It’s official… I hate moving! June 16, 2010
Posted by Jill (@bonnjill) in Business practices, Random musings.3 comments
I know I have been really quiet here of late. Regular readers and my Twitter followers know that I moved at the beginning of the month. The first couple days were tough. Yes, I translated 10,000 words DURING my move and several thousand immediately afterward. Ah, the life of a freelance translator… I worked off my back-up computer with an English keyboard. After two days of that I set up my office computer and German keyboard on a provisional solution of the legs and the middle panel of my new desk. I’m still waiting for my friend who gave it to me to come by and help me put it together. I still don’t have the office set up to anywhere near what I would call comfortable, but at least I can walk in the room amidst the boxes. I can’t find my hanging file folders for this year’s check stubs, bills, business expenses and bank statements, which is frustrating. And to top it all off, yesterday our estimated taxes were due and I can’t find my refill checks in any of the boxes. I need to check the garage to see if a box slipped through the organization process. But at least most of the important things have been unboxed and have found a home in the new place. It took about a week for my dog to settle into the new place and feel comfortable. I love the new neighborhood and the serenity. And most of all, I love having a real office with a tall ceiling and walls I can hang things on! OK, maybe moving isn’t SO bad…
Freelancing means the freedom to say no June 7, 2010
Posted by Jill (@bonnjill) in Business practices.8 comments
I love freelancing. It affords me the freedom to work from home and to work when I want on the jobs I want. As freelancers we are free to say no. I just said no tonight and do not regret it one bit. I received an e-mail from a client informing me they were changing their payment terms to 60 days (“60 days after receiving the invoice, on the 15 or last day of every month” to be exact). They also informed me they would only be paying in Canadian dollars and only via Paypal. If I didn’t have a Paypal account I was to “please attain one, and provide us with your Paypal email address.” I sent them an e-mail asking them to remove me from their database. I am willing to accept quite a few things from my clients, such as a payment term of 45 days from my favorite client; however, it is a two-way street. Treat me with respect, and I will treat you with respect and bend over backwards for you (like translating 10,000 words during my move when I initially agreed to 5,000 and being happy to do so). I don’t like being dictated to, and luckily I am free to choose the clients with whom I wish to I work. They feel like they needed to change their payment terms because their clients changed theirs. I am glad that I at least have the freedom to say no.
Scam alert: Dr. Paul Vanderser May 18, 2010
Posted by Jill (@bonnjill) in Business practices, Scam alert.67 comments
Many people on the various payment lists to which I belong are discussing a scammer making the rounds. One person reported being approached by a “Dr. Paul Vanderser” (doyenski09@yahoo.co.uk and puresthoney1@yahoo.com are two of the e-mails that have been used so far) about a 10-page translation job. The document and the wording of the e-mails caused him to be suspicious, so he asked for 50% payment upfront (not a bad idea when dealing with new clients who appear to be private clients). The “client” agreed, and in a few days the translator received a check for six times the amount of the quoted price. The smart and savvy translator was rightly suspicious and found the local branch of the bank, which confirmed that the check was fraudulent. Several other colleagues wrote in reporting similar requests from this “gentleman” (and I use the term loosely). He has been trolling the ATA directory and ProZ.com for Hungarian and Dutch translations (among others I’m sure).
Dr Vanderser will most likely be sending the translator an e-mail informing him that he inadvertently sent him an amount in excess of the agreed fee (or a payment intended for another translator, etc.). He will then ask the translator to transfer the overpaid amount back to his bank account. By the time the translator’s bank determines that the check is fraudulent the money and the bank account holder will be long-gone. As one colleague wrote, “While most (intended) victims will ensure that his cheque clears before parting with their own funds, some will be trusting enough to fall into the trap.” Don’t be that person!
This should serve as a reminder that caution should be exercised when dealing with people with free e-mail accounts or people you do not know and do not have a known reputation in the industry. It is never a bad idea to implement a practice such as demanding upfront payment for new private clients, and if the client sends you more than the quoted amount, ten times out of ten (!!) the check will be fraudulent! It is very difficult to prosecute someone for issuing bad checks that are sent to a foreign jurisdiction.
Snopes.com is a good source to research Internet scam and fraud cases. This particular type is called the ‘Cashier Check Scam’ http://www.snopes.com/crime/fraud/cashier.asp
A Modern Language Analyst by Everette E. Jordan May 18, 2010
Posted by Jill (@bonnjill) in ATA, Fun stuff, Translation.3 comments
As most of you regular readers know, I am moving in a few weeks and am purging my belongings. I have almost finished going through 8 years of ATA Chronicles and just found this little gem. For those of you who didn’t get the pleasure to hear him live, Everette E. Jordan was the keynote speaker at the ATA’s 44th Annual Conference in Phoenix, Arizona on November 6, 2003. He was the Director of the National Virtual Translation Center at the time. The NVTC is a federal center that helps translate a backlog of documents for the CIA, FBI, and other government agencies. I have since become disillusioned with the NVTC (and he is no longer the director there), but in my eyes Mr. Jordan was, is and always will be a rock star. He speaks a ton of different languages and is a very poised speaker (not to mention good-looking and a really nice guy who is devoted to his family). I have a framed photo of us from that conference in my office. At the time ATA and the federal government were really working hard to establish a relationship, and the NVTC was trying to recruit linguists for their herculean effort of translating the backlogs of documents.
