ProZ.com Translation Forums

Poll: Smart translators share. Do you agree? | Other

neilmac — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 13:58:00 +0000

Forum: Poll Discussion
Topic: Poll: Smart translators share. Do you agree?
Poster: neilmac
Post title: Other

... because I'm not sure what it means. I don't mind sharing a TM with a team member who's working on the same project, but baulk at "sharing" them with agencies so they can use them to build up their database thanks to my work.

There are other times when I play my cards close to my chest too, for example when newcomers ask me "how do you deal with this?" or "where do you get all your work from?" - sometimes I feel it helps more to let them find their own way, although I always give some sort of pointer, just not necessarily my client's phone numbers!

When aswering kudoz, we are sharing our knowledge and helping each other and I enjoy the interactive part and find it very enriching, although I have recently determined not to help out non-native translators as a matter of principle, because I am not in favour of non-native translation.

So the answer would be sometimes, but with caveats.

Poll: Smart translators share. Do you agree? | Not in the virtual world

Nesrin — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 12:32:00 +0000

Forum: Poll Discussion
Topic: Poll: Smart translators share. Do you agree?
Poster: Nesrin
Post title: Not in the virtual world

In real-life (offline, non-virtual) situations, sharing IS smart, because you get back as much as you give.
But in our virtual world, you can be a very smart translator and only depend on the kindness of others who do share, selfishly taking in everything they give you, without ever being asked to give anything back.
As Nigel said above, [b]kind[/b] translators are the ones doing the sharing online.

Poll: Smart translators share. Do you agree? | Didn't seem that obvious before the question was reworded on the poll

Steven Capsuto — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 12:10:00 +0000

Forum: Poll Discussion
Topic: Poll: Smart translators share. Do you agree?
Poster: Steven Capsuto
Post title: Didn't seem that obvious before the question was reworded on the poll

[quote]Amy Duncan wrote:

I think some of the replies here are a bit harsh. I read the poll and knew immediately what was meant, although I hadn't read Henry's article. Sharing, as translators, obviously means sharing knowledge, tips, and all the great topics we talk about on these forums.
Amy [/quote]

Okay. Given that the previous poll was essentially about sharing our client lists, the meaning of this question didn't seem all that clear.

I don't see a correlation between smartness and sharing. "Smart translators share" just sounds like an empty marketing slogan to me.

Poll: Smart translators share. Do you agree? | Niraja, your category 2) people are not smart

jacana54 (X) — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 12:01:00 +0000

Forum: Poll Discussion
Topic: Poll: Smart translators share. Do you agree?
Poster: jacana54 (X)
Post title: Niraja, your category 2) people are not smart

Hi, Niraja,

Quote: " 2) People registered here who just take without giving anything back, such as those who ask hundreds of KudoZ questions and practically get whole translation assignments done in this way. "

These people aren't smart, they're just accepting jobs which are way over their heads and they run the risk of making big mistakes. I have a strong suspicion that their clients aren't very smart either.

Sharing does not mean giving away everything you have; certainly not your client list as Steve Caputo was saying yesterday. Even in our private lives, we all have areas that we share and others that are completely our own. We'd be out of our minds if we didn't.

I can't find the "quote" button today, but I would like to highlight Lawyer-linguist's comment which sums up this aspect of the situation so well.

L

Poll: Smart translators share. Do you agree? | Share by all means, but don't hand over everything on a plate(?)

JPW (X) — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 10:45:00 +0000

Forum: Poll Discussion
Topic: Poll: Smart translators share. Do you agree?
Poster: JPW (X)
Post title: Share by all means, but don't hand over everything on a plate(?)

[quote]Smart translators ...

... are smart about what they share.[/quote]

Sharing tips and advice is one thing, indeed that's what this site was founded on, was it not? One of its ideals anyway - a community site for language pros (that's 'pros' as in professionals, not 'pros' as in...oh well, I can't say it here).

