and benefit so much from his knowledge and insights. And I had found the luxury of being able to hang around as 'the un-knowledgeable Japanese' here so nice and easy.
Thanks Changye. You are missed!
RJ
October 01, 2009, 11:49 PMZhen
There is wisdom in your words. The atmosphere has changed here and Changye always gave more than he took away so it would be understandable if he wanted a break. Whatever his wishes, he has my support.
zhenlijiang
October 02, 2009, 01:45 AMRJ--wisdom? (・・?
I'm sure this isn't necessary, but to clarify anyway:
I wasn't insinuating that Changye's staying away because it's less pleasant here now; I do think that after years of helping others, contributing most every day (and often answering the same questions for the third and fourth time) anyone could simply burn out one day. Yes a break is always good.
RJ
September 30, 2009, 11:12 PMpaul
I have heard that Changye's subscription has indeed run out. He is using the opportunity to take a break, and study German and Korean. (evidently two other passions of his). I have already voiced my agreement with your suggestion that he should be made an honorary member. I can only hope we see him again some day soon.
paulinurus
October 04, 2009, 09:59 AMHi everyone,
Sorry I didn't post earlier... been busy this week and didn't log in till now. Well, actually I did try to log various times Saturday but Cpod site showed a "fatal error message".
Yes, I'm also willing to donate a month of my subscription to Changye if he wants again to participate at Cpod. But somehow I'm thinking that funding is not an issue for Changye. Could he be miffed that Cpod does not recognize nor appreciate the great amount of help he has given to poddies on their site? He was certainly a great asset to Cpod and it is not a stretch to believe that because of his presence and contributions at Cpod, some poddies have renewed their subscriptions. Of course, I don't know the actual reasons for Changye to decide to leave Cpod. He may feel he has mastered the Chinese language and now set his sights on mastering other languages.
I think Cpod should recognize the loss of a valuable asset to their site and offer him a lifetime membership. After all, Changye knows a lot of Chinese and there is little in the Cpod lessons that will benefit Changye, but there is a lot that Changye's presence will benefit Cpod.
go_manly
October 04, 2009, 12:07 PMCpod has everyone's email address. Perhaps they could let Changye know that he is being asked after.
calkins
October 04, 2009, 12:28 PMHi Paul,
Cpod staff have recognized Changye's contributions many times over the years. He was also given a 1-year premium subscription for being one of the top 10 posters in 2008 (all top 10 posters got a free subscription).
I am a little surprised that he hasn't been a "user of the month," but he may have simply turned down cpod's offer (as we all know, he's very humble).
Actually, he should get "user of the year"...or maybe be inducted into the cpod user hall of fame!
It's definitely not the same place without his knowledge on the boards. Changye, hope you realize all those other languages are lame and come back to cpod soon ;-)
bababardwan
October 04, 2009, 12:43 PMI'm sure he did get user of the month at one stage.
suxiaoya
October 04, 2009, 12:43 PMWe'll happily send Changye an email this week to let him know that his presence is being missed by everyone (I also really miss the help he'd so readily offer!).
Funnily enough, Changye was actually our "User of the Month" earlier this year (if you subscribe to the monthly e-newsletter, you may remember we profiled him).
In these ways we do try to recognise, and show our appreciation, to everyone who contributes here - but there's clearly space for better communication of it, so we'll look into that...
Either way, I do hope Changye will be back soon on these boards soon!
RJ
October 04, 2009, 12:45 PMGo_manly
I have communicated with Changye as recently as two days ago. He has read this post and is very flattered. He promised to send everyone a short note and apologized for not letting us know in advance of his departure. I dont know if cpod will make him any offer or if he would accept.
Joachim
October 04, 2009, 12:49 PMchanelle77: Gibt es ein Problem damit, dass Changye Deutsch lernen will?? ;-)
As a general remark: I would like to suggest something like a microsponsoring scheme. This should work like microfinancing in general with people "in need" applying for a "micro-scholarship". I would happily register a website for that. Only thing is my lack of programming skills for such an enterprise. Anyone out there able to help??
henning
October 04, 2009, 01:27 PMIf you ask me, the issue here is not whether or not Changye should pay CPod. It is the other way round. CPod should pay Changye. A lot.
RJ
October 02, 2009, 09:31 AMdeleted by author
paulinurus
September 30, 2009, 10:15 PMOf course, other [possible reasons for Changye's sudden disappearance
he is now too busy
he has found a new passion
he is just tired of Cpod and taking a temporary or permanent break!.