Is strict adherence to site scope rules killing the forums?
Nesrin United Kingdom Local time: 07:28 English to Arabic + ...
Mar 1, 2011
I haven't been very active on the Proz forums lately, for various reasons, but partly, to be quite honest, because I wasn't much stimulated by the discussions there. A lot of them are getting repetitive (for me), although I'm sure that's very useful for newcomers, but how many discussions on low rates, bad proofreaders or mean agencies can you take part in before you feel you've seen it all before?
Now 3 days ago there was a small discussion on the topic of translating fundamental Western literature (Adam Smith, de Tocqueville etc) into Arabic and its potential contribution (or not) to understanding between cultures, as this literature has played a major role in shaping the Western mind... which I finally thought was an interesting topic. But no sooner had I contributed than it was removed for breaching Proz rules (probably the "don't do politics" rule). I'm sorry but why is discussing the role translation plays in intercultural understanding (even when, as I argued, this understanding can sometimes lead to a dangerous power imbalance), be outside the scope of translators' concerns?
If a comment was made here or there on the current role played by certain Western governments, then maybe the poster could simply be asked to edit their posting, no? Instead of killing the whole discussion...
I'm not pleading to bring the discussion back, but just saying that the Proz forums are all the poorer because such stimulating discussions are blocked...
I have a feeling I may be asked to post this comment via a support ticket instead, but still wanted to make my opinion heard and if possible, hear the opinions of other Prozians...
[Edited at 2011-03-01 12:28 GMT]
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The Misha United States Local time: 02:28 Russian to English + ...
This has been the problem with this place since I can remember
Mar 1, 2011
For this reason, I hardly ever bother participating anymore. Sometimes it's like deja vu from the not so good old times, all over again.
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Edward Potter Spain Local time: 08:28 Member (2003) Spanish to English + ...
I second that
Mar 1, 2011
I was the original poster of the aforementioned thread.
The link to the article I posted gave valuable information for potential translation work.
The article talked about how so little of important western political thought was available to Arabic speakers. It also said that there was a budget available to change this situation.
The discussion was only lightly political. Most of what was being discussed was the merits of even translating these texts.
Apparently there were posts after mine that got the whole thread quashed. But, why not just edit out the offending bits instead of throwing the baby out with the bathwater?
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It can be difficult at times for site moderators and staff to make vetting decisions on certain topics which come close to, or appear at first glance to be, out of site scope. Both moderators and staff do their best to uphold the scope of the forums along with all other site rules, but to err is human.
In the specific case you mention, the discussion thus far is within site rules and so far within the scope of the forums, and will be made visible again. Thanks!
Lucía
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Nesrin United Kingdom Local time: 07:28 English to Arabic + ...
TOPIC STARTER
Thank you very much, Lucia!
Mar 1, 2011
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The translation workplace 
