Ugh… I’m new to Skritter but user hz is describing exactly what I’m experiencing with the Android app in ‘beta’. Items are stuck in a loop with the app ignoring my ‘3’ or ‘4’ input. Now that I have a decent size back catalog (191 words, 51 characters) Skritter is ineffectual for learning new items. After a single practice opportunity new items don’t appear for 10 or 20 minutes. This does little to help me encode and leads to frustration when a second glimpse finally appears long after the initial impression is gone from my working memory.
Is there any reason Skritter is missing a separate learning mode for new items similar to Memrise? It seems this by itself would cut down on the issue with reviews by more appropriately determining SRS intervals.
I’m only using Skritter for the writing practice if it makes any difference. Even there with the kana I’m finding major inconsistency in input recognition. Some characters accept a loose approximation (emphasizing the kanji knowledge as I would hope). Others requires a punishing exactitude during input (way over relying on fine-motor ability) that creates a road block to any flow of study. By itself this might not be concerning, but to discover that the input issue persists two years after this discussion thread seems a major red flag - “wrong” strokes
I admit being a bit in shock that the execution is so off in a product that is presented with a premium packaging (i.e. the website) at a premium price. At this level everything should just work and never require users to battle with the technology.
I just bought in tonight and yet within an hour I’m having an intense battle in my head about asking for a refund. The potential of this system is immense, but if it’s as half-baked and underdeveloped as I’m reading and experiencing than I don’t understand how a user base is retained. Perhaps it’s just a side-project? Why else do major usability issues exist for months at a time?
I’m sorry if my tone is negative, as I very much want to encourage the growth in potential of the app. Unfortunately I’m worried that making a commitment to battle Skriter’s flaws will impede my learning at a time when I’m otherwise on a roll in my Japanese acquisition.
At the end of the day all I really want is to spend an hour every night practicing with this - please help me to see some light at the end of the tunnel.