But I dare say you'll not see too many volunteering to 'share' their clients' details and other intimate info about their business activities too readily. And why would they?

Poll: Smart translators share. Do you agree? | Smart translators ...

Deborah do Carmo (X) — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 10:04:00 +0000

Forum: Poll Discussion
Topic: Poll: Smart translators share. Do you agree?
Poster: Deborah do Carmo (X)
Post title: Smart translators ...

... are smart about what they share.

Poll: Smart translators share. Do you agree? | Sharing means you are nice

Αlban SHPΑTΑ — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 09:36:00 +0000

Forum: Poll Discussion
Topic: Poll: Smart translators share. Do you agree?
Poster: Αlban SHPΑTΑ
Post title: Sharing means you are nice

[quote]M. Anna Kańduła wrote:

The fact you share your knowledge may mean you're smart, but it's the knowledge that makes you smart, not sharing it. [b]Sharing means you're nice [/b]:)

Anni [/quote]

:) :) :)

Poll: Smart translators share. Do you agree? | I don't understand the question ...

Xanthippe — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 08:59:00 +0000

Forum: Poll Discussion
Topic: Poll: Smart translators share. Do you agree?
Poster: Xanthippe
Post title: I don't understand the question ...

maybe I'm not smart ....:-?

Poll: Smart translators share. Do you agree? | OMG..

J Chae (X) — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 07:45:00 +0000

Forum: Poll Discussion
Topic: Poll: Smart translators share. Do you agree?
Poster: J Chae (X)
Post title: OMG..

Makes me wonder what am I doing in ProZ, actually. :-D

Poll: Smart translators share. Do you agree? | best practice

Ivana UK — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 07:41:00 +0000

Forum: Poll Discussion
Topic: Poll: Smart translators share. Do you agree?
Poster: Ivana UK
Post title: best practice

[quote]Steven Capsuto wrote:

What a bafflingly vague question. :) [/quote]

'Best practice' might me a better way of putting it!

Smart translators share best practice.

Poll: Smart translators share. Do you agree? | Not affraid of not being "politically correct"

Tomás Cano Binder, BA, CT — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 07:17:00 +0000

Forum: Poll Discussion
Topic: Poll: Smart translators share. Do you agree?
Poster: Tomás Cano Binder, BA, CT
Post title: Not affraid of not being "politically correct"

Good. I think this is a very good question. Quite in line with the development of modern society really. Our society todays is packed with little traps devised to make you feel selfish. Selfishness is quite a power these days, and is promoted and used by marketers, politicians and NGOs alike, at a minimum in two possible senses:

A. A "positive" selfishness, for instance the quite frequent ads like "You deserve it!", "Because you are worth it!".

B. A "negative" selfishness, in all sorts of statements trying to lure us into the idea that the fact that we are too selfish because we can have a shower every day and have a reasonably good coffee every morning. This alleged selfishness is used to lure us into all sorts of spending, either forced in the form of more taxes (for "social projects", i.e. for more officials' salaries and more nice offices in ample centrally-located buildings), or voluntary in the form of NGO support. This is so worn and outdated that it really surprises me that we keep falling.

This question is one more little "politically correct" trap. Either you are with the "good guys" who share under the sun, or you are a selfish and greedy moron hiding in some cave.

I am not affraid to say that I don't feel the urge to tell everybody how to conduct their business. Most people are intelligent enough to look for resources and solutions, as the information is equally and readily available to us all.

Ok folks! Now I am ready for the wave of politically-correct comments about my bad and selfish attitude! ;-) But, please think twice: "Let those without sin cast the first stone"... I can easily defend myself. Try me! :-)

Poll: Smart translators share. Do you agree? | I agree

M. Anna Kańduła — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 06:43:00 +0000

Forum: Poll Discussion
Topic: Poll: Smart translators share. Do you agree?
Poster: M. Anna Kańduła
Post title: I agree

[quote]Yamila Sosa wrote:

Smartness does not necessarily depend on sharing. [/quote]
I don't see connection between being "smart" and sharing too. A smart translator KNOWS tricks, but sharing them has nothing to do with being smart or not.

