We have to do better than 4%
I have read lately, a lot of posts that are related to learning a language and "How fast can I learn" type questions. You have the usual excellent answer that comes down to just "A lot of hard work" and time. Many people advise the new student of the advantages SpanishDict. has to offer and it's incredible resources.
It is really sad that very few so called "serious students" really take advantage of what we have here. I did a little math today to get the idea. (I have too much time on my hands after a long call at the hospital)
For example: (just one of many)
I used three sources: "The palabra del día", "The English word of the day", and "The picture of the day.". I counted ~ 5300 views during a 3 day period. With that
205 responses, that is, submitting sentences. That came out to~3.8%.
Only 3.8% of all the students took the time to look at the thread and have active participation.
If you really want to learn, you have to be active, not passive. If you take the time to open a thread, take the time to be a participant. Don't worry about mistakes. We have some of the brightest and most wonderful people on this site, ready to be more than helpful to anyone who will take the time and participate.
We have to do better than~ 4% my friends. Take advantage of the incredible help people and members of this site are excited to give. It's the members here, that is the best resource on SpanishDict. They are the backbone of what it is today. I'm very proud and humble to be among them.
Marshall
11 Answers
Although a very interesting point, I don't think that your calculations are entirely correct, Marshall. I'll tell you why.
The counter makes no distinction whatsoever between first time viewers and second or more time viewers. Looking at myself, I reread the mentioned posts several times a day, especially if I made an entry. I like to see what other members post and comment, and I want to correct my own post as soon as possible if I have been told I made a mistake. So if I come back to a post 5 times on the same day, that gets registered as 5 views, which incorrectly suggests that 5 different members have viewed but not participated.
And I'm sure many other members do the same, so only a relatively small group of members is responsable for a high count in views. Therefore I think the percentage of "read-only" members is a lot smaller than your calculated 96 % 
.
Thoughts anyone?
Saludos, Chica
Bravo. Absolutely.
I just found out about this site recently, and even as a native Spanish speaker, I have found myself learning so friggin' much. Not only as far as Spanish goes, but English also (thanks, Qfreed! lol)
And it's such a pleasure and a joy to help Spanish learners with their process. I mean it. It's a great feeling. I am attending college in Denver, and I always try to come up with study groups, online review exercises and other ideas for my [Spanish class]mates to participate, but sadly, almost nobody seems to want to go the extra mile that it takes to learn. I keep telling them that barely three hours a week, with absolutely no other exposure to Spanish or any other practice in-between those hours is not a great way to learn. But whatever, I can't force them to do anything.
I love this site, I am getting a tad addicted to it...lol
This isn't the only way to learn Spanish.
For example: I have at least 10 other textbooks, audiobooks, video lessons and computer software I use, not to mention online resources.
Just because people don't use every single part of this site doesn't mean they're not studying their butts off.
Nice post. I try to post answers to most of the threads I look at. (games and learning ones). Sometimes, they are so far out of my league, I don't even try. Of the ones I have posted on, I am rarely correct. I appreciate the effort put in by the posters, and the corrections as well.
Even the ones I don't answer on, often teach me something just by reading the answers and corrections. I have to look up definitions for some of the words, and usually when I answer it is not just off the top of my head, so it causes me to research which is good for me.
From this and doing many flashcards, my comprehension in reading Spanish has improved so much, that I have to sit on my hands to keep from clapping sometimes.
Thanks to all of you who work hard to teach, and thanks to all of you who venture answers as well, as it provides a great opportunity to learn.
Very interesting stat's Marshall - and quite true I've never met a wall flower who can speak Spanish yet ;p
Chica is correct in her response. The counter does not distinguish between new viewers and return visits, so the analysis could be inaccurate.
There are days I don't have time to respond to the threads. I spend about half an hour preparing each response. I keep a Microsoft Word document containing all my responses, archiving them for future reference, and applying the corrections as needed. The Word file also helps me proof my spelling before posting. I'm not at the skill level to just type an answer into the box.
Other days I can't think of a good sentence using the word or referencing the picture. I do enjoy reading the responses of other members.
I believe these threads are some of the best advantages of this site. They allow me to explore new sentence constructions and see what works best. These threads allow me to experiment in a learning atmosphere.
I appreciate everyone's help in these threads.
Well said Marshall!
Thanks, Marshall. I appreciate your word of the day. I am so glad that we have the opportunity to practice here on this site. Thank you for everyone who makes this possible. I encourage people not to be afraid to make mistakes. That is how we learn. Learning a language is for some of us a long process. I know I need a lot of practice. Let's practice some Spanish!
Hey ! And Wow ! I am in the top 4 % of people , that is a rise of 96% .
I am usually in the bottom 4 % so I am deliriously delighted .
But seriously Marshall , that was great research and a sobering thought for all of
the people who look read and move on . As Marshall can tell you from other
research , that if you do not use it you lose it. This is a wasted opportunity a
once in a lifetime deal . All you need to do is participate in the finest and
freest language site on the web . Do not worry about making mistakes , or
thinking, "will I be good enough" look at some of the rubbish I have turned out
and I am still here. If a derelict reprobate like me can make it , well you
young ones are odds on to get to the top in no time . So get the lead out and start posting and commenting. And thank you Marshall you are good value mate!
It would be cool to see a few more answers. So. For anybody who has not tried forming sentences in the games and challenges. Come on guys. Its a lot of fun and everybody understands that learning a second language is not easy. It has been my experience that everybody here loves to learn and help others as much as they can. Nobody here is judgemental. So, fear not. This is fun. Hasta pronto en el foro .
Amor y paz
I see the count of "Views" as possibly misleading. When I browse the forum, I may not have the time to post to a thread that I viewed, until possibly the second or third viewing. When I do post, the page refresh counts yet another view. If I comment on someone's answer, that refresh counts as a view, yet again. Only a "vote" can occur that does not cause a refresh and increase the view total.
By assuming that others do similar things as to what I do, I think that 4% could easily be actually as high as 30% to 50%. I'm being an optimist here, I know.
