I think, also, there’s a difference between when you are reading at less than 80% known, 80-95% known, and 95%+. You can get to around 80% known pretty easily just by looking up all of the unknown words you first encounter, and this isn’t a bad idea, imo. This will get you about 5,000 words, most of which will be the high frequency words.
But then a lot of language learning is really all about tackling the 5,000-40,000 known words step. And for most of this journey you will be somewhere between 80-95% unknown.
For example, if you were to just import Oprah Winfrey chat show transcripts to lingq you will find the first 50 episodes can quickly take you to 80-85% known. Another 100-150 episodes will take you to about 85-90% (consistently). Then another 250+ episodes are required to take you to 95%+ (consistently). Such that each gain requires a (relatively) exponential increase in volume of input.
You will also find that the first step (the first 50 episodes) is no fun, and it is just a lot easier to use simpler, shorter material (or at least “mix” these in). Further, the second step (episodes 50-200) is not always a lot of fun either (even, if you really like Oprah). Even at 15% unknown, it is a real slog to read, no matter how you go about it. But, I think, it is helpful to try to read through a sentence or a paragraph and not (straight way) look up words here.
Also, this is where the real magic of transcribed audio comes in - being able to listen and read - it helps a lot to get through the slog, I think. The brain seems to latch onto and focus on different things, plugging gaps, and reinforcing words.
You learn a native language, generally, in this order - listen, speak, read, write. The distinction with lingq is that learning a second language, generally, becomes - listen, read, speak, write. You generally don’t have 24/7 tutors, complete immersion and all the time in the world, when learning a second language. You also know a few things - like the value and art of reading, what sentences are etc - so reading can come a lot earlier to aid. But, then, what is the best way to incorporate early reading when each sentence has a bunch of words you don’t know?
lol, I have no idea where I went with all that…