Jappleng.com
Jappleng University - Providing all of Japan to you for free.
Synopsis
Jappleng University provides instant access to an infinite library of Japanese material for free, and comprehensive courses that teach the Japanese language & Culture. The materials provided at Jappleng are gratuitous whilst granting access to a large community to learn from as well.
Jappleng has released parts of its website in March 2010 signifying a new chapter in the development of the project. Since then, frequent updates to the website and new content is placed onto the website making it a more of a complete product.
Education
Jappleng provides various methods to learn Japanese and about the Japanese culture. At the present time, online methods are their primary focus and has announced in various Development blogs that it has plans to expand beyond online education. The following is quoted from Jappleng University's Website.
-JPLearn!
JPLearn! is our course that we offer here at Jappleng University. Granted it isn’t the only method of learning here, but we’re proud at having such a curriculum to offer what we believe is the fastest approach to learn a new language, and retain the information.
-The JPL-U Libary
Should there be a need for further explanation on a particular subject, you will find it in our library. This library contains articles dedicated to individual lessons such as a lesson for each particle, kanji of the day, and many more. What can’t be found at JPLearn! can be found at this library.
-Japan Life!
The Japan Life! segment is for all who would like to learn everything there is about Japan and see how it is to live in Japan from your living room. At Japan Life, we’ll cover topics ranging from Japan’s Agriculture, television shows, history, and traditions, to experiences, destination information, and everything in between.
-Nakama Robot
Consider this robot as a good companion that keeps a record of your progress here at Jappleng University. It’ll take note at your progress, quiz you on the things you’re not sure of, and ensure that you are ready for the next step. It’ll even prepare graphs, personal worksheets and tests for you when you need it.
-Club Jappleng
This is more than just a group, this is a club of hundreds of groups worldwide. Perhaps you wanted to create a club about Japan at your school, workplace, online, or with your friends but didn’t know where to start? We’ll not only help you start but provide all of the materials needed free of charge every week! Club Jappleng will also have its own section on the website for even more fun things to do!
-Multimedia Education
We’re dedicating ourselves to provide more than internet learning materials, and that is why we’ll have multiple ways to help people out that text cannot do. From audio educational material, to videos that can be downloaded to your portable video player, we’re covering all ends.
-Jappleng Publishing
Curious to know about our publishing services? We’re developing books, pocket guides, and a monthly magazine to help you learn more, and keep us afloat financially. No worries, you won’t be missing too much should you not have the funding to purchase a magazine subscription or other of our publishing materials.
-JSpot!
Tickle your interest by finding your own JSpot! This is you own hub where you can customize the appearance, upload your own “podcast” and “videocast”, create daily syndicates, and become an important contributor to Jappleng. The JSpot will not be an active feature when Jappleng releases because it is so big, so look out for it later in the year!
News from Japan (Jappleng News)
The origin of Jappleng University began with 'news of Japan' in the form of a blog. Jappleng News as it was called, was the predecessor of Jappleng University and was later changed as it changed its focus towards education, rather than news.
Uncertainty
There is uncertainty towards what Jappleng News is going to be as official staff have yet to announce anything specific on the matter. It is possible that Jappleng News will be community driven from a recent forum post by Mark (founder of Jappleng University) mentioned that it is looking for volunteers to submit blog-like articles for the News section.
Interactivity
-Binding all elements of Jappleng together
At Jappleng University, every subsidiary interconnects with each other and makes it possible to perform an action at one place of the website, and be seen at another place. We not only combine all of our digital features together, but also include interactive elements from a member’s account to physical products such as our magazine syndicate and Club Jappleng.
-Community Forums
Become part of the community, and that can start right now! Our community forums provides discussions regarding anything in Japan and what is even better is that you can meet new people and become “study-buddies”. Having a friend that can practice Japanese with you is a crucial step in bettering your Japanese. Come in, we’re friendly and bite very little.
-Interactive Media Center
Previously knowon as the IDC (Ineractive Dance and Chat), the IMC is an online multimedia center application that combines user interactions with online media. Not much else is known about the IMC at this time.
-JSpot!
Quoted From the Development Blog: "Tickle your interest by finding your own JSpot! This is you own hub where you can customize the appearance, upload your own “podcast” and “videocast”, create daily syndicates, and become an important contributor to Jappleng. The JSpot will not be an active feature when Jappleng releases because it is so big, so look out for it later in the year!"
