I've noticed when I study a new list of 25-35 characters using the "cram list" mode, that whenever I get a character right on the first try, whether it be tones or writing practice, the characters I get right on the first try don't come up again when I study that list in "cram list" mode. No matter how long I study that list in "cram list" mode, those characters never come up anymore.

One reason why I don't like this is because a lot of times I'll get a character right by chance on the first try, because right before studying the list, I made the list of words and it's still fresh in my mind. I just think that it seems when we get characters right on the first try, the algorithm thing throws them way way way in the back

@Bohan, you're exactly right: when we get an item correct, the kitten (algorithm) schedules the item out quite a bit. When I experience this situation, which sometimes happens as I study Remembering the Hanzi, I self-grade the item. If I know I would have missed it without seeing it as I made the list, then even though Skritter thinks it's right, I mark it a 1 (red) or 2 (yellow), depending on the degree to which I feel I missed it. I am very strict with myself regarding whether I really remembered it or had an undesired hint and grade accordingly.

Bohan, I see where you're coming from and the same thing happens to me. Stay aware and self adjust for this. If you aren't comfortable with the word don't let it go as a 3 on the first prompt or you'll have to relearn it in a few days.

I like the feature, though, because I can mark a familiar word as correct the first time around and it will immediately fall into a review pattern rather than a pattern tuned to learning something new.

I am making a change to the way "cram list" and "cram section" work, such that the SRS will be toned down a little on the first and a ton on the second. That way you're more likely to see everything regardless of whether Skritter thinks you know it really well. I think this should better match the intended cramming use case. It should also help mitigate this problem.

I think I'll upload this tomorrow; keep your eyes open to see how it affects things if you use the cram section mode.

Thanks a lot Thomas and Dert. How do you guys grade yourselves on Skritter(1,2,3) ? I've never seen or used that feature.

Cool, thanks Nick!

I have the grading buttons turned on and often click them with the pointer. It's more convenient than going to the numbers on my keyboard while I'm using my Wacom.

Any time I don't know something about the character or word (even one stroke) I hit 1. If I made a stupid mistake from going to fast, I'll make it a 2. If it's perfect, I'll give it a 3. If it's too easy and I use it in my daily life, a 4.

Cool, thanks a lot Thomas! I just adjusted my settings :)

I just always study everything. So if its a new word I get it wrong a lot before it sinks in. Is this hurting my srs algorithm at all, and should I cram first instead?

I tend to mark new words wrong all the time whether I know them or not, just to make sure I get a couple rounds worth of exposure before it sinks into the nether-regions of the SRS mechanism. Most new words are truly new to me... I see many words for the first time ever right here at Skritter, so this isn't a frequent problem with me.

Another thing... I don't cram, so that probably makes my post irrelevant.

Cramming is almost always less efficient--only really intended for if you have a test. Studying "Everything" should usually be the way to go.