I decided to start from the beginning - it's not the first time, but hopefully the last time I'm doing this.

Since I would like to keep the number of daily reviews to a minimum and because I know these lists rather well, I limit myself to writing and will do tones and reading at some point in the future.

Is anyone else doing it like this, or might there be some problem with this approach. I can remember tones quite easily and the more I write the characters, the easier it will be(come) to read them.

Tones are pretty effortless to do, so if you think you'll get any benefit, just do them alongside writing.

Also - give yourself good custom definitions from the start, so it's clear what words Skritter is asking you for. That's a pain to do retroactively.

I started over and only do the writing. Best thing I have done. I speak Chinese everyday so tones come somewhat naturally in spoken language. I got really sick of memorizing when 'yi' made which tone depending on which character is behind it. I write with skritter so that I can read very well and memorize vocabulary efficiently. I cut out single characters too and only do words. Besides, since I am learning traditional,essentially Taiwan mandarin, many tones on Skritter are wrong and there is no recourse for that. My friend recently quit over the issue.

I think you have to set your goals and consider your weaknesses and practice based on that.

Thanks for you replies.

@Byzanti: I now feel like contuining to practice the tones. As for custom definitions, could you help me with an example? I suppose in case of a custom definition you discard the one(s) given by Skritter, or don't you go as far as that?

@dfoxworthy: Are there many differences in tones between Taiwan and mainland China? I only know about 夕 so far...

I need to state one thing first. I use hidden pinyin. I like to check I know the word, rather than just know how to write it if I'm told it. That said:

I found the most important thing about custom definitions is they allow you to know exactly what Skritter is asking you to write. Less umming and erring about which word you're being asked for. This is especially important as you add more and more vocab. A custom definition which reminds you of what the word encompasses, or its usage is a bonus (for example, what is the point in practising a particular adjective, if you're never entirely sure how to use it, or knew when you learnt it, but were never reminded of it?).

So, some things you should definitely consider:
* a shorter and more precise definition (rather than a long list of words that approximate the meaning). Check a good dictionary first (try Pleco's default dictionary). 2 is a good number of English words. 1 or 3 also ok. But sometimes it's also easier to explain in Chinese.

* Put notes in brackets beside the definition ('do not confuse with...' or 'similar to' or '口语/书面语/正式' or anything else that helps clarify the meaning). It also helps sort out confusion between similar words and characters.

Some things you might want to consider:
* When I learn new vocab, I add in a flash cards program an couple of example sentences to go with it (so I know how to use it, and actively practice it). I add this example sentence to the definition.

* This may be a bit extreme for most, but I also add a picture. This improves recall big time, gives me a visual idea to the meaning of the character, and it also makes it more fun!

If you're doing a hell of a lot of editing I find its best to edit the words in the list before they're added to study. This way you don't stop and start your study when new words appear. That's pretty disruptive.

I've also found it's best to be clear on the word/character before studying it in Skritter, rather than adding from a long unfamiliar lists...

Hope some of this helps!