English club has become one of the most famous and popular social networks on the web. His founder, Mr Josef Essberger, has agreed to accord me some of his invaluable time to answer some of my questions, Though he has a very busy schedule.Hello Mr Josef, first I want to thank you for accepting my request in order to put some light on this successful experience.1) What inspires you to create a club for learners of English language?That was way back in 1997 when I had just discovered the Internet. I was teaching English in Paris in France at the time, and I was just astounded by this new technology that allowed people to be in touch with each other all over the world. I say “new” because it was new to me in 1996, but actually it had been around, especially in the USA, for a few years already. Anyway, I had no idea how the Internet would develop – I don’t think anyone knew that – but I just felt it was an obvious way to distribute information and knowledge that learners worldwide could benefit from free of charge. Admittedly, many people around the world did not have Internet access in those days, but I guess I just had faith that it would grow.2) So,was it an easy task for you to compile all needed information to englobe all parts of English language and put them in an e-encyclopedia ?Well, unfortunately I think you exaggerate EnglishClub’s coverage a little :-) EnglishClub has a lot of information, and it’s growing, but I could never claim that it had “all needed information” – and, much as I’d like to, I couldn’t really call it an “e-encyclopedia”! But it does have a lot of content, and a good mixture, from lessons to games, from static to interactive. Was it easy? In one way, at the beginning, yes. I was obsessed by this new medium and probably suffered from some kind of obsessive-compulsive disorder :-) I just worked day and night – when I wasn’t teaching – adding new content. But since then, many other people have contributed to the content, and continue to do so. Right from the start it was my belief that “content is king” – in other words, a site like EnglishClub lives or dies by the quality of its content, not by clever design or fancy gizmos. Let’s say I put a lot of emphasis on having good, solid material as the backbone of EnglishClub, and for that I have to thank many of the members, the forum moderators and the editors, some of whom you can see at:http://www.englishclub.com/about/english-club-team.htm3) MyEnglishClub is a great idea, how was possible to carry it out in a way that every member has his own page or little site to deal with?Thank you. It’s really just a result of the technological changes within the Internet – and what is loosely called Web 2.0. The new technologies have allowed much more interactivity and genuine communication, and one of the results was the development of software that allowed social networks to come into being. In fact, way back in the year 2000 EnglishClub started a section where each member could have his own page or small site to manage, but the software was not really reliable in those days and we did not maintain that section for long. In the last few years, developments in software and connectivity have meant that social networks are now a reality.4) How do you feel when you see members joining EnglishClub, MyEnglishClub, and participating in all kinds of activities?Good question. I feel very happy, especially to see members from all over the world, from so many different backgrounds and cultures.5) Since I joined EnglishClub, I noticed that it is always evolving and introducing new materials of study and learning. Can you tell us about the efforts you afford to assure this process of development?I suppose there are several aspects to that, but for me the most important thing is good, reliable content. And this needs to be added and updated. I mean, we can’t afford to “sit on our laurels” or be satisfied with what we already have and make no further effort. The Internet itself is evolving, and there is plenty of competition out there. So right from the start I have put content – serious, meaningful content that I believe is useful to learners, and teachers – at the top of the list. But in addition to the content, we have to be aware of technical developments and display the content in ways that people enjoy or expect. So there is more and more audio and video, for example, appearing on EnglishClub, and of course in MyEnglishClub. But we never went out too far in advance, remembering that the whole world is not wired like South Korea, and that not everyone has high-speed Internet, or even perhaps a computer. Many people still access EnglishClub through an Internet café, for which they usually have to pay (unfortunately), so we try to make the site as user-friendly and easy to navigate as possible – so people don’t waste time on irritating pop-up advertisements or pages that need tons of plug-ins. All in all, then, I’d say we try to keep technical development at a happy medium for all, and continue to put the final emphasis on content and good material.Thank you Dear Sir for the clarifications you provided, I am sure that these five questions are not enough to give English club its worth.Thanks are also due to the Team of English Club.To conclude, let me tell you that you are the teacher of about 70.000 students all around the world.Do I exagerate?
I'd like to thank Josef for taking the time to do 2 interviews! Wow. Nice questions, Hanane! I'm glad Josef believed in his idea and that he had "faith" that EC would grow.
Comments
Yes, It was an honor for me that he accepted my request.
Regards
Cheers,
Nafis