The "Matériels" Page

[Thomas]

Ok...I think that ever since this podcast started, this name of this page has been doomed. Originally it was "Matériaux", which I was told meant things used to build stuff, or something like that, and that the word "Matériels" would be better for documents and worksheets and such. However, I still recieve probably at least one email a week saying that I should rename this page. The most recent one said that matériels is only for things that can be touched, and suggested "Documents", "Supports Textes", or "Supports Écrits." I personally feel that anything with "Support" in it implies much more than written materials. And given the difficulty I seem to have coming up with worksheets...I don't see anything other than written materials being there for a while. And as for "Documents"...it just feels too literal to me; I like the idea, but I don't think that people would click "Documents" to find help.

What do you guys think? Do I really need to change it?  And if so, what should I change it to?

[Freddyben]

Hi Thomas I just went to the French itunes store and there's a tab reading "support", in it you have different kind of materials : written, downloads and there could be audio "support" too like in your website. Basically a "support" is an aid with different kind of materials in it or just one kind of. I don't think it especially means more than this. This term sounds to me to be the more logical. But in French I wouldn't put "matériels", that's for sure.

[Thomas]

The only reason I hesitate with the word "Support" is because to me, from the English use of the word, it means assistance when there is a problem. Does the word imply any sort of problem in French?

[Freddyben]

Ok I see now, you're right, a support in French is like in English; an assistance when there is a problem, that's the case in the French itunes, so indeed don't put this word but I think you can use the word "documents", it fits pretty well because there are just documents in it (I was wrong the last message I thought there were audio tracks). It wouldn't shock me at all.

[Thomas]

Ok, well, I suppose Documents will work. I get lots of emails saying that Matériels isn't the right word, and if nothing else, it will fix that! I'll put it on the list of changes I need to make.

[Flo]

oui, je pense aussi qu'il faudrait changer le mot "matériels", documents écrits, textes, supports écrits, références... mais ce n'est qu'un détail, toujours bravo pour ton professionalisme et ta courtoisie. Bonne continuation et à un de ces jours peut-être.... amicalement Flo