I would rather say "Depends on the translator"! It's because if you log in to play, gossip with friends, and check photos, then you're definitely not benefitting professionally, but leisurely. These social networking sites could, if you choose the right topic and people to talk to.
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neilmac Spain Local time: 08:47 Member (2007) Spanish to English + ...
Depends
Nov 27, 2009
I signed up for a facebook account under a pseudonym (basically for spam avoidance and other anonymous purposes) and after entering "Translator" as a personal detail I keep getting invitations to one translation-related site or another.
To me, this is no use whatsoever but I'm sure that some people might find it helpful.
I use my own original facebook account under my real name for non-professional purposes, to keep in touch with family and friends, since I prefer to keep business and private life separate.
Proz is a good site for professional contacts.
On a personal note, I find that many people who spend a lot of their time "networking" and "marketing themselves" and "enhancing their business profile" etc etc tend to be good business-wise but mediocre to poor translators.
But then again I'm an opinionated, cantankerous old pedant.
[Edited at 2009-11-27 12:59 GMT]
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I joined *put any name here* out of curiosity, but soon found definite professional benefits
That's right, but the statement also has a deeper stream: the more places one uses to ad himself, the better his chance.
Nowadays many SNS are subject to mostly unpunished ab/mis/overuse of some data just for *almost* innocent fun... Why, sometimes Admins also feel bored)
I agree that via SNS one can meet and befriend strangers he'd never have do in the real life, but also it can be used to steal or validate one's email, a bankcard etc...
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ViktoriaG Canada Local time: 02:47 Member (2005) English to French + ...
Depends on the site
Nov 27, 2009
I think some sites can be beneficial for a translator, just not in the way most of us would like them to: getting new clients.
I think there is an exaggerated hype about social networking, especially as regards finding work through it. Sure, some of us have found some work through them, but the whole idea is fundamentally flawed. Social networking, although effective to meet new people, among whom potential new clients, isn't about making sales--it is about camaraderie. What kind of comrades are those who only want to speak to you to get paid work?
Proof: I have seen many occasions where a discussion was started by a person, and as the discussion thread started populating, more and more messages were posted by people who simply wrote "If you are looking for an Arabic to French translator, please write to someguy@someserver.com." Way off topic, and very unpleasant.
I think social networking sites are great for just that--social networking. It is nice to have colleagues we can talk to. It is nice to get help with a term, to get advice, to be informed of events, articles and to eventually carpool or share accommodation and visit a trade show with like-minded people, or simply chat with others who have a similar lifestyle. Social networking helps with that. As for finding work, social networking is simply overrated--and marketing is way underrated.
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Textklick United Kingdom Local time: 07:47 Member (2003) German to English + ...
Two additional points
Nov 27, 2009
1. As I write, I am just starting a job for a top-rate agency which is based upon a kind recommendation by a noted Proz+Twitter peer. He buzzed me on Twitter this morning.
2. During the Proz Virtual Conference, many of us were both in attendance 'there' -whilst also in touch on Twitter. Proz also 'followed' the 'Conference Tweets' and in fact Henry asked me whether I minded if he quoted one of my Tweets.
These things can complement each other if you use them sensibly.
Chris
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xxxBrandis Germany Local time: 08:47 English to German + ...
As far as I understand..
Nov 27, 2009
Hi! the networking type speaks for itself, social networking. This could mean many things and also nothing. As far as I can see the development proz.com does not fit into that category, surly there are forums that truly entertain sociability but the aim is more pointed at professionality. I think we are on a right course. Facebook, twitters or the others keep on deviating one´s concentration off from the course. I would rather spend my evening with a few close frinds and we have a common feeling about a given subject / wave lengths etc., / than get jumbled with unknown people, that come with a wide varieié of topics, friendship,flirts, exchange etc., I do all that in a small world of friends anyway. I donot understand the sense of this posting other than either say YES or NO or MAY BE and other optinos, there is no true course for this type of posting in a portal like proz.com This is singly my opinion and not aimed at hurting or insulting anyone. Best regards, Brandis
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Marlene Blanshay Canada Local time: 02:47 Member (2009) French to English + ...
they can be useful
Nov 28, 2009
for making contacts, or for communicating with existing contacts. I haven't gotten a huge amount of professional contacts from these sites, just a few, but a couple of them have resulted in jobs. They are a tool for sure but not quite as comprehensive as PROZ or other 'job' sites.
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