This is what Cpod/Praxis die hard fans think of Jpod101

[watermen]

I saw this discussion while browsing through Cpod. What do you all think Jpod101 die hard fans?

Click Here.

[Belton]

I'll never know because to read that link requires registration and I couldn't be bothered...

however my spidey sense detects needless controversy.

[jkid]

my spidey sense detects needless controversy.

That made me chuckle. Thanks.

[プチクレア]

Beltonさん,

actually it's a pretty balanced review of most 101 pod's, seen through the eyes of Cpod's listeners. They point out a few valid points, especially regarding the newer series. Mainly, that the banter seems stiff and unnatural. However, KoreanClass and ArabicPod101 get very good reviews.

I have to admit that the newer podcasts do seem a bit stiff. The best, in my opinions, are Italianpod101 and Arabicpod101. I have real trouble listening to Spanishpod101 because I can't "feel" the hosts (nothing personal ! and it's slowly getting better in my opinion...), and the french accent of Céline and and Sylvain as they speak english makes me cringe (we french people are not known for our language proficiency...)... But I realize those are only the beginnings and that it will get better in time.

Cpod and Jpod work on different formulas (I'm a Cpod subscriber too, though right know I don't have too much time for it). I studied Mandarin for 2 years in high school, and at first was pretty excited about Cpod. There are however 3 main problems with it in my opinion

- not related to Cpod in itself, but I tend to mix up 漢字 and 汉字; moreover, one of the main difficulties in Chinese is getting the tones right, and I don't get to speak Chinese with anyone (moreover, Cpod doesn't have a voice recording tool as Jpod101 has)

- Cpod is wayyy more expensive than Jpod (even if you don't get a discount when you subcribe...)

- The main problem for me, and the main reason why I've let my chinese studies fall behind, is that Cpod offers no grammar explanation whatsoever, even for premium subscribers. Considering what I remember of my mandarin studies, chinese grammar is easier than japanese grammar, but thinking that people can learn the language solely through exposure to it and vocabulary learning without any grammar explanation and/or reference material is a great mistake in my mind (once again, I haven't listened to Cpod in quite some time, so I'm willing to be proven wrong !). What I love about the pod101 podcasts is that they offer a complete solution to language learning. Of course I complement what I learn here with other books, but when in doubt and when I'm not at home I can always check things in the grammar bank. Besides, having grammar examples that directly relate to the lesson you're studying is much better than looking up things in a completely different grammar book.

Which is why if Jpod's team were to start a "chinesepod101" (Mind you, I'm not saying it would be a good idea considering Cpod is already well-established), I would surely subscribe and perhaps would let go of my Cpod subscription...

[Ulver_684]

Watermen!

It's seems very interesting and fair what both companies offer, I also a Cpod subscriber but haven't been there because I don't have the time to study so many languages for now I just focus on Japanese and let time decide for me.

What I would like JP101 to do is give out the address and phone number where we can reach them for a tour or something like that just like Cpod did here:

http://chinesepod.com/contact

It would mean alot for us!

[torerling]

I think their comparisons was fair and good, and also did find weaknesses in their own program, so I actually liked it.

[markystar]

i thought the criticism was constructive, if not fully positive at times.

praxis has a completely different approach from us. of course, i'm biased - lol - but everyone learns differently, and as hard as we try to please everyone, sometimes it we just can't. but we will always try!!!

as for some of the new shows being stiff...
well, yeah.
i hear it too.
but those guys will get better in time. the reality is, sitting in front of a microphone comfortably is an acquired skill. trust me, i'm HORRIBLE at it . going in with a script gives the host a "comfort zone" until they master it. in a few months they won't need a script and i'm sure the shows will become very natural sounding!

in the meantime, for those of you who listen and support the new sites, 本当にありがとうございます！

マーキー


ps: for spanish, check out the costa rican dialect shows... classic IMHO!