TGIF: Idol contestant singing Ken Leee September 11, 2009
Posted by Jill (@bonnjill) in Fun stuff, TGIF.2 comments
Sorry for the delay in posting this. If you follow me on Twitter you know I’ve been having problems with what day it is this week.
Everyone, you have GOT to see this!!!! This contestant on Bulgarian Idol sang Mariah Carey’s famous song, Ken Leee. I’ve added my comments to the bottom so as not to color your enjoyment of the video. 🙂
I love the judge’s question:
What language was that?
English
What I don’t understand is, why this lady was so stubborn and adamant about her ignorance.
Ken Leee”
“Don’t you mean ‘Without You’ ? ”
“No”
LOL! epic fail
Bizarro’s take on translators September 5, 2009
Posted by Jill (@bonnjill) in Translation.2 comments
I am uncluttering my apartment (which I do when I get overworked to gain some semblance of control) and finally found this little comic strip, which I have been looking for for a while. It just cracks me up. Let me know if you need it translated 🙂
TGIF: Facebook manners and you September 4, 2009
Posted by Jill (@bonnjill) in Fun stuff, TGIF.2 comments
I joined Facebook a while ago and have really enjoyed reconnecting with old friends, both online and in real life. I have a lot of people who I have really cared about or were close to at one time or another, and Facebook allows me to quickly and easily reconnect with them. For example, I was able to experience President Obama’s Inauguration as well as celebrate the birthday of a friend who lives in California without actually being there through my friends’ status updates and uploaded photos.
However, there is also a downside to Facebook. You have to keep in mind who is following you when posting status updates or photos. I use Facebook purely for personal use. I do not have many friends on Facebook who are colleagues (I can count them on one hand and regularly talk to them on the phone or meet with them in real life). The reason for this is because many of my colleagues use Facebook for both personal and professional reasons, and some are connected with some of my clients. It isn’t that I lead such a wild life that it might turn them off, but I really don’t want my clients to know when I go out to dinner or reading memos about me with personal information or memories of high school. One of my friends from high school has stopped participating because she overdid it broadcasting some of her political beliefs and didn’t think about who was following her (future colleagues and coworkers).
This made me think about Facebook and Facebook etiquette. One thing that really bugs me is when people post their Twitter updates to Facebook. It’s actually pretty awkward, because Twitter and Facebook are two completely different forums – not to mention unnecessary since some people may be following you on Twitter and Facebook and don’t want to read the same thing twice. It’s no. 4 of the 10 Twitter crimes that will get you unfollowed (BTW, it’s a must-read if you are on Twitter!). Here are some other Facebook manners that you may want to consider. Watch Timmy and Alice’s bad behavior to learn the do’s and don’ts of Facebook.
What to say to your low-balling client September 3, 2009
Posted by Jill (@bonnjill) in Business practices.3 comments
Freelance Folder has a great article on What to Say to Your Low-Balling Client. As translators we all have deal with clients who “low-ball” us on projects. As the article explains, “If you are new to freelancing or unfamiliar with the term, “low-balling,” refers to the practice of trying to get the lowest possible price for a project. Usually a low-balled price is well below the average market rate for a particular type of work.” We have all experienced this at one point – and in some cases every single time we deal with certain translation agencies. This blog post offers four different approaches on how to deal with the client in that situation. It also lists “three scams to watch out for: the big $$$ project, the “free” sample, and the open-ended project.” If you’ve been in the business for any length of time I would hazard a guess that you have been approached by a client with one if not all of these scenarios. I know I have (numerous times). Needless to say I think it is a must-read for new and seasoned translators alike.
When it rains it pours September 2, 2009
Posted by Jill (@bonnjill) in Random musings.add a comment
You may not be hearing from me for a little while. After two completely dead weeks with no work whatsoever I have been slammed with work that should keep me busy for the next month, if not the next two months. I’ve already turned down several jobs this morning and accepted a couple small ones to squeeze in between my big job. I will try to post if something is weighing on me or inspires me, but please don’t be worried if I am not posting as regularly here for a little while. I am once again an “overworked translator” and am loving every minute of it. I hope all of you are just as busy.
Musings from an overworked translator 