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Word Monkey

By michael godwin on July 25, 2019

For this assignment I created an imagined language-learning app. Language apps like Duolingo are incredibly popular, but after doing some research I discovered that they really do not work if one wants to develop language skills beyond some basic vocabulary and grammar skills. In addition, despite close to 30 million active users, Duolingo does not make a profit. I imagined an app that takes the basic design of Duolingo but uses facial recognition that is capable of reading lips to create an accurate chatbot. This overcomes the problems with software that relies on audio recognition alone, which is why other language chatbot prototypes have failed.

The hypothetical app could work, but I tried to focus on profitability. To do this, I came up with the idea of embedding hidden advertising so even users willing to pay subscription fees to remove pop up ads, would still be subjected to more subtle advertising. Instead of learning how to order a meal in another language at a generic restaurant, users would practice ordering at brand-name restaurants willing to pay for product placement. The second part of my evil plan was to collect facial recognition and user data to sell, possibly for targeted-ads. At the end of the day, the primary motivation for most potential investors is money. Even the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan Board (OTPPB) bought shares in Geo Group Inc., a company that runs controversial migrant detention centers and private U.S. prisons. Yes, I just used the OTPPB’s unethical investing to justify my unethical business model….probably a good thing I did not pursue a career in business!

https://522wordmonkey.weebly.com/

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3 Aug Posted on Word Monkey

Hi Michael. I really enjoyed your pitch. I thought your elevator pitch really worked. Assuming the technology is there, this would be a compelling opportunity. As an investor, I would be very leery of anything that seemed surreptitious, advertising-wise. Subtlety is good, but a hint of anything unethical, particularly about personal information, can sink a venture forever. But I'm sure you know that. One of the issues though is, that once you've suggested that, my concern as an investor is that I now have to worry if I have to watch you. If I do, I would pass on the investment. You're clearly a good front man though.

3 Aug
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tod @tmckendr

Hi Michael. I really enjoyed your pitch. I thought your elevator pitch really worked. Assuming the technology is there, this would be a compelling opportunity. As an investor, I would be very leery of anything that seemed surreptitious, advertising-wise. Subtlety is good, but a hint of anything unethical, particularly about personal information, can sink a venture forever. But I'm sure you know that. One of the issues though is, that once you've suggested that, my concern as an investor is that I now have to worry if I have to watch you. If I do, I would pass on the investment. You're clearly a good front man though.

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3 Aug Posted on Word Monkey

Hi Michael, Your video for your elevator pitch was a lot of fun, but I agree with Silvia that hearing a voice would be nice too. I think your idea is simple and clean and I think that you hit on the pain point well that learning a language doesn't work unless you are actually conversing in that language! I know you focused on the money-making aspect of this venture, which makes sense from your point-of-view, but I was just wondering if chatbots and Facial recognition software is advanced enough to really help with the immersion and conversation that you would desire with your product. Cheers Sarah

3 Aug
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sarah mclean @smclea26

Hi Michael, Your video for your elevator pitch was a lot of fun, but I agree with Silvia that hearing a voice would be nice too. I think your idea is simple and clean and I think that you hit on the pain point well that learning a language doesn't work unless you are actually conversing in that language! I know you focused on the money-making aspect of this venture, which makes sense from your point-of-view, but I was just wondering if chatbots and Facial recognition software is advanced enough to really help with the immersion and conversation that you would desire with your product. Cheers Sarah

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3 Aug Posted on Word Monkey

Hello Michael, I like how clean and simple you kept the site/ presentation. I would have enjoyed hearing a voice on the elevator pitch, I think that it gives a touch of personality to the pitch. The way you word it, it definitely catches my interest in investing in this product. I would have like to see some more graphics, so as to get an idea of how actually the app looks and works. As an EVA, I would invest in your venture because you have clearly identified the pain point in language learning and the market possibilities that are out there.

3 Aug
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Silvia Chu @chusilvi

Hello Michael, I like how clean and simple you kept the site/ presentation. I would have enjoyed hearing a voice on the elevator pitch, I think that it gives a touch of personality to the pitch. The way you word it, it definitely catches my interest in investing in this product. I would have like to see some more graphics, so as to get an idea of how actually the app looks and works. As an EVA, I would invest in your venture because you have clearly identified the pain point in language learning and the market possibilities that are out there.

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29 Jul Posted on Word Monkey

Michael, thanks for the engaging elevator pitch. I would have liked to see a more graphical venture pitch, but the content of the venture pitch was so compelling! You have a great way with words that pulls me through the text, effectively mixing informal communication, technology revelations and realistic aspirations. I think that an effective pitch should inspire the investor throughout and leaving them wanting more. This pitch makes me think about how an effective startup CEO must be a master of communication; a virtue you exemplify!

29 Jul
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steve @stobie98

Michael, thanks for the engaging elevator pitch. I would have liked to see a more graphical venture pitch, but the content of the venture pitch was so compelling! You have a great way with words that pulls me through the text, effectively mixing informal communication, technology revelations and realistic aspirations. I think that an effective pitch should inspire the investor throughout and leaving them wanting more. This pitch makes me think about how an effective startup CEO must be a master of communication; a virtue you exemplify!

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