Anyway, back to Mr. Jordan. He was an outstanding keynote speaker. In fact, I think this is the only keynote speech that has ever been reprinted in the ATA Chronicle. To end his speech, he recited a poem he and a colleague had written styled after the famous Gilbert and Sullivan song, I am the Very Model of a Modern Major General, to describe the job that a government language analyst performs on a daily basis. It brought the crowd to its feet.
I am the very model of a modern language analyst
I scan and translate info that the average person might have missed.
I’m quite adept at understanding language spoken quite absurd
If modesty permits me, I’m a master of the garbled wordI’m very well acquainted, too, with leaders quite political
And deal with situations from the mundane to the critical
I’ve heard the best and all the rest and dabbled in analysis
While trying to avoid the dreaded translator paralysis.I’d like to think my studies have equipped me to work miracles
To tackle concepts ranging from the humorous to lyrical
I’ve met and mastered every grammar point designed to trip me, all
The adjectival short-form passive future participials.It’s safe to say I know my subjects by their name without a doubt
I keep them on a list to say what’s hot, what’s not, what’s in, what’s out
My scientific knowledge must be stunningly meticulous
My slang and techno-jargon, all stupendously ridiculous.For all and any question you encounter in this lurking trade
Consider me a living, breathing, walking, talking, language aid.
So when you need someone to translate what mere mortals might have missed,
Just call on me, the model of a modern language analyst.
If you want to read the entire Keynote Address, you can read it on pages 9-11 of the January 2004 issue of the ATA Chronicle, which can be found on the ATA website. However, you must be an ATA member to access old issues of the Chronicle online.
Shoes missing from German town May 13, 2010
Posted by Jill (@bonnjill) in German culture.add a comment
Since I occasionally like commenting on German culture, this story on NPR this morning is just so bizarre that I had to share it with you all. I have never heard of an animal stealing shoes, but there you have it… So think twice the next time you take your shoes off on the porch. They may not be there when you get back.
Voting for Top 100 Language Blogs has begun May 12, 2010
Posted by Jill (@bonnjill) in Translation.1 comment so far
Hi everyone,
Sorry I have been MIA lately. Business has really picked up, but my main focus is packing up my place for my move on June 1st. I can’t believe all the stuff I have accumulated in the last 8 years. It’s unbelievable. I just returned from my third trip to the recycling center. The back seat of my car was stuffed with broken down boxes that aren’t appropriate for the move and old issues of the ATA Chronicle, Real Simple and Shape magazine – not to mention tons of papers I have kept over the years. Everyone should have to move every ten years if only to just get rid of all the garbage one really doesn’t need!
Anyway, the reason I am writing today is to let you know that voting has begun for Lexiophile’s Top 100 Language Blogs. This little blog is one of the 400 blogs in four categories that has been nominated. I am once again honored that someone (or several people) nominated me. Thank you to all my readers. I promise I will have lots of new blog posts once this move is behind me! If you would like to vote for me, be sure to click on this button:
ATA/AAIT Translation Tools Seminar – June 5-6, 2010 April 29, 2010
Posted by Jill (@bonnjill) in ATA, Tools, Translation.add a comment
I just received the following e-mail about an upcoming ATA seminar. If I wasn’t moving June 1st I would definitely be attending. I find that ATA’s smaller conferences/seminars tend to be more beneficial with regard to meeting clients. This seminar just sounds cool since it will be focusing on translation tools, which every translator should confidently use or at least be familiar with. I find translation tools increase my efficiency. If it wasn’t for my translation tool I would not have been able to translate 780 words in 45 minutes yesterday. PDF conversion is also a very important skill every translator should have. If you can attend this seminar I would highly recommend it!
ATA/AAIT TRANSLATION TOOLS SEMINAR
Hyatt Regency
Atlanta, Georgia
June 5-6, 2010
An ATA Professional Development Event
Presented by the American Translators Association and the Atlanta Association of Interpreters and Translators
__________________________________________________
WHY SHOULD YOU ATTEND THIS SEMINAR?
