Pages in topic: [1 2] > | Poll: When you see a poor translation, for example on a website/in a manual, do you let the company know? Thread poster: ProZ.com Staff
|
This forum topic is for the discussion of the poll question "When you see a poor translation, for example on a website/in a manual, do you let the company know?".
This poll was originally submitted by Mette Melchior. View the poll results »
| | | Julian Holmes Japan Local time: 01:36 Member (2011) Japanese to English
If it's my customers' website/manual - Yes. I'd be doing them a service. Otherwise - No. What's the point? If it's a really funny translation on a website or product packaging and I'm feeling in a wicked mood, I just might let others know about it so that they can have a giggle over their morning cuppa. | | | neilmac Spain Local time: 17:36 Spanish to English + ...
But I often have to restrain myself, especially when the website or publication belongs to an organisation considered "official" or widely perceived as some sort of paragon or benchmark. Obviously if it's my own clients, I do tell them...
[Edited at 2014-09-20 08:52 GMT to add missing apostrophe...]
[Edited at 2014-09-20 08:53 GMT] | | | Gudrun Maydorn (X) Germany Local time: 17:36 English to German + ...
Julian Holmes wrote: If it's my customers' website/manual - Yes. I'd be doing them a service. Otherwise - No. | |
|
|
It's not my job to straighten out the world. | | |
When I started out, I used to point out any error found on public sources and correct them to make the company realize they needed to use a professional translator. I must say that my message was rarely well-received (if ever). I still get frustrated and sad when I see a poor translation but I keep my criticisms to myself. PS Unless, as others have said, it's my customer's website or manual. | | | telefpro Local time: 22:06 Portuguese to English + ...
because they may be machine or google translations. I think the company should be knowing where to get good translations | | | Thayenga Germany Local time: 17:36 Member (2009) English to German + ...
Gudrun Maydorn wrote: Julian Holmes wrote: If it's my customers' website/manual - Yes. I'd be doing them a service. Otherwise - No. | |
|
|
raptisi Greece Local time: 18:36 English to Greek + ...
None of my business, anyway! | | | Julian Holmes Japan Local time: 01:36 Member (2011) Japanese to English |
I think such an initiative would be taken as rude, interferring and presumptious if coming from strangers. It would be different if the comments were directed at family members or friends, who would hopefully understand that the remarks were being made for their own good. | | |
If I think it will lead to a dangerous or unhealthy situation, of course I would, but most likely I shrug my shoulders and think "hmmm. Looks like someone is trying to "save money" by hiring a cheap translator." But sometimes I end up on sites on French or Spanish with an "English" button and there is no content on the other end. In these cases, I pitch a sale. Hasn't converted yet, but probably that's because they haven't produced the English version for lack of a budget. ... See more If I think it will lead to a dangerous or unhealthy situation, of course I would, but most likely I shrug my shoulders and think "hmmm. Looks like someone is trying to "save money" by hiring a cheap translator." But sometimes I end up on sites on French or Spanish with an "English" button and there is no content on the other end. In these cases, I pitch a sale. Hasn't converted yet, but probably that's because they haven't produced the English version for lack of a budget. On a couple occasions, a web administrator got back to me with such decent English that I suggested to the company/organization to hire their own web administrator for the job and I would proofread it for a charge. ▲ Collapse | |
|
|
that is I don't go out of my way to say something, but on the rare occasion I talk to the responsible person anyway, well, then I might mention it.. | | | Vera Wilson France Local time: 17:36 Member (2006) English to German + ...
I sent an email 3 or 4 times, but never got a job out of it. Maybe I should fine-tune my approach. I don't think that those companies actually really cared, there was no budget for it - period. | | | Henry Hinds United States Local time: 10:36 English to Spanish + ... In memoriam | Pages in topic: [1 2] > | To report site rules violations or get help, contact a site moderator: You can also contact site staff by submitting a support request » Poll: When you see a poor translation, for example on a website/in a manual, do you let the company know? CafeTran Espresso | You've never met a CAT tool this clever!
Translate faster & easier, using a sophisticated CAT tool built by a translator / developer.
Accept jobs from clients who use Trados, MemoQ, Wordfast & major CAT tools.
Download and start using CafeTran Espresso -- for free
Buy now! » |
| Protemos translation business management system | Create your account in minutes, and start working! 3-month trial for agencies, and free for freelancers!
The system lets you keep client/vendor database, with contacts and rates, manage projects and assign jobs to vendors, issue invoices, track payments, store and manage project files, generate business reports on turnover profit per client/manager etc.
More info » |
|
| | | | X Sign in to your ProZ.com account... | | | | | |