Poll: How often do you update your ProZ.com profile? Thread poster: ProZ.com Staff
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This forum topic is for the discussion of the poll question "How often do you update your ProZ.com profile?".
View the poll results »
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Ty Kendall 
United Kingdom
Local time: 12:41
Hebrew to English
| Infrequently | May 19, 2012 |
A few more answer options might have been nice.
I tend to update it when something needs changing.
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Michael Harris
Germany
Local time: 13:41
Member (2006)
German to English
same as Ty. Why would you update it if there is nothing to "update"?
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| I updated it recently | May 19, 2012 |
But last time was one year ago. Infrequently was my answer.
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| Just the photo | May 19, 2012 |
Other than that, I rarely touch it.
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I update it only when I think I need to do it.
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Thayenga
Germany
Local time: 13:41
Member (2009)
English to German
+ ...
I usually replace my CVs whenever something important needs to be added.
Other than that, rarely.
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neilmac
Spain
Local time: 13:41
Spanish to English
+ ...
FYI, here are my latest updates:
"POTENTIAL CLIENTS PLEASE NOTE:
I am not usually willing to provide "test translations" or "updated CVs". And please do NOT ask for my "BEST RATES" - if you are serious, just make me an offer."
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Robert Forstag
United States
Local time: 07:41
Spanish to English
+ ...
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Julian Holmes
Japan
Local time: 20:41
Member (2011)
Japanese to English
I'll rubberstamp that and endorse Robert's endorsement, too.
And being asked to do trial trianslations by young whippersnappers who were probably still being wet-nursed when I first started out translating many years ago does get on my boobies! 
Small edits
[Edited at 2012-05-19 14:03 GMT]
[Edited at 2012-05-20 03:17 GMT]
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Julian Holmes wrote: I'll rubberstamp that and endorse Robert's endorsement, too. And being asked to do trial trianslations by young whippersnappers who were probably still being wet-nursed when I first started out translating many years ago does get on my boobies! Small edits [Edited at 2012-05-19 14:03 GMT] [Edited at 2012-05-19 14:29 GMT]
I don't get upset being asked to do test translations though, although it has perhaps only happened half a dozen times in 20 years. Most of my work comes to me through word of mouth.
Maybe some would-be clients have had a couple of rotten experiences and prefer to have a short test piece before committing themselves and their money to some unknown. Having been in the game for a number of years does not guarantee quality, however we might like to believe that is the case, speaking for ourselves (ha, ha). There are texts of dreadful quality being produced by translators who have been working (often, though not always) cheaply for years...and who will continue to do so.
[Edited at 2012-05-19 15:00 GMT]
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| Only the availability calendar | May 19, 2012 |
Yet I haven't advised any of my clients that I do it, otherwise it would imply a commitment to keep it updated all the time.
Otherwise, I only update my profile when there is a reason for doing so. Last time I did it was after a major reorganization to my web site.
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| no-test policy | May 19, 2012 |
Neilmac, I do know what you mean, but can't help thinking that you might be better to tone down the comment on your profile, as to be honest (and I don't believe that this is the case) it makes you seem just a little bit presumptuous....
I mean, you obviously have lots of work from satisfied clients and this shows that you are good, but wouldn't it be a little more "commercial"(!) to perhaps explain this individually to any clients that make unreasonable requests rather than putting... See more Neilmac, I do know what you mean, but can't help thinking that you might be better to tone down the comment on your profile, as to be honest (and I don't believe that this is the case) it makes you seem just a little bit presumptuous....
I mean, you obviously have lots of work from satisfied clients and this shows that you are good, but wouldn't it be a little more "commercial"(!) to perhaps explain this individually to any clients that make unreasonable requests rather than putting it out there for everyone to see?
No offence meant...it's just my opinion...test translations are a pain in the neck at the best of times...they are always purposely tricky, unpaid of course and not a sure investment.
I have done several tests for clients who proclaimed me "suitable", then never contacted me again. This is probably the type of client that has provoked your no-test policy...
However, I have also had to do tests for the clients I currently get most work from and, more importantly, on many occasions have had to face the arduous task of editing "translations" done by "translators" hired on the spot on the basis of their CVs....
I think that it is reasonable for clients to request that we perform a test, as long as it is short and they are willing to fit in with our schedule. We all know that qualifications alone don't make you a translator and in my view, those who request a test are only making sure you can provide the quality you think (and claim) you can provide before they hire you.
Let me add that in other areas (e.g. your forum posts) I am one of your biggest fans....there are some places where your bluntness is spot on and has me rolling about the aisles of my living room with laughter......
Happy (test) translating!
[Edited at 2012-05-19 15:24 GMT] ▲ Collapse
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Interlangue (X)
Angola
Local time: 13:41
English to French
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Once a year to add one year to the number I've been in translation and more regularly my calendar - which I had not even considered part of my profile until José mentioned it.
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Allison Wright (X)
Portugal
Local time: 12:41
In the spirit of honesty, though, I updated my photo recently. The previous one was two years old, and I noticed that there is now a slightly a different face looking at me when I look in the mirror...
Otherwise, as others say, only when there is something significant to change.
[Edited at 2012-05-19 18:18 GMT]
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