Beware of strangers portending to offer "new and improved" anything.
italki is entitled to make any changes they feel they need to make; after all, it is their site.
But, it would be appropriate as well as considerate if italki were to explain, in a little more detail, the reasons/justifications for these changes.
Hold your breath and hope for the best... :)
No more instant tutoring
No more 45 - 90 minute lesson (and I have students who prefer 45 min lessons and I, as a teacher, love 45 minute lessons :( )
As we would say in portuguese "Um tiro no pé"
Thank you, Richard! I didn't know about that feature. I just submitted a request. Here's what I wrote based on the comments in this discussion and the wishes of the other members:
Dear italki,
Recently it has been revealed that you are going to get rid of 45-minute lessons on italki. However, it is the desired lesson duration for many italki users. Even if it's less popular than 30-minute or 60-minute classes, I believe the portion of italki members that prefer this format and feel comfortable about 45-minute lessons should not be denied this opportunity. Moreover, 45-minute lessons give teachers the chance to take a 15-minute break between the classes, which is beneficial for their productiveness.
The instant tutoring option allows students to find amazing and interesting teachers and is loved by many users. Getting rid of it would disappoint and maybe even demotivate a large portion of students who connect to others thanks to this feature. For the comfort of italki teachers, tutors, and students, I sincerely ask you to reconsider your decision. We would all be grateful if these features stayed the way they are, allowing for more effective language learning. Thank you.
Yours faithfully,
an italki user
Maybe if more people write to them about this, too, they'll reconsider.