[MMM]

This is why I am a fan of formal study, and not online self study. Kyle raises a good point. If you want to study as a hobby and pick of a few phrases, more power to you. But if you are planning on going to Japan for any length of time and want to understand and be understood, nothing beats the power of formal training.

I am not trying to embarrass Justin, but saying "my katakana sorta sucks" or "I am bad ATM" are just thin shields when you should say "I can't read Japanese". It's OK not to be able to read... just be honest with yourself.