User Comments - taimafan
taimafan
Posted on: Online Shopping 网上购物
December 14, 2018, 09:26 AM(I actually don't mind the lesson here or Shadow and Issy - good job girls!) However...
To whomever is making the business decisions around here,
Would it be correct to say that ChinesePod is under different management than 2 years ago? I can't be sure when the transition was, but (at least for me personally, and I'm sure others are in the same boat) some things aren't getting better. I understand that when new management personnel comes aboard, there is a tendency to institute new systems and processes that are envisaged to take the company in a new and better direction. Out with the old, in with the new. However, one must ask the questions: why were the old processes and systems in place? Are they the result of years of refinement and optimisation? (by those who have come to understand their clientele) and most importantly: What can I learn from the old systems and processes?
Here is an example of one thing that is not improving for ChinesePod: Lesson Structure. Doing a deep dive back into old CP lessons, I can see the structure evolve somewhat, however (and this is admittedly subjective), the optimal archetype was some of the lessons that Fiona and Gwilym did together (Fiona and Constance's QingWens were also great ). They included:
- Brief introduction
- Listen to the native speed dialogue three times
- English / Chinese breakdown of the dialogue
- Explanation of how to use new vocabulary
- Expansion on that vocabulary and how it applies in other contexts
- Summary
- Listen to the native speed dialogue once more
Aside from these structural aspects, the lessons included:
- An English native speaker to pronounce the English translations, and a Chinese native speaker to pronounce and explain Chinese terms
- Interesting cultural tidbits regarding the language and how it's used
- Actual humour. Humour plays an important role in not just making the lessons enjoyable, but also retaining the information discussed
- Actual chemistry between the two teachers - they were natural and not overly scripted, (yes its hard to find teachers who are married! But they knew each other on more than just a professional basis)
- Clean, crisp audio, natural and simple camera angles.
- Despite their banter between each other, the teachers took care to address us as an audience, looking into the camera, making it feel like a personal 1-on-1 lesson with a friend.
So to the business side of things: based on what I've discussed here, whether you believe I'm hitting on some pertinent points, I'm overly romanticising the past, or I'm a dismal malcontent who can't deal with change, one fact remains. I'm seriously considering cancelling my subscription if the quality of the content does not improve. What I'd like management to remember:
- You may have expert consultants from China advising you on what the new standard should be, but this is a service for people who are learning Chinese, not for people who are Chinese. Marketing and content must be driven towards appealing to those from other language backgrounds, and (given the content provided is in English) predominantly; English language backgrounds.
- History is doomed to repeat itself partly because people don't learn from the past, or seek the wisdom of their elders. It is foolishness to diverge from established and proven systems simply for some new management level employee/s to justify their position. Take the hard-won wisdom from the past and adapt with it - don't re-invent the wheel and subject your clients to the process.
I qualify my comments as simply my own opinions. I'm sure others will not agree with every point, but please consider what I've said as at least symptomatic of a more wide-spread malaise present among a growing segment of your clients. I'd just like to finish by saying that I feel all of the new teachers have potential and are doing the best they can. My displeasure is not directed towards any of them and I think they're doing a great job. I just wish that whomever is making the business decisions around here would give them a better environment to succeed.
Posted on: You Look Exhausted!
September 24, 2018, 01:45 AMThis intro is awesome
Posted on: How To Sound Polite
September 13, 2018, 03:51 AMGreat lesson guys.
Btw not sure who made the intro / outro music for these Qing Wens, but its so catchy and happy I find myself whistling it to my 7 month old 
It well reflects the fun spirit in which the content is delivered.
Posted on: How To Sound Polite
September 13, 2018, 02:18 AMWell done with your Chinese Mingmao! Your pronunciation and expressiveness are fantastic :)
Posted on: 量词 Measure Words for Nouns
September 10, 2018, 04:08 AMYou got it! I use that name across a few platforms, so my wife has chosen "mafan_taitai" :P Her idea, not mine!
Posted on: 量词 Measure Words for Nouns
September 07, 2018, 03:12 AMThanks Grace, that's both hilarious and encouraging. I think most western cultures are far less patient with Chinese nationals and other foreign residents learning English than people in China are with westerners learning Chinese. Your friend actually ended up with a cool nickname - unfortunately my China nickname was "普京", because apparently I looked like a certain Russian leader?? I didn't even get to do any bare chested horseback riding to warrant it. Unfair.
#MWforlife
Posted on: 量词 Measure Words for Nouns
September 06, 2018, 02:27 AMJust a question:
On a scale of 1 to 10, just how silly do I sound when I forget the measure word for something and use 'ge' instead? I generally find native speakers are fairly forgiving with me, but how forgiving are they actually being?
Great video - just be careful flashing them gang signs at the end though :P
Posted on: Online Shopping 网上购物
December 15, 2018, 07:35 AMHey ElijahW,
Thanks for your in depth response :) I never scrolled far enough back to get to 2008-2010, but upon your recommendation I'll definitely check those lessons out! If they're as good as you've mentioned, I'll enjoy them immensely. Ultimately I think we're all just a little bit disappointed with the regression of quality - when you have a good established formula (or maybe a few!), why scrap it all and start again? Whether they have some high concept new plan that they're attempting to implement or not, it simply doesn't make business sense to give your clients less of what they want. I'm glad that people like Elsha are aware of the issues at least. Hopefully she can implement some changes to get things back on track.