The ATA/AAIT Translation Tools Seminar offers a unique opportunity to enhance your skills and advance your career! To learn more, click on http://www.atanet.org/pd/tools
__________________________________________________
BY ATTENDING THIS SEMINAR, YOU WILL:
– Receive training specific to your needs as an experienced translator and interpreter
– Acquire a set of tools that will enable you to work more efficiently and produce quality work
– Discover the tools you need for successful terminology maintenance, quality assurance, and project management
– Understand how to fully utilize the PDF documents you encounter on a daily basis
– Connect with colleagues, company owners, and seasoned professionals at the Networking Session
– Market your services by taking part in the Job Marketplace
– Obtain the professional development you need to enhance the added-value you can offer in a competitive marketplace
To learn more, click on http://www.atanet.org/pd/tools
__________________________________________________
REGISTER FOR BOTH DAYS AND SAVE!
SATURDAY AND SUNDAY RATES:
– Early Registration Rates (by May 30)
ATA & AAIT Members $215
Nonmembers $385
– Late Registration Rates (after May 30)
ATA & AAIT Members $260
Nonmembers $430
Space is limited. Register today!
Saturday-only and Sunday-only rates are also available.
To register, click on http://www.atanet.org/pd/tools/register.htm
__________________________________________________
BOOK YOUR HOTEL BY MAY 4 FOR ATA RATE!
Located along historic Peachtree Street, the Hyatt Regency is a short walk to the Georgia Aquarium and Peachtree Center Mall, and is only 12 miles from Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. The special ATA rate of $126 single/double a night (plus tax) is available until May 4, 2010, or as space allows. Call the Hyatt at +1-888-421-1442 and ask for the special ATA rate!
To learn more, click on http://www.atanet.org/pd/tools/hotel.htm
__________________________________________________
CONTINUING EDUCATION
ATA-certified translators can earn up to 9 ATA Continuing Education Points for attending this seminar.
What I’m reading this morning April 26, 2010
Posted by Jill (@bonnjill) in Random musings.2 comments
They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, so I am taking a page from Corinne’s blog, Thoughts on Translation, and sharing some of the things I read this morning that I think might interest you, my fellow translators.
- Freelancer Road Trip: Essential Supplies is a must-read for any translator who loves the fact that our job allows us to work from anywhere. It is important to balance work and vacation time, but sometimes we need to work during a trip to ensure we make a deadline. Her list of must-haves for working while on a road trip is eye-opening. The blog author was offered the opportunity to take a 15-hour road trip to the beach. She accepted, but with the caveat that she would be working on the trip down and sporadically while at the beach. A very cool idea!
- Erik Hansson has shared 16 safe ways for freelancers to ruin their relationship with a translation agency as a download on his website. This is a good reminder for long-term translators as well as valuable advice for those of you just starting out in the field.
- There is a discussion on ProZ.com about a recent poll on What is the worst that can ever happen to a translator. It might be comforting to know that being sued for a mistranslation hasn’t been mentioned (oops, did I say that? If it makes you feel any better, I have never heard of an actual case of a translator being sued for a mistranslation in my 15 years as a translator…). In any event, it is an interesting read if just for the fact that if you are aware of the worst things that can happen you can be prepared with a solution in case they do.
- Since I am moving at the end of the month I am looking forward to organizing a new office space. I will be moving to a 2-bedroom apartment that will allow me to house guests in the office instead of just having them sleep on a pull-out sofa in the living room (my current office is too small, not to mention unheated). How Things Work featured Five Tips for Multi-Use Office/Guest Rooms yesterday, and I read some very good tips in it. My current desk, which I bought at a garage sale, is being held up by filing cabinets and a hanging folder organizer. My neighbor is giving me his old desk, so I am looking forward to reorganizing my workspace. I also can’t wait to buy a chaise lounge or sleeper couch for my office.
Social media madness April 14, 2010
Posted by Jill (@bonnjill) in Random musings.11 comments
ProZ.com, LinkedIn, Watercooler, Langmates, Twitter, Facebook – where does it end? I get an invitation to join a new social media group for translators at least once a week. I don’t know about you, but I am way too busy translating to spend hours on these various sites. I keep up with Twitter for professional reasons and Facebook for personal ones (don’t ask me to friend you on FB if I have not met you in person and I would invite you into my home overnight), but that is about it. I think Watercooler is a great new alternative, but I honestly don’t have the time or energy to check it out. I haven’t looked at my LinkedIn profile in a while, but I have certain Twitter posts feeding into it so it looks like I do. And don’t even get me started about ProZ.com…
So you are probably wondering why I decided to post on this subject. I received several e-mails from the various sites to which I belong all at once this morning – not to mention an invitation to a new social media group for translators. It seems like every translator and their brother is starting a new social media group. The latest invitation this morning was for Langmates. I’m sure it will be a wonderful site, but I simply don’t have the time to look into it. I have 10,000 words to translate by Friday. I also received several Twitter new follower announcements, a survey about whether I would pay a nominal fee to use one of the sites (I’m a member but don’t visit it, so that would be a no), a friend request for Watercooler, and a moderation request for one of my Yahoogroups for a member who I have specifically set to “no moderation” because her posts are constantly flagged. I’ve spent about 20 minutes on e-mail and haven’t even opened the job requests or read a single personal e-mail. I don’t know about you, but that can ruin this girl’s mood.