Sharing an exchanging information and experiences may enrich your knowledge and make you smarter, but the fact you share doesn't mean you're smart. The fact you share your [b]knowledge[/b] may mean you're smart, but it's the knowledge that makes you smart, not sharing it. Sharing means you're nice :)

Anni

Poll: Smart translators share. Do you agree? | People who don't share

Niraja Nanjundan (X) — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 03:24:00 +0000

Forum: Poll Discussion
Topic: Poll: Smart translators share. Do you agree?
Poster: Niraja Nanjundan (X)
Post title: People who don't share

The majority of translators registered on ProZ.com never or hardly ever share experiences and tips or even write about some interesting topic in the forums. As far as I can see, there are various reasons for this:

1) People registered on ProZ.com don't participate, share experiences and tips because

- they don't have the time

- they just register and have a profile here for jobs purposes and are not bothered about anything else

- they think too much exposure on the Internet is not safe

- they don't see why they should share knowledge they have gained through their own hard work and efforts with people they don't know, who will just benefit from it without giving anything back

- they don't want people to know about them as a way of protecting their professional interests.

- they feel they don't really have anything to share, but would rather just learn from others

2) People registered here who just take without giving anything back, such as those who ask hundreds of KudoZ questions and practically get whole translation assignments done in this way.

Would you say that these people are not smart?

[Edited at 2008-07-03 03:39]

[Edited at 2008-07-03 05:40]

Poll: Smart translators share. Do you agree? | We learn most from other people

jacana54 (X) — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 03:18:00 +0000

Forum: Poll Discussion
Topic: Poll: Smart translators share. Do you agree?
Poster: jacana54 (X)
Post title: We learn most from other people

I wish I were more articulate in English to explain the way I see this, but here's a try:

All my life I have read many, many books, I've studied a great deal. But I have always learnt even more from other people. So, if I share what I have learnt, one outcome will most likely be that I will get feedback, and that way I will learn even more, from other people. They will point out my mistakes, show me how to build on what I know with what they know.

Secondly, --and maybe some of you will consider me naïve -- I honestly think that if other people do well and prosper, that will be good for me too. I'm not exactly sure if I can measure it in cents and quarters, but I know this in my bones (feel free to laugh, I don't mind!). Positive vibes do travel around the world.

And third, sharing is also a smart thing to do because it's fun, just like making a baby laugh, or helping your kids with their homework. It's partly nurturing, partly creating: pure enjoyment.

I bet it makes Nigel and Amy and so many others of you just shine! We see examples of this every day on this web page, and in all the other places where we share with other translators.

Best wishes!

:-)

Lucía

Poll: Smart translators share. Do you agree? | Smart on the positive side

Judy Almodovar — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 01:30:00 +0000

Forum: Poll Discussion
Topic: Poll: Smart translators share. Do you agree?
Poster: Judy Almodovar
Post title: Smart on the positive side

Well, I second emotion on some part of how Nigel defines SMART, "Sharing is being human, being kind, professional, intelligent and of course responsible. " Being smart is not necessary to be selfish or normally being selfish. :) If you give or share something, you didn't lost anything, instead its always there not only on the head as well as on the heart of the second person.

Poll: Smart translators share. Do you agree? | voted 'Yes'

vicksy nurhayati — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 01:29:00 +0000

Forum: Poll Discussion
Topic: Poll: Smart translators share. Do you agree?
Poster: vicksy nurhayati
Post title: voted 'Yes'

Yes off course, you only become smarter and richer when you share your tips, tricks, experiences .

