Students now have a new way of getting feedback on papers. The new Web site mindbounce.com gives students an opportunity to get instant feedback from professors and writing mentors.

Gordon Speagle, quality insurance manager for the Web site and a 2007 graduate, said the Web site is a great tool that writers of discipline can use.

“Everyone can relate to the common problem when you are writing a paper and aren’t sure how it is turning out. When writing, sometimes it’s hard to get a hold of a professor to get feedback. This Web site is a very convenient way of

getting good feedback,” Speagle said.

The website, which launched in August of 2009, hires writing mentors that read and review the uploaded paper.

“Mentors go through an application process to determine if they are qualified for the position. We have a 1,000 writing mentors already,” Speagle said. “These mentors, who are professors and writers themselves, are able to give feedback as soon as they are finished reading the paper. We encourage all students to take advantage of this website.”

The website is a unique source of feedback and is unlike other Web sites. Speagle said they want to distinguish themselves from other websites that sell essays online.

“Our site is not plagiarizing. Instead, we are like an online writers network that is able to help students write the best paper possible,” Speagle said.

Some students are in favor of the source. Corey Hickman, junior in Political Science, said the website is a good idea.

“I would use this website. I’ve never been to the writer’s workshops, but this Web site is a good way to get feedback on papers,” Hickman said.

Sam Cefaratti, freshman in mechanical engineering, said that the writer’s workshops are a hassle to go to.

“The workshops are a good source of help, but they are really inconvenient to go to. It takes time out of your day to go to one of the workshops,” Cefaratti said. “This Web site can be used anytime when your writing a paper without the hassle.”

While students like the convenience of the website, teachers question the value of the website. Ashley Hetrick, P.hD. student in english department and teacher of a composition course, said the online source lacks the face-to-face value

that a teacher can provide.

“I feel that when talking with a teacher and receiving face-to-face feedback, a student can take a lot more away from the meeting. The internet loses that personal connection that goes a long way in writing,” Hertrick said. “Personally,

I would not recommend the website to my students over meeting with me. My job is to make myself available to my students and give them feedback, but the Web site is a limited source that is available.”