User Comments - bababardwan

bababardwan

Posted on: Focus and Specialization

December 31, 2011 at 1:25 AM

"RJ I don't know if you've ever sat down and transcribed a 15-minute audio recording (in your native language)"

...I don't think I ever did a transcript at EnglishPod, but I certainly proofread some, and I can confirm even doing that took a while...esp where stuff had to be corrected. I was thinking the same thing when I saw RJ's comment. Some of these podcasts are edging 20mins and even for a native I don't think it would be as quick as RJ was suggesting. Having said that, I perfectly understand his request and think he makes a lot of valid points. There is a point at which you hit a wall and no matter how you try you're not going to get any more out of your own efforts to work out what was being said. He hit a home run with his point...language on your terms. I don't think it would have to be one of the teachers doing the transcripts. Get some native kid just out of high school. But this is not something I'm personally hankering after....I'm satisfied if I can get answers to those key words that I can't catch which Connie or Jiaojie unfailingly answer. The ideal would be someone proofreading the final product of the transcript group...but hey, that's just me and I think everyone's requests should be considered for what they want.

Posted on: Focus and Specialization

December 30, 2011 at 10:38 PM

Mark,

I suspect you would be close to the only person who has studied the entire archive so I think you're in a pretty unique position. Thus, I do understand your position and disappointment and empathise with that. And if you're motivated enough to have done all that then you are the type that don't need a pep talk either. But otherwise, while I don't feel like I need a pep talk either, I love the timing of this with some folk thinking about their New Years resolutions, thinking about where they're heading next year and what that means for their Chinese, and how they can take it to the next level, set goals etc. I'm all for a bit of variety and trying something new [that always feels like a treat for me...and even if it ends up not being my cup of tea, I like some innovation and just the fact they're thinking of new stuff and giving it a shot. I don't think every podcast can satisfy every poddy when you're trying to cater for a broad range of areas], esp when it's only a very temporary thing and not abandoning the tried and tested format. Anyhow, 佩服佩服朋友。祝你新年快乐：）