Vicksy

Poll: Smart translators share. Do you agree? | Smart poll ;-)

Özden Arıkan — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 00:08:00 +0000

Forum: Poll Discussion
Topic: Poll: Smart translators share. Do you agree?
Poster: Özden Arıkan
Post title: Smart poll ;-)

I think vague polls allow us to expand on our opinions and lead to better discussions here. What's the point of having everything explained and defined for us just to say a), b), or c) and leave? But then, maybe it's because of my age. I couldn't make it to the multiple-choice generation :-)

In my opinion, smart translators share, and out of sheer selfishness, if you will. Amy explained it very nicely: the more you give, the more you take and the more you are entitled to ask for. Also, if you are smart -and we all are- you think in terms of your business and trade interests. As Oleg does. And you also want to help newcomers by sharing all you have learned, with a view to perpetuating your trade. Because being smart is not only a momentary outpour of intelligence, it's about seeing the long-term (see Muriel's definition).

Poll: Smart translators share. Do you agree? | What's the point?

B D Finch — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 22:48:00 +0000

Forum: Poll Discussion
Topic: Poll: Smart translators share. Do you agree?
Poster: B D Finch
Post title: What's the point?

[quote]humbird wrote:

I don't know why I should bother.
Please let me be candid, then I say this unto you ....

"This is the stupidest question I ever come across."

Are you out of poll question questions?

[Edited at 2008-07-02 19:45] [/quote]

To be cynical:
How many points does one get for having a poll published???

Poll: Smart translators share. Do you agree? | No, dear Nigel...

Amy Duncan (X) — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 21:17:00 +0000

Forum: Poll Discussion
Topic: Poll: Smart translators share. Do you agree?
Poster: Amy Duncan (X)
Post title: No, dear Nigel...

[quote]Nigel Greenwood wrote:

I think sharing is not being smart, well at least, not the way SMART is understood these days. Sharing is being human, being kind, professional, intelligent and of course responsible.

Being SMART implies, being selfish, looking out for your own benefit.

I like sharing, but NO I AM NOT SMART.

[/quote]

No....if you like sharing in the way you describe, then you are SMART in the truest sense of the word! :)

Amy

Poll: Smart translators share. Do you agree? | If you share, are you smart?

Nigel Greenwood (X) — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 20:53:00 +0000

Forum: Poll Discussion
Topic: Poll: Smart translators share. Do you agree?
Poster: Nigel Greenwood (X)
Post title: If you share, are you smart?

I think sharing is not being smart, well at least, not the way SMART is understood these days. Sharing is being human, being kind, professional, intelligent and of course responsible.

Being SMART implies, being selfish, looking out for your own benefit.

I like sharing, but NO I AM NOT SMART.

Poll: Smart translators share. Do you agree? | Amy said it perfectly

Muriel Vasconcellos (X) — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 20:31:00 +0000

Forum: Poll Discussion
Topic: Poll: Smart translators share. Do you agree?
Poster: Muriel Vasconcellos (X)
Post title: Amy said it perfectly

[quote]Amy Duncan wrote:

Sharing, as translators, obviously means sharing knowledge, tips, and all the great topics we talk about on these forums. Why does this make us smart? Because, as one poster put it, the more we give, the more we get.

Amy [/quote]

If you haven't read her full comment, please do.

Definition of "smart":
# showing mental alertness and calculation and resourcefulness
wordnet.princeton.edu/perl/webwn

They all apply. The mental alertness is seeing the advantage; the calculation is: "If I give to others, they will give back to me"; and the resourcefulness is saving oneself the trouble of having to figure out everything alone and from scratch.

Definition of "share":
# give out as one's portion or share
wordnet.princeton.edu/perl/webwn

[Edited at 2008-07-02 20:34]

Poll: Smart translators share. Do you agree? | +1

Oleg Rudavin — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 20:08:00 +0000

Forum: Poll Discussion
Topic: Poll: Smart translators share. Do you agree?
Poster: Oleg Rudavin
Post title: +1

[quote]Amy Duncan wrote:the more we give, the more we get[/quote]

One example: I've been working hard to inform the RU community that the rates we charge are way below the "average" (whatever it means) ones. The result is, the ludicrous x-cent offers are less frequent now, because the community knows better; and clients more readily agree to my higher rates :-)

U want the situation to get better? Do something!

