Just my two cents here, but it's pretty obvious the newest language challenge indicates that the previous challenge wasn't as successful in terms of participation (premium membership) and  increased revenue projection. So, I have to wonder : did italki hit the proverbial "bump in the road" with the rewards sans payment for participation in the newest language challenge? Are we talking about less italki revenue and possible future changes for membership options? (I think so).

Since I became a premium member I had participated in several language challenges. However, I see no point in doing so henceworth. What can I say, "the thrill is gone" as far as the language challenge is concerned. I'm a self confessed language junkie and italki is a fantastic platform for me to indulge in my new found drug of choice: language learning. I'm going to participate on this website several times per week as a premium member with classes in Mandarin, Cantonese, Vietnamese, Japanese, Korean, Spanish, French, etc', no matter what! Unfortunately for italki there appears, as I scan the discussions and notebook boards, fewer premium members, ergo, less revenue (and less substantial discussions and notebook entries as well).

If the goal is to increase premium membership, I don't think the inducement of free T-shirts, access to online movies, flashlight pen give-a-ways, etc., will be sufficient in order to reach their goal. Furthermore, as "free membership" web site no one is obliged to learn a language or commit to the general well being and success of italki.  As I stated previously, I really enjoy italk, but I have to wonder: "is the ship sinking?"