Thank you to everyone here and on Facebook who helped me figure out that math issue yesterday. I knew that was what was wrong but I couldn't get my head around it. Y'all are the best!
And having friends who can help you figure stuff out is super important with things that are complex but can be hugely rewarding. And this post got me thinking about it even more.
Growing up I played a cheap knock-off version of Tetris--which, I've since found out, is probably okay because of the sordid legal history of the Russian game (check out the documentary my wife really liked: Tetris: From Russia with Love).
No one really had to explain the game to me. I figured it out pretty fast.
But since that time, I've started playing World of Warcraft. And, as Seth points out in his post: WoW is far more immersive than Tetris (though, I would add, both can be equally addicting <smile>). In fact, it really helps to have someone who knows the game sit down with you when you start playing WoW. They can explain everything, show you how it works, and get you pointed in the right direction as you set out on your first quest to clear the forest of unwanted pests that are ruining the lives of the locals.
And that's probably one of the many reasons Blizzard includes a 10-Day Free Trial account with every copy of the game.
Tetris vs. WoW
The same is true of Sonlight. Unlike some other programs, it really helps to have someone sit down with you and talk you through Sonlight the first time (or two). Many people come to Sonlight because a friend showed them how it works and got excited about starting their own journey.
If you want to know more about Sonlight but don't have a friend who will "show you the ropes" by sitting down with you and showing you how it works, then contact one of the Sonlight Homeschool Advisors who can answer your questions and get you started.
Want to help some noobs get started in the world of Sonlight? Want to get some coin for passing on your love of Sonlight to others? Then become a Sonlight Affiliate, and let us reward you for giving a little help to us and your friends.
~Luke Holzmann
Filmmaker, Writer, Expectant Father
That is a great point, Heather. Hmm... need to think of a way to show people doing Sonlight, not just talk about it...
~Luke
I used to play Tetris on my old Nintendo NES when I was a kid. Good times. Now I have Tetris Party on our Wii. Downloaded that from the Wii Store. It's good, but there's something to be said for the old no bells and whistles Tetris.
You are right about a friend showing you Sonlight to get you to jump in. I looked at Sonlight - and rejected it - several times before someone at my kids' old gymnastics place was "doing" Sonlight with her girls while her son was having his gymnastics lesson. It just happened her son's time was the same as my kids' time so we got to talking and she sold me on Sonlight. It made so much sense once I actually saw how it worked.
I spend a lot of time explaining to people on-line how it works, what they need, etc., but in person makes all the difference.
Se7en, <smile> I love your comment. It totally gives me a huge grin <huge grin>.
~Luke
Oh Tetris - sigh.... I deleted it from my machine... sigh... You can guess why!!!! Sigh!!!
Frankly I only survived varsity because I had Tetris to get me through each and every day single day ... and night and yes it is quite addictive!!!!
Oh I miss Tetris!!! But will have to keep it that way if only for the sake of blogging...
I am loving your movie anecdotes...