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As the founder AND developer behind two of the largest (maybe they are the largest) free typing tutors on the net (http://www.typingweb.com http://www.typingweb
by ftwinnovations 14y ago
As the founder AND developer behind two of the largest (maybe they are the largest) free typing tutors on the net (http://www.typingweb.com http://www.typingweb.com and http://www.nitrotype.com http://www.nitrotype.com) I wanted to point out that there are more enjoyable ways to learn to type now :)
And I built Nitro Type's real time game engine in Node, which I learned about as an avid HN reader. Anyways happy holidays everyone.
- readme 14y agoHow do you define more enjoyable? Have you even tried GNU typist?
- belorn 14y agoSince both of your links are web services, they are not even comparable to GNU typist, which one can run on ones own computer. Are the webservice accessible when on a bus without internet connectivity? Is it modifiable so one can customize it fit each personal need and requirements? Is it discoverable for a school to certify that the program is teaching correctly? Can it be certified, under legal liability, as to be safe? On all of those, neither of the web services can say Yes on those questions. This is a fact when dealing with webservices. On other hand, GNU Typist can be run even when one is without internet connectivity. It can be customized to fit the exact need of a pupil. It can be verified to teach correctly, and can be certified under legal liability to be safe. It can also be verifiable shown as not storing any logs on who is using the tool.
- Maro 14y agoI downvoted you. All the OP really said was > I wanted to point out that there are more enjoyable ways to learn to type now :) But you went off on a rant about using it offline and customization and certification and "facts" about web services. Chill!
- belorn 14y agoI did go a bit over the top there, and to that Im sorry. My tone was unfriendly and below the expected standards for comments. The OP presented the two webservices as replacement tutor software. Even if one is only showcasing a replacement as "more fun", other aspects of the software still matters. If the only aspect one cares about is how fun the software is, there are plenty of games with no tutoring features at all but which has plenty of funness. Thus a replacement tutor software need to be viewed with all its aspects in mind, including customization and always online requirements. Thus while funness is an important factor when selecting which tutor software to use in education, I in my somewhat humble opinion, consider customization as a vast more important feature.
- kyberias 14y agoSince GNU is an executable program, it is not even comparable to web services, which one can run on any computer with a web browser. Is GNU typist accessible when on a computer where I cannot install or compile software? Does it work on every computer with a web browser? On all of those, GNU typist cannot say Yes. This is a fact when dealing with GNU software. On other hand, a web service can be run even when one only has a browser. It can be run on a friend's computer or in an internet café etc.
- Derbasti 14y agoHave a downvote, sir. The online/offline availability of a program has very little to do with its enjoyability. The OP did not claim to support any of your use cases, hence the aggressive tone of your comment is out of place.
- billforsternz 14y agoKudos. I had fun with your site, made an account and intend to return for more races. I hope this leads to something for you.
- billforsternz 14y agoKudos. I had fun with your site, made an account and intend to return for more races. I hope this leads to something for you.