Monday 9th of January and it looks very cold outside of my window here in Bologna.
So, naturally, my enthusiasm is not at it’s highest ever level.
Nevertheless, there’s lots to be done, so I’d best get on.
One of the top items on the list is completing the reorganisation of onlineitalianclub.com.
We’ve made some graphic changes, as you can see if you visit the website.
But in terms of actually ensuring that the mass of our material is more accessible and usable for people learning Italian, we’ve barely started.
Thanks so much to everyone who has already written in with feedback and suggestions.
I think I replied to each of you personally, but if not, below are the names and summaries of what people said.
It’s not too late to email me your own ideas, or to respond to anything written here. Just reply to any email you receive from me, or write to the address on the website.
David, Caroline, Maria, Jean and Angela were enthusiastic and supportive. Grazie!
Patricia was also very positive. She mentioned that she hadn’t previously noticed the verb tables. Were they new?
Nope, just unnoticed, Patricia. And I don’t suppose you’re the only one who hadn’t seen them before.
Ideas on how to fix that would be welcome!
Steve pointed out some spelling mistakes in our global list of Italian schools. Now fixed, thanks Steve!
Sharon wrote that she found the popover box irritating. It shows up every day and needs to be clicked off, even if you’re already a member.
She’s absolutely right, of course. It IS irritating, especially if you’re often on the website studying.
But it’s also effective.
Over half of the people on our mailing list signed up that way.
And given that we don’t use passwords and logins, there’s also no easy way to show the form only to new visitors.
As they’re about 50% percent of the daily total, we really, really want them to see it…
But I’m open to reason, and willing to consider all alternatives. So, what do other people think about the irritating popover? Do tell!
Back to the verb tables again, Sheila pointed out that andare was noted as being regular.
It’s not, of course, and I’ve now fixed this. Thanks Sheila, and also for your other suggestions, which I still have to look at in detail.
Michael mentioned that the color of the font (a light-ish grey) was not easy to read. He suggested black, instead. There are ways I could tinker with the code to change this but before I try, what do other people think??
Paul thought the lines of the texts were too close together and suggested 1.5 spacing instead. He also suggested a brief summary of what’s new on the homepage, which is a nice idea.
Janet thinks the site is too white.
And finally, Carol writes that she likes the way SOME of the material is numbered (she probably means our series of free Italian grammar lessons.)
She suggests we do the same (order by level, number within each level) for other types of material for example the listenings (which are currently alphabetical, by topic) and the dialogues, which ARE numbered but have no level notation.
Agree?
Disagree?
Do let me know!
A mercoledì.
Lynne Cubbin says
As I get older, I am in ever greater sympathy with people whose eyes struggle with fonts etc. I support your reader re the grey font. it somehow makes the font look thinner as well as fainter.
I love the site though. Have bought six of your readers and am trying to listen everyday. Understanding the written word is one thing, the spoken word is quite another.
And now that i have found your verb tables, I agree that they are brilliant.
PS I am learning Italian in Bolton with Elspeth.
Gordon Silverman says
I came upon the site not too long ago as an aid to the formal lessons that I have been taking. It is great. Something to think about: provide an English sentence and ask for the Italian equivalent. This could be a little tricky as there may be several satisfactory versions. But well worth it – I think.