-The Arcades
All work and no play makes little Japan a dull boy. At the arcades users can play games and collect Yin-Yen(point system) and Achievement Points. Pinchy Attack is to be the first Arcade game released and is to be expected of XBLA or PSN quality available for Facebook. Users will be able to connect their facebook account with their Jappleng account to unlock special benefits and special features.
The Community
Jappleng is proud to open its doors to the community, and we strongly believe that by having a powerful community, spreading both the interest and education about Japan will be far more effective than to close its doors like many of our competitors. Granted, we may only begin with a couple thousand active members, though we strongly believe that in a short period of time, Jappleng will catch-on as a new trend-setting website and product that is capable of sustaining itself for many decades to come.
Our community has the ability to interact with each other through various ways, and to learn more about these ways, please visit our Interactivity segment of our tour.
Publishing Services
In May 2008, Mark Greig announced that there would be publishing services such as a Magazine Subscription, Pocket Guides, an education game, and Text Books. Mark also hinted out that these services may begin production in the fourth quarter of the year.
Corporate Details
Jappleng University is a Limited Liability Corporation, established in March 2010. Its Headquarters are uncertain but what is certain is that they are located near San Francisco, CA.
History of Jappleng
Jappleng blog was founded in Mid-November 2006 by Mark Greig.
In December 2006, Mark Greig asked Emmanuel Gilpin to be his partner for Jappleng News.
In February 2007, Jappleng Blog was now known as Jappleng News and its first website released.
In late June 2007, Jappleng News was turned offline for upgrades.
In August 2007, Jappleng News returns online temporarily.
In September 2007, Jappleng News goes offline and the “Staff Blog” along with a new promotional teaser is online. The release date for Jappleng News was set to be October 27th, 2007.
October 27th, 2007, Jappleng News goes online for approximately 15 minutes with over 600 member signups, and was quickly moved offline once again due to bandwidth exceeds.
November 1st, 2007, Mark Greig announces that there is not enough funding to support Jappleng and its supporting CMS must be migrated to a better one.
December 2007, Jappleng News has its first announcement in over a month stating it will release in January.
January 21st, 2008, Jappleng fails to release. The cause is the lead programmer had gone missing.
February 2008, a message from Mark states that Jappleng is currently “under advisement” and not to lose hope and that one day Jappleng will return and will be heard by everyone who is interested into Japan.
April 26-27th, 2008, Jappleng attends the Cherry Blossom Festival
May 2nd 2008, Mark announces that he has taken full initiative for the company and will resume production shortly as soon as the business plans are made complete.
May 4th, 2008, Jappleng attends the Nikkei Festival
May 21st, 2008, Jappleng attends the Graphics Design Expo at SJSU
May 23rd, 2008, Mark announces that Jappleng will soon be ready for production once again and that it will face tremendous changes within the next couple of months.
May 23-26th, 2008, Jappleng attends FanimeCon 2008
May 28th, 2008, Jappleng announces Jappleng University and upcoming previews and beta later next month.
June 7th, 2008, Jappleng Social Networking Day is successful and new previews available.
June 9th, 2008, Jappleng “Lite” is announced for the 27th.
June 27th, 2008, Jappleng “Lite” is released, on-site sponsorship campaign also begins.
October, 2008, Jappleng Shut its doors until further notice. Internal staffing issues.
December, 2009, Mark Greig announces the return of Jappleng University and "major changes" will be in effect
January, 2010, The new community forums are released, and part of the website is available for closed Beta.
February, 2010, Community forums are approximately 90% completed, and the website is roughly 60% complete
March, 2010, The community forums and website is released under Public Beta and is now in operation.
April 3rd, 2010, Jappleng begins its first advertising campaign.
Staff of Jappleng
The actual list of Staff on Jappleng and their purpose is not exactly known to public, however by gathering the most recent information on their website and forums, here is the list of members.
Mark Greig – President & CEO of Jappleng University; Lead Graphics designer & educational writer
Tony Pham – Editor in Chief
Sheeva H. – Writer
Elfgren – Music Composer
Lammert - Programmer (PHP/mySQL)
Nick - Programmer (Games)
Rumors and Speculations
There has been discussions that Jappleng might be involved with NHK for news and radio broadcasting.
It has been rumored in the IRC that Jappleng may be releasing in full (with the exception of JSpot, Infinity-Connections, and project Social Center) in September.
