a lurker speaks

Tal
February 05, 2009, 03:13 AM posted in General Discussion

I don't mean this as criticism of you guys there who work so hard (especially Jenny, Connie and John), but I reckon CPod urgently needs to find someone to (try to) step into Amber's shoes. The place just isn't the same without her! Her contributions really made this place warm and welcoming and vibrant, especially (I would guess) for the many whose Chinese ability is developing but are not perhaps ready to make the jump to poring over ancient poetry or glossaries of Chinese 'internet slang'.

对了, whatever happened to the video lessons? I seem to recall much mention was made of them not long back when the big change in pricing policy took place. It was like: 'well it's right for us to start charging for almost everything, 'cos we're gonna have this new cool video thing...' And now?

CPod is still a totally excellent project btw, invaluable for serious learners, but Amber's absence still hurts. There's gotta be a Shanghai 老外 worthy of her place on the team?

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gulam
February 05, 2009, 08:50 AM

We feel the same.

However, it's quite surprising that that a user like you (official records indicating - trial subscription - start date: 2009-02-04), even though it has been just 2 days since you began, is already missing the show.

That was fast!

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jiarenlun
March 17, 2009, 05:56 PM

reigau, I respectfully disagree.  Amber was great, because she was, well, Amber.  She had a unique personality and was very talented.  I miss her.  But she's gone and, well, everyone else at CPOD is truly talented as well.  Myself, I enjoy Ken's banter, earnestness, and friendliness, Jenny's suave genuineness, John's sense of humor, and Pete's fresh point of view.  I think we have to adapt to the new situation, and enjoy what CPOD has to offer. I don't think video was the most effective teaching tool.  I like improving the information-functionality of the site, like John is continuing to improve.  Of course, like before, our comments will help them improve the service, so we shouldn't be passive. So, thanks for the comment, it inspired me to say something I've wanted to say for months... :^)

jiarenlun (another lurker)

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tvan
March 18, 2009, 04:08 AM

Dear Amber goes away, Poems with Pete comes along:  Both provide their special insights; both made/make me want to continue my subscription with ChinesePod.

I also deeply appreciate Pete's discussion of politics in China.  His understanding of China's recent past really contributes to the discussions.  Before CPod pretty much was "hands off" on controversial cultural and political topics.  Pete jumps right in with valuable insights on topics like Tibet, Taiwan, and the state of Chinese Communism.

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RJ
March 18, 2009, 10:22 AM

tvan,

I have to agree. cpod was great with Amber, its also great now.

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Tal
March 18, 2009, 11:40 AM

The great world certainly does go on turning... and in fact I don't miss Amber so much now that time is passing. Oh... isn't that kinda sad too?

Oh and I do wanna emphasize my total admiration for all our Cpod Hosts, I have learned (and am learning!) so much from you, and these days (not to sound 肉麻 I hope!) my life couldn't be complete without CPod.

Amber's contribution to CPod did give the place a certain zing though, I still think that. And I still think that a contemporary, popular flavor is an important part of the mix.

I'd probably get more out of the poetry spot if my Chinese was much better, (and that's up to me I know.) I know the more advanced folk here are enjoying it, and I think it's great that such an artform is being celebrated and explored.

I'm sure I'm not the only one who'd like to see more stuff a bit less 'high-brow'? Like more pop or folk songs explained lyric by lyric, more stories and simple riddles which can help enrich vocabulary.

And the other day I had this brainwave, (then thought it'd probably already been done,) of having a competition for users to create a Cpod lesson, the winner being performed by the usual crew and presented of course in the usual style. I'm sure some of CPod's more fluent users could come up with some great ideas.