What Makes TextFugu A Different Japanese Textbook?
Made For Self-Learners
When you compare someone learning Japanese in a class and someone who's self-learning, the problems that they run into are completely different. TextFugu focuses on the problems that self-learners have, which means a different way of explaining concepts, a focus on keeping you motivated, and no limit on how fast you learn and progress. In class, you move as fast as the slowest person there. In self-learning, you move as fast as you gosh-well please.
Always Getting Updates (aka Not A Doorstop)
Although your paper textbook has the ability to gain dust, online textbooks can gain updates. We're always working to put out new content. There's new lessons, kanji, and content being added all the time, meaning that it can grow with you. Currently TextFugu has lessons taking you from zero to 'intermediate.' In the future we will be adding 'advanced' and beyond.
Written for Humans
One issue with some language textbooks is that they feel like they're written for pro linguists. Why's that? Well, because they were written by pro linguists. TextFugu takes a very different approach. The writing style is very conversational, and lessons focus on simplicity in explanation. If you love fancy grammar terms, TextFugu will not be for you. If you like simple, TextFugu may be worth trying.
Kanji That Doesn't Make You Crazy
Kanji is the wall that stops a lot of people from studying Japanese. No beating around the bush, here. Kanji is difficult. But, almost everyone studies kanji the "wrong" way. TextFugu looks at kanji very differently - we use mnemonics, spaced repetition systems, and a special ordering that will get kanji into your long-term memory faster than you even thought possible. If you've studied kanji the "traditional" in the past way you'll immediately notice the difference.
Community
Sitting in your room in darkness and isolation seems fun and all, but sometimes it's helpful to know that there are others like you out there. As a member, you'll get access to the TextFugu Forum. With thousands of other members you're sure to get the Japanese help you need (and plus you can help others out as well, if you're nice!).
Warning: TextFugu Is Not For Everyone!
All that being said, TextFugu's not for everyone. That would be a silly thing to claim! No single Japanese resource is the "best" resource for every single person. TextFugu, in particular, was made for a very specific type of person. The best way to figure out if this is you? Try out Season 1. Whether you click with TextFugu or not, you'll come out on the other end with a great Japanese language foundation, preparing you for more Japanese learning no matter what you end up using.