When comparing Lang-8 vs Bliu Bliu, the Slant community recommends Lang-8 for most people. In the question“What are the best sites for learning foreign languages?” Lang-8 is ranked 7th while Bliu Bliu is ranked 14th. The most important reason people chose Lang-8 is:
Where many programs will have you writing single sentences at most, Lang-8 encourages you to write short stories or diary entries. Having to actually write in the language rather than simply remember vocabulary is a really beneficial feature for improving real-world use of the language.
Specs
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro Gain experience writing in your target language
Where many programs will have you writing single sentences at most, Lang-8 encourages you to write short stories or diary entries.
Having to actually write in the language rather than simply remember vocabulary is a really beneficial feature for improving real-world use of the language.
Pro Get feedback from native speakers
Native speakers of the language you are learning will give you pointers on your writing, such as grammar corrections and advice on word choice/sentence structure.
Pro Self-directed learning
Write as much or little as you like, about the subject of your choice, at the level of difficulty of your choice, taking as much time as you wish. Intermediate and advanced learners can benefit the most from this, but beginners can still use the site to practice what they've learned elsewhere.
Pro Gives you real-world practice
Rather than simply expecting you to remember vocabulary, Bliu Bliu gives you practice reading real content in your target language.
Pro Unique way of adjusting lessons to your level
You can tell Bliu Bliu which words you are comfortable with and which you aren't by rating them as "easy" or "hard".
The site keeps track of these and gives you pieces of writing that use a good ratio of words you know and words you don't.
The more familiar you get with the language, the more difficult the reading becomes.
Cons
Con New sign ups are currently put on hold
They are not accepting new registrations now, and it is not clear when will they accept them again.
Con Not a good starting place for beginners
The site doesn't teach you your language, instead it allows you to get advice on your writing in your target language. It's better if you have a basic understanding of the language at first.
Con Not all translations are accurate
Each word is translated individually by google, which only displays one definition. If a word has more than one use, it may show you the definition of the incorrect word.
Con No way to interact in case of questions
If you happen to have a question, you are out of luck. The only resource for you is to resort to Google.
Con Not a great starting place for complete beginners
The site will test your knowledge of your target language after signing up. If it finds you are just starting out, it will suggest you come back after you know a bit more vocabulary.
Bliu Bliu throws you right in by giving you things to read in your target language, rather than giving you structured lessons.