Review by Jay H. Colborn

Rosetta Stone is a ripoff.

1. They limit downloads, so if your computer crashes, or you get a new computer, you are out of luck.n2. They are not people friendly, if you call. Hopefully, you can get a native English speaker you understand.n3. The method is ok for some people; it is a matter of personal preference. One should develop one’s own method which works best for them. For example, repetition is best for some, memorization is best for others. Rosetta Stone has you figure out words based on the pictures and context, and this can be much improved. This much like how a child learns her/her own language, which is ok. However, I think someone can make a similar method more suitable for adults.

My suggestionsnn1. Start with Pimseur. This method teaches you good pronunciation from the beginning, and develops a basic speaking ability. It repeats a lot, which many don’t like, but I’m not one of them. Repetition hammers it into your skull, so that you can automatically spit outa word without trying to remember the word. A shortcoming to many is the limited vocabulary. Well, this method is NOT supposed to include a large vocabulary; you can best get that from beginner readers and other materials such as French at the Wheel and Living Language courses. They expand your knowlege, and supplement Pimsleur beautifully.

2. Read French materials on the internet, and even tune in on sitcoms via the internet. See what the library has, and talk to others for their own ideas.

3. Carefully read reviews on Amazon and elsewhere. Many reviews for various items seem fake, to me. Or reviews are by people who are naive and easily impressed. So read reviews for substance, and if you have time, read what other items a reviewer has reviewed. Personally, I have no problem in harshly rating something. I tend to give better than average ratings because I’ve already studied other reviewers carefully, and end up with products deserving good reviews. This review was based on looking at what someone else bought; I knew beforehand from reviews of others what it was.