It has been rumored in the IRC that Jappleng may be releasing their new forums with the Jappleng University theme in August 2008. It is also rumored that the design is more complex than the original.
Pinchy's Learning Advent Chores has been rumored to be a game for the Nintendo DS to be released in Winter 2009.
It has been speculated whether or not Jappleng is intending on building their very own University in the future because of their new name and motives.
Easter Eggs
Various Easter Eggs can be found around Jappleng's website. Bellow are a list of known Easter Eggs, although there may be more that are still yet to be discovered.
YinYen Hunt Challenge!!! - Every now-and-then, there are episodes of "YinYen Hunt Challenge!!!" located in random locations of both the website and the forums. Often this is simple trivia related or not related to the section where it was asked. The first to reply correctly is generally the winner, however different Challenges may differ. The tougher the challenge, the more 'YinYen' is given if answered correctly.
The Jappleng Toybox - Various hidden features or "behind the scenes" material are located in the Jappleng Toybox. You can find the Toybox url at http://www.jappleng.com/toybox/ however, it is just an empty splash screen with no links attached to it. All Toybox materials can be found throughout the Jappleng Network.
Japleng.com - Visit http://www.japleng.com/ and you should see a spelling mistake page "You have misspelled Jappleng. You typed in Japleng.com which is missing an extra p."
Promo Flash menu - Right click on the Promo flash file on the main page (prior to release) and a menu will show up with two items: "There is no Easter-Egg here I swear!" and underneath of it "Best Served With Breakfast". Click on the first item and it will bring you to http://www.jappleng.com/easter.html with an interesting message explaining that there really is no Easter-Eggs around but if you check http://www.japleng.com/ you might find something interesting.
Mandy's birthday? - In an early promotional screenshot regarding the Jappleng Forums, you can see that Mandy Crabs's birthday is actually Mark Greig's (Founder) Birthdate (September 5th).
Source Code Fun - In June 2006 the home page of Jappleng had a comment within it quote: "Japple is like apples, but very fuzzy and clean!". What it means is up to your imagination.
Domains, Domains - Jappleng has many domains. .com, .net, and .org including the japleng.com domain name. Other related domains include Panovation.com | adventchores.com | Pinchy.tv .
Additional Information
Subscription Services
Although claimed to be entirely free numerous times in the past, Jappleng seems to have introduced a subscription service which can be seen on their home page. There are no information relating to this Subscription service, however it may be linked to their magazine subscription or JPLearn! textbooks.
It has been rumored in the IRC channel that the subscription service is aimed towards redeeming your education for high-school or college credit, and for a more detailed learning program, though this has not yet been confirmed.
Community Reviews
Jappleng University has been on the front page of Bestuff.com for over 5-days in a row.
There has been many drawings, videos, and audio renditions about Jappleng. Impressively Jappleng hasn't released yet, and all of these can be found through most online video sharing websites and the Jappleng Community Forums.
"I think that Jappleng University looks very promissing as it will offer many new ways to learn Japanese as well as traditional. I like the way that it breaks it self apart from all the other educaational websites out there by introducing "casual japanese" lessons, great community feautres, amazing website features, and so forth.
I've been looking forward to this website when I first heard about it about a year ago, and expect nothing less than an excellent website that offers so much for free. I'm even more excited today as they discussed their online services to be a minor step towards their goals with Jappleng, and I await in anticipation.
There aren't any releae dates, however there has been rumors in the chat room #lobby, that it will release this september. The authors of this project hinted out that it is a possibility because of an earlier announcement back in May-ish when Mark was revealing his personal goals.
There are no other website out there like Jappleng, and I can't wait for it to release. Thank you for all your hard work and because of it, I am writing a review for it here, and will tell many others about your amazing project! - BlackHaiyate"
"Jappleng rocks! The staff is nice and informal, and their goals are out there! They know what their doing and their doing it right too Smile Ganbatte!! - Japanice"
"Jappleng is a great place to be even if your not much interested in Japanese news (it's in english). Because there is a place to learn the language and its culture, a chat room, games, and various other free online things, even a forum. The website is one of the best if not the best looking one for this kind of thing. It's so helpful too! - Gemini32"
"Oh My God! Thats gunna be so helpful to everyone! It looks absolutely fantastic! I cant wait :3! - dominoprincess"
Related Domains
External Links
- Jappleng University: http://www.jappleng.com/
- Pinchy's Official Website: http://www.pinchy.com/