I am excited about the new SD

Question

I confess that I was concerned when I saw some of our Spanish speakers moving on. But now, I'm beginning to get a sense of a re-energized user base on SD--and I like what I see.

Now we have an opportunity for new Spanish speakers to take a leadership role. We beginners and intermediate speakers also have an opportunity to work a bit harder to find good answers to questions, to consult with our teachers (those or us who are taking courses) and to make more use of our books and reference materials when answering questions.

I find the three "translators" on SD to be unparalleled in their accuracy, whether I'm looking for a word definition or a sentence translation. And I still think that Paralee's lessons are the best--they've helped me a lot in my coursework at school. And when I "google" a Spanish word or sentence, the most favorable links usually bring me right back to SD.

I'd sure like to hear your thoughts and comments about this.

Frank

• So far I am very impressed. I have only been using the Spanish Dictionary for a week. I am looking forward to using it as another source of information about the Spanish language. Also, its great to make connections with other learners. - earlyspanish Feb 21, 2012
• Hola, earlyspanish, thanks for your help yesterday. - mtmonadnock Feb 21, 2012
• Sin ánimo de ofender, pero yo prefería mucho más que la forma en que era antes de convertirse en "Nuevo". - Spenco Feb 21, 2012
• Spenco, we all prefer it the way it was. But, I'd like to make the most of what we have. - mtmonadnock Feb 21, 2012
• Mate ! we have to make the most of what we have and do our best to see that what we have is the best that there is . Being negative and crying over the spilled milk will not help, go out and milk another cow , or help the milkmaid. - ray76 Feb 21, 2012

Answer 1

Best hear it from a newcomer: I have been on this website for only four days, and I am positive that -- at this point -- I know at least 500 words and enough vocab to make simple sentences. Four days ago, I only knew gracias, hola, adios, and how to count to ten. I like the competetive atmosphere (leaderboards and learning points), as well as the cooperative atmosphere (Q&A and Reputation points). It is like we are just one big study group! I can't help but thank the SD team and Paralee, but also the SD community, who help out of the goodness of their own hearts.

I will continue to work on my Spanish every night.

• Oh, and my goal is one year, to master the Spanish language in one year. - skykar Feb 21, 2012
• At the rate you are going, you'll make it--it's been done! - mtmonadnock Feb 21, 2012
• Wow, you're making a lot of progress. That's really good :o) - Goldie_Miel Feb 21, 2012
• Wow! That would be so cool if you could reach your goal. At the rate your going, I bet you could do it. - t1funnyface Feb 21, 2012
• Creo que el dominio de la lengua española en un año es una meta muy alta por cierto. Tal vez usted va a leer Don Quijote de la Mancha en español por entonces. El buen trabajo hasta ahora y buena suerte! - Spenco Feb 21, 2012
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Answer 2

Well frank i have been trying to post sentences in both English and Spanish in order to draw out more of the Spanish translators , and or Spanish natives , the response has

been encouraging but i have not been exactly inundated with offers , but that may be

due to my inadequate posts , but it is early days and I am a patient man . From little

things big things grow , maybe a skype chat would be in order which may help to break

down peoples inhibitions . Unfortunately my spanish is totally inadequate for the tasks

which I have set myself , I need a moderator to work with me.

• From what I can see (your posts), you've already done well. - mtmonadnock Feb 21, 2012
• Ray. You know why you have not been inundated. They're gone. - Spenco Feb 21, 2012
• Ray - from little aches big toe corns grow :) or words to that effect. - ian-hill Feb 24, 2012

Answer 3

I'm not sure if "excited" would best describe how I'm feeling. I'm more curious to see how everything will go. I do love seeing all these new "faces", though, both native English- and Spanish-speakers.

Answer 4

Wishing happiness and joy to all my fellow Spanisdict compadres!

Answer 5

Dear mtmonadnock,

What a positive note!

There used to be an old Crosby, Stills and Nash song (I think from the 70's) called

If you can't be with the one you love, love the one you're with.

I think that's good, realistic advice.

Much good fortune with your studies!

Nancy

• Gracias Nancy - mtmonadnock Feb 24, 2012