Comments on: Who cares what other translators are doing wrong?

By: Copying content from other blogs without permission — There's Something About Translation

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 03:39:46 +0000

[...] But because this last point is a deal-breaker for me, I took the time out of my day to email the agency in question, request that my content be removed and, while I was at it, offer them a few tips on how to properly syndicate content. I didn’t even bill them (because I’m good like that). The offending post was promptly removed and the oversight blamed on an errant employee. Fine – I was all set to move on. I like to pick my battles and frankly my life’s too short to worry about what other people are doing wrong. [...]

By: Alexander

Alexander — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 18:38:39 +0000

Hey Sarah! I'm totally with you until you say "we rarely hear about them - and why should we?" about prosperous translators--on the contrary, I think everyone would benefit from knowing about them, etc. What if we lived in a world where they were equivalent to being rock/media stars? Would that drive the rest of us out of business? Probably not. But I think it could enhance our profession and how clients understand us, our work, and what goes into it. Tnx too for your post on my blog, much appreciate it! Alexander Alexander´s last blog post... 5 minutes with John Kochman of Unifrance

By: Kenny Christian

Kenny Christian — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 09:05:24 +0000

This is exactly on the money! It may be a cliche but it holds true over and over, “You get what you pay for”. Good/steady customers and I mean the ones that regularly need service and pay their bills according to agreed terms know what to expect for what price. I believe the toughest part for freelancers is educating future customers so that they become “Good/steady” customers that understand the “You get what you pay for” rule of thumb applies here too. Thanks for the article!

By: Kelly Wester

Kelly Wester — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 15:33:42 +0000

Well said, as usual! Kelly Wester´s last blog post... Revisiting Quito: Returning to the Land of my Student Exchange

By: Sonja

Sonja — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 21:42:45 +0000

Very funny, Plumber Smith’s first name surely is Joe:)) I attend a regular get together for translators which, if I am totally honest, sometimes reminds me of a self-helf group. Though we discuss certain topics, cheap-rate translators is not one of them. And I’ve never met a professional translator who wanted to discuss this. The problem is probably what we’ve suspected all along: the non-professionals… Which puts certain internet platforms for translators with their endless forum discussions instantly into a new perspective.

By: Susanne Aldridge III

Susanne Aldridge III — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 15:31:08 +0000

Amen to that! I am always wondering if there is a message board where all the plumbers cluck together boohoo'ing about Plumber Smith only charging $30 an hour. Or even better, do you think Nike, Adidas and Puma cry about Aldi selling sneakers - maybe a hidden Yahoogroup of sneaker manufacturers? Probably not. There will always be people who buy cheap and they don't mind to have a product of lesser quality. At the same time, not every translator is equally talented, so why should someone who is not as experienced/talented/qualified charge the same rate as linguistic Wunderkind? I paint my own bedroom - sure you can see that I did it myself with some splashes here or there but I don't care. I hope the neighborhood painter is not sending me an email or knocking at my door explaining the values of a professional paint job and telling me how crappy my walls look. Susanne Aldridge III´s last blog post... I am wearing jeans!

By: Jill

Jill — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 14:57:33 +0000

I couldn't agree more with you and Ryan. I keep an eye on what others charge to make sure my rates aren't too high or low, but I myself set my rate. And it can change depending on the turnaround, level of language, work involved with conversion, etc. Great post! Jill´s last blog post... There are no kangaroos in Austria!

By: JLibbey

JLibbey — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 14:41:14 +0000

Bravo!