As far as the software project goes, Adso (the annotation engine) isn’t going anywhere. Well… maybe I’ll physically haul the server down to Shanghai sometime. If anything, this should result in a stepped-up pace of database releases, more rapid bug-fixes (John has already needled me about properly capitalized pinyin) and even better distribution of the software itself.
One of my goals is going to be increasing the efficiency of the way Chinesepod handles internal text processing so that we can make the most of the resources we have and provide better support for people who need help getting through written Chinese. Another is going to be dreaming up new things we can do to promote language learning with a word-level understanding of Chinese texts. If we’re going to have a discussion here, maybe the best starting point is asking how people are actually incorporating written materials into their work, and what kind of “dream team” annotation or electronic pedagogical tools would be really great to have.
My personal favorite is the “News in Chinese” section. It provides a very nice self-test (with the answers just one roll-over away!) and supports my interest in building a news-oriented recognition vocabulary.
Indeed, I hadn’t really even explored some of the other sections until this announcement provided an opportunity.
Wow, that`s big news. Adsotrans is really THE BEST online tool for looking up chinese characters. I regularly use it when writing/reading Chinese. And now David Lancashire is teaming up with Chinesepod, THE BEST Chinese learning Podcast. Can it get any better that that? I`m impatiently waiting for the next cool innovations to come…
Great that a fellow Canadian has joined the CPOD team. Looks like he will be a real asset.
Adsotrans looks like an excellent resource too. But I must be a total klutz when it comes to technology. I can’t figure out how to actually use the website. I’ve tried creating an account and it says that I will be emailed further instructions, but nothing happens. I’m not sure how to download the podcasts either.
Anyone experienced users out there have any advice ?
A lot of western companies automatically delete email coming from servers in the Chinese IP-space for spam reasons. So you can either check your spam filter, login using the guest/anonymous account, or try to register using an email provider that does not filter messages from China. Or just send me an email with the username/email you used to register and I can forward you a temporary password.
Another option is… waiting. One of the exciting things about joining the Chinesepod team from my perspective is the chance to make these sorts of annotated texts more readily available through Chinesepod and integrated with the innovated language-learning tools John and his team are putting together….
Adsotrans looks great, except that I cannot create an account on the site because the emails go astray or don’t get sent (I know about spam) and there is no way on the site to email the administrator, at least not after 5-10 minutes of frustration looking.
NICE - I was shocked by Canadians when I bought something there. They said “Thank you.” I was like “What!? What I do, huh”. Cognitive dissonance for sure. NiCE they are.
About Adso, I love the simplicity of the site design, but yah — it does suffer it’s technical glitches. My login registration went into the ether also. Looks like we’ll still have some Cpod ‘bumps’ along with the cool new stuff.
Will this affect adsotrans itself? It’s an impressive and valuable resource.
FDW,
I guess only David himself can answer this.
Ken Carroll
Hi everyone,
As far as the software project goes, Adso (the annotation engine) isn’t going anywhere. Well… maybe I’ll physically haul the server down to Shanghai sometime. If anything, this should result in a stepped-up pace of database releases, more rapid bug-fixes (John has already needled me about properly capitalized pinyin) and even better distribution of the software itself.
One of my goals is going to be increasing the efficiency of the way Chinesepod handles internal text processing so that we can make the most of the resources we have and provide better support for people who need help getting through written Chinese. Another is going to be dreaming up new things we can do to promote language learning with a word-level understanding of Chinese texts. If we’re going to have a discussion here, maybe the best starting point is asking how people are actually incorporating written materials into their work, and what kind of “dream team” annotation or electronic pedagogical tools would be really great to have.
My personal favorite is the “News in Chinese” section. It provides a very nice self-test (with the answers just one roll-over away!) and supports my interest in building a news-oriented recognition vocabulary.
Indeed, I hadn’t really even explored some of the other sections until this announcement provided an opportunity.
Wow, that`s big news. Adsotrans is really THE BEST online tool for looking up chinese characters. I regularly use it when writing/reading Chinese. And now David Lancashire is teaming up with Chinesepod, THE BEST Chinese learning Podcast. Can it get any better that that?
I`m impatiently waiting for the next cool innovations to come…
Wow, Chinesepod seems like the best place to work! Congratulations on your new hire.
Take good care of him, guys. Beijing’ll miss him.
Great that a fellow Canadian has joined the CPOD team. Looks like he will be a real asset.
Adsotrans looks like an excellent resource too. But I must be a total klutz when it comes to technology. I can’t figure out how to actually use the website. I’ve tried creating an account and it says that I will be emailed further instructions, but nothing happens. I’m not sure how to download the podcasts either.
Anyone experienced users out there have any advice ?
Thanks !
So, how do we get Brendan on board too?
Ken Carroll
That’s just fantastic news! Congratulations to all of you. It seems like a great union!
Oh YAH!!
Ken,
I’m afraid to get Brendan on board we might have to move to Beijing…
Paul,
David makes the fifth Canadian currently working at ChinesePod! They’re second only to the Chinese in numbers.
John — well, that, and provide me with an unlimited supply of Cheetos and brown M&Ms.
Paul,
A lot of western companies automatically delete email coming from servers in the Chinese IP-space for spam reasons. So you can either check your spam filter, login using the guest/anonymous account, or try to register using an email provider that does not filter messages from China. Or just send me an email with the username/email you used to register and I can forward you a temporary password.
Another option is… waiting. One of the exciting things about joining the Chinesepod team from my perspective is the chance to make these sorts of annotated texts more readily available through Chinesepod and integrated with the innovated language-learning tools John and his team are putting together….
Hmm, if the trend to acquire Canadian netizens continues, it is not hard to guess who you guys will try to recruit next.
Congratulations David! I think you will be a great asset for the team.
Chinesepod is gathering a very powerful team here. I can’t help wondering what they are planning.
Eric,
The next Canadian? Don’t worry, we’re not about to hire Pamela Anderson (never showed up for the interview).
As to the greater plan, just take my word that it’s going to be something really nice - with all these Canadians around, it HAS to be really nice.
Ken Carroll
Adsotrans looks great, except that I cannot create an account on the site because the emails go astray or don’t get sent (I know about spam) and there is no way on the site to email the administrator, at least not after 5-10 minutes of frustration looking.
Seems like pretty poor site design.
NICE - I was shocked by Canadians when I bought something there. They said “Thank you.” I was like “What!? What I do, huh”. Cognitive dissonance for sure. NiCE they are.
About Adso, I love the simplicity of the site design, but yah — it does suffer it’s technical glitches. My login registration went into the ether also. Looks like we’ll still have some Cpod ‘bumps’ along with the cool new stuff.
Hey Ken,
Who needs Pamela Anderson when you have Colleen and me! And we are plastic free as well, hehe.
Amber has a point, I wish I worked at ChinesePod hehe.