Cheers,
Oleg

[Edited at 2008-07-02 20:09]

Poll: Smart translators share. Do you agree? | A bit harsh

Amy Duncan (X) — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 20:02:00 +0000

Forum: Poll Discussion
Topic: Poll: Smart translators share. Do you agree?
Poster: Amy Duncan (X)
Post title: A bit harsh

I think some of the replies here are a bit harsh. I read the poll and knew immediately what was meant, although I hadn't read Henry's article. Sharing, as translators, obviously means sharing knowledge, tips, and all the great topics we talk about on these forums. Why does this make us smart? Because, as one poster put it, the more we give, the more we get. Conversely, "not smart" might mean someone who refuses to share these things, for whatever reason. Such a person is probably thinking the word "smart" means knowledgeable or intellectual...not necessarily.

Amy

Poll: Smart translators share. Do you agree? | Define "smart translator"

humbird — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 19:44:00 +0000

Forum: Poll Discussion
Topic: Poll: Smart translators share. Do you agree?
Poster: humbird
Post title: Define "smart translator"

I don't know why I should bother.
Please let me be candid, then I say this unto you ....

"This is the stupidest question I ever come across."

Are you out of poll question questions?

[Edited at 2008-07-02 19:45]

Poll: Smart translators share. Do you agree? | It refers to Henry's newsletter

Oleg Rudavin — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 19:40:00 +0000

Forum: Poll Discussion
Topic: Poll: Smart translators share. Do you agree?
Poster: Oleg Rudavin
Post title: It refers to Henry's newsletter

...[June news] - the subject of which is "Smart translators share"

Presumably, part (2) is the core of it?

Cheers,
Oleg

Poll: Smart translators share. Do you agree? | What's the use of poll questions nobody understands?

Erik Hansson — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 19:28:00 +0000

Forum: Poll Discussion
Topic: Poll: Smart translators share. Do you agree?
Poster: Erik Hansson
Post title: What's the use of poll questions nobody understands?

I wonder if there's anybody revising the poll questions before they are sent on-line. What's the use of a poll question nobody understands? Share _what_? Share experience? Share projects? Share TM's? I could give far more examples..

Poll: Smart translators share. Do you agree? | Not neccesarily...

Yamila Sosa — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 18:41:00 +0000

Forum: Poll Discussion
Topic: Poll: Smart translators share. Do you agree?
Poster: Yamila Sosa
Post title: Not neccesarily...

Smartness does not necessarily depend on sharing.

Poll: Smart translators share. Do you agree? | With Steven..

Brandis (X) — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 18:39:00 +0000

Forum: Poll Discussion
Topic: Poll: Smart translators share. Do you agree?
Poster: Brandis (X)
Post title: With Steven..

Share what, we have been sharing almost all tricks, work arounds, tips through so many forums. I guess that makes us smart. Why this new Smart translators share ? It will be another month before this is published, I know. Brandis

Poll: Smart translators share. Do you agree? | Why, of course

Diana Arbiser — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 18:11:00 +0000

Forum: Poll Discussion
Topic: Poll: Smart translators share. Do you agree?
Poster: Diana Arbiser
Post title: Why, of course

[quote]Steven Capsuto wrote:

What a bafflingly vague question. :) [/quote]

I understand we are talking about sharing terminology, tips, tricks of the trade... If so, my experience has been that the more you give, the more you receive when sharing with others.

Poll: Smart translators share. Do you agree? | Smart translators share what?

Steven Capsuto — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 18:03:00 +0000

Forum: Poll Discussion
Topic: Poll: Smart translators share. Do you agree?
Poster: Steven Capsuto
Post title: Smart translators share *what*?

What a bafflingly vague question. :)