Explaining why LingQ works. Which video do you like?

LingQ is a powerful language learning platform because if has a lot of functions. But this sometimes makes it  difficult to explain the system to a new user, especially since most people do not like to read manuals or watch detailed demo videos.

The manual for my new camera is complicated, or seems so to me. But at least I know what the camera is supposed to do. I am motivated to figure out how to use it, so I struggle with the manual and try things out.

We need to help our new learners at LingQ understand the reasons behind LingQ and motivate them to try to figure out what to do at LingQ and why. And we need to do it in few words and in an interesting way.

We have played around with two versions of the same script. Let me know which one you like the best.

The Dawn of Language

Og and Thag

Comments

[Max]

For some reason I'm partial to Og and Thag, though I think both videos are good. One suggestion would be to condense the "history" of language learning slightly and give more time to the lingq system itself.

[john]

Neither - these are just typical dumbed down ads trying to reel you in. I would never have joined LingQ from seeing ads like this. Stick with your strength: the power of one man, showing how *he* did it, and is now able to speak many languages.

[Spanish Tutor]

I think that both have some really good and effective presentation qualities. I prefer the caveman video but I think some elements of the first video should be included.

[Steve Kaufmann]

John,

There are many kinds of language learners. Those who understand LingQ right away, like you, have no need for this video. They are a very small minority. Hence the video, to try to increase the number of people who put in the effort to understand the site.

Thanks for all your comments.

[Colby]

I watched the caveman video first and felt that, while perhaps a tad simplistic, it flowed well and felt cohesive. By that I mean that the visual elements went very well with the explanation, and overall was a good promo.

Watching the "dawn" video after, I felt a more pronounced disparity between the visuals (which were more advanced), and the explanation (which was equally simple). The end result was that I felt the video was "talking down" to me a bit.

Ultimately, I like the visual elements of the first video better- it really feels very slick. So, perhaps the script could be adjusted a bit, or special care given to deliver it in such a way that it didn't quite feel like the narrator was speaking to children. If these were the final videos, though, I'd go with the cavemen.

[Shawn]

I must disagree with the previous commentor that called these "dumbed down ads trying to reel you in." The ads give a only a brief summary of the theory behind LingQ for sure; no ad that hopes to keep people's attention is going to give a complete theoretical explanation of the methodology behind LingQ. I thought the ads presented a simple, easy to follow, explanation of why language learning has become so tedious and hints at the fact that LingQ is a system that takes one back to the enjoyable fundamentals of the process. If by "reel you in" is meant that the ads try to peak one's interest so that they will visit LingQ and try it out, then of course it attempts to do this; all advertising does! It doesn't, however, reel one in in a scam kind of a way which seems to be what has been implied. Would one expect an ad that doesn't promote anything? I think these ads both successfully acomplish what Steve stated as his objective in the comment above the videos.
That being said my opinion is that while both are good, the "Dawn of Language" is better. It seemed to me to be more professional and less gimmicky. I found the cartoonish aspects of "Og and Thag" took more of my attention away from the content and instead focussed it on the animation.

[James]

I agree with Colby that the Og and Thag video had a more natural flow than the other one. It was also more attractive to me because it had a unique feel to it, which made me feel more like LingQ was not just any other learning system. The script has an 'Apple Mac ad' feel to it. This is a good thing I think. People tend to like those kind of adds because they feel different to most.

With both adds though I felt like the end part about LingQ was too short and punchy - I almost felt like I missed it and didn't know what the advert was about. I think either extending this to show a few basic features of LingQ OR producing another add showing these would be a very smart idea.

I noticed that the S. Korean flag was shown on the final screen.. *holds breath* Does this mean Korean is finally coming to LingQ as a language to be learned?

[Balint]

I agree with Shawn. I'd choose the first video, if I had to. But none of them give explanation about Lingq - the user doesn't get any information and motivation why he should choose Lingq.

[Steve Kaufmann]

There is detailed explanation about the site in demos and Help on the site. The intention here is to provide some background to why LingQ is different and why newcomers should take the time to read the instructions or watch the demo videos.

[Steve Kaufmann]

Maybe we should invite people to record their own dialogue for these videos in whatever language they want. I would be curious to see what we get.

[Mark]

I'd go with the caveman video (which I watched first).

Both adverts, I saw as less of an advert for lingq and more of a general eye-opener in how (not) to learn languages.

The part about "many of us began to dislike learning languages" resonated strongly with me.

[chris/blindside70]

Both would be effective. I voted for the "Dawn of Languages" but that's probably 'cause I watched it first. While I agree with John above, that Steve is the most effective mascot, it is true that there needs to be a more general draw and these little ads do the trick in an inexpensive way.

I think most people 'want' to learn a language and most people would probably agree with the reasoning on these videos. I was disappointed with the lack nudity though.

[Steve Kaufmann]

blindside,

The nude version is only available to Premium members.

[Valina]

Steve, I think most people voted for the dawn of languages, but I think the caveman video is more effective in that everything is tied around a central theme. It seems more focused thus can deliver the message more effectively

but that is my opinion

[John]

Steve,

I voted for "The Dawn of Language" after watching them once. However, after I watched them both again, I realized that while I don't necessarily like the theme of "Og and Thag", it is much more effective because it seems to follow a continuous process.

So I change my vote.

[Phil]

I voted for the Dawn of Language because it looked much more professional. I watched a lot of videos from Lee Lefever http://www.youtube.com/user/leelefever and I believe this style is the best when it comes to promoting websites. There is a reason why Google and Twitter keep paying for Lee's services.