Smearing an Entire Industry - Let`s Japan!

by Kevin R Burns
(Kanagawa, Japan)

Smearing an Entire Industry - Let`s Japan!

"The Site Dedicated to Debunking Eikaiwa"

"Let's Japan was not created to smear an entire industry. On the contrary, right on the front page of our site it says, "English is being taught well by great teachers here in Japan." It has always been hoped that the site would foster a discussion and inform newcomers in an effort to improve the conditions of eikaiwa."

--Shawn Thir, Co-Owner of Let`s Japan.org

Mr. Thir, right on the front page next to your
title, Let`s Japan, it states:

`The Site Dedicated to Debunking Eikaiwa.`


If that isn`t smearing an entire industry, I don`t know what is.


Mr. Thir says , "It has always been hoped that the site would foster a discussion and inform newcomers in an effort to improve the conditions of eikaiwa."


Just a second, I gotta get a tissue. Okay, I`m back.

If that is true, then why the "Debunking Eikaiwa" motif at your site?

You can`t be all things.

Either your site is a joke.


Your site is a debunker of all Eikaiwa, or your site is balanced.


You can`t be all three.

You are starting to sound like Bill Clinton:

"But I didn`t inhale."


Why not point out some of the schools that are doing a good job then?

If you are truly trying to improve the industry, point out which schools are doing a good job. --positive
reinforcement.


Why not mention that at schools like mine, teachers routinely sign a second or even third contract? There are many great small schools in Japan, but you won`t read about them at Let`s Japan. At LJ they like to debunk the big schools. Unfortunately it taints the whole industry.


This isn`t all LJs fault of course, but if

you can`t read anything positive there, people
will leave with a negative impression.


"English is being taught well by great teachers in Japan."

--Let`s Japan!

You are not saying anything positive about the
Eikaiwa industry with this last quote. Why not
point out some of the schools where those
teachers work?

How the school has helped to foster a good environment for their teachers?



Check out the Greenlist right at this site for schools that are doing a great job. How do we know? Teachers tell us!


I think if you don`t work in Eikaiwa and haven`t done for five years or more, it is difficult to know what is happening in the industry. Some of the people who comment on Eikaiwa are actually university professors.


They don`t work in Eikaiwa.


But they feel free to comment on it.



Mr. Thir, if your site is just a joke, you should
get rid of the "Debunking Eikaiwa" motif on the front page.


If you have ever had the experience as I have had, of posting a positive story at Let`s Japan it is truly amazing. You will get many posts "debunking" your positive story about Eikaiwa.


Even posting an employment ad there-- a job opportunity, generates negative comments. They will debunk your job ad.


The trolls are ensconced at Let`s Japan. Some of the people there need to get some fresh air.


Leave your keyboard trolls! Go for a walk, there is a whole world out there. There are flowers and trees, and cute furry animals out there if you look. Open the door, run out, smell the air!!!



Unfortunately, some "newbies" take the stories at LJ at face value, which really is a shame.