In an era when language exchange…
In an era when language exchange websites are rapidly consumed by larger companies who convert them into paywalls for their other language learning software and services, Polyglotclub remains, refreshingly, a place where genuine exchange continues to take place.
Yes, I have tangled with other Polyglotclub users about proper grammatical usage, and yes, I have often become frustrated by users who seem far more interested in learning my languages than in teaching their own, or appear to make little effort to express themselves correctly. But in the end, that is the power of this kind of platform. It is, in essence, the sum of its users. The more actively you participate...the greater your effort...the more you get out of it.
I was largely inspired to write this review after reading a couple of perplexing negative reviews here alleging that Polyglotclub is some sort of scam. First, let me say that, aside from being a user of the site, I am in no way associated with Polyglotclub, and have zero financial interest in the site. That said, all social platforms have to deal with scammers. There may be profiles with inconsistent information or seeking something other than language exchange, or pushing off-site contact in the first message. When I run across such profiles, I report them, and, in my experience, they are dealt with expeditiously. As for claims that the site scams you into paying money, Polyglotclub offers multiple ways to gain privileges on the site, including the simple act of helping others and participating in the language exchange community. Polyglotclub also offers language learners opportunities to socialize off-site. And in my experience, Vincent, the site administrator, is also very responsive to user inquiries and suggestion.
As for users who complain about limitations in the number of messages they can send, the site does not restrict users from exchanging off-site contact information. I trust these users are not spamming others by sending indiscriminate messages to people who aren't interested. Read users' profiles carefully before messaging them and send a message that focuses on common interests. You will get a higher percentage of quality responses and get far more out of the site. And if you like the site, you have several ways to show your support.
June 3, 2020
Unprompted review