So I ask you, how do you pick and choose which sites to use and which ones to be active on? At this point I’m starting to reach social media overload. I’m sure there will be a group for that started soon…
Subject: Fwd: FW: Experianced Linguist Ready to Work! April 6, 2010
Posted by Jill (@bonnjill) in Business practices, Fun stuff.2 comments
The following e-mail has been making the rounds. Thought I would share it with you all to brighten your day. The e-mail tells you to scroll to the bottom, but I have flipped it here to make it easier to read in blog format. Enjoy!
Subject: Fwd: FW: Experianced Linguist Ready to Work!
Names have been changed, to protect the innocent.
________________________________
From: Joricho Muachos
To: Linguistic Resources Coordinator
Sent: Thu, April 1, 2010 2:52:03 PM
Subject: Experianced Linguist Ready to Work!
Greetings Ms. Linguistic Resources Coordinator,
I hope this email finds you well! I was given your name by a colleague of mine in reference to making myself available to work with Your Company. I’m primarily an English to Portuguese translator but also can do revision and proofreading as well. Can you let me know what we need to have me start working for Your Company?
Regards,
Joricho Muachos
Professional Portuguese Translator
________________________________
From: Joricho Muachos
Sent: Monday, April 05, 2010 10:09 AM
To: Linguistic Resources Coordinator
Subject: Re: Experianced Linguist Ready to Work!
Hello Ms. Linguistic Resources Coordinator,
Can you please advise on what steps are needed to start work with Your Company. Money has been very scarce lately and my Mule Milosh is almost without feed.
Regards,
Joricho Muachos
Professional Portuguese Translator
________________________________
From: Linguistic Resources Coordinator
To: Joricho Muachos
Sent: Mon, April 5, 2010 10:43:15 AM
Subject: RE: Experianced Linguist Ready to Work!
Hi Joricho,
Thank you for your email. If you would like to be considered for work with our Company, please send me your CV. I will review it and see if you
qualify to undergo our translation testing process.
Best,
Linguistic Resources Coordinator
________________________________
From: Joricho Muachos
Sent: Monday, April 05, 2010 2:51 PM
To: Linguistic Resources Coordinator
Subject: Re: Experianced Linguist Ready to Work!
Hello Linguistic Resources Coordinator,
Attached is my resume. I would like to breifly summarize it for you.
In my earlier years I spend time as both a Goat Herder and a Mule Whisperer. As unorthodox as this sounds both of these professions are highly regarded in my country. Mule whispering is not a skill but a gift from our lord. It is with this blessing I can speak the thoughts of mules and become their intimate friend. Soon after whispering to many a mules I decided to shift my expertise to Goat Herding. In this job I showed the
goats where to go. If one got sick or was slow I had to beat it death with a rock so not to slow the rest of the herd down.
Thanks,
Joricho
________________________________
From: Linguistic Resources Coordinator
To: Joricho Muachos
Sent: Mon, April 5, 2010 4:04:36 PM
Subject: RE: Experianced Linguist Ready to Work!
Hi Joricho,
Thank you for you CV. You have a lot of very interesting experiences. However, Our Company requires that all of our translators have a university degree. They also must have 5 years of translation experience and provide 2 end-client references. Therefore, you are unfortunately not a candidate for working with us.
Thank you for you time and have a nice day.
Best,
Linguistic Resources Coordinator
________________________________
From: Joricho Muachos
Sent: Monday, April 05, 2010 4:22 PM
To: Linguistic Resources Coordinator
Subject: Re: Experianced Linguist Ready to Work!
Linguistic Resources Coordinator,
This is most dissappointing to hear. Someone told me translation was an easy way to make additional money for my new film “The Quiet Mule who Spoke Loudly one time because he was Naseous that Day”. If this doesn’t pan out its back to Goat Herding. Do you think if I use more business words in my resume like instead of “Telling Goats where to go” to say “Managed a team of 148 Goats” might help some of my future job potential? Can a Mule that I’ve whispered to count as a reference? I know you cannot understand them but I can tell you what they are saying. One of my Mule Whispering clients is the most famous Mule breeder in all of Europe for our lords sake!
I want to move to the united states but the need for Goat Herders and Mule Whisperers is small which worries me. Also my personal Mule will not be able to come because of your laws. I know you see a lot of resumes and anything to help me make mine better would be appreciated! Maybe i can give you a free Mule whispering lesson in return! 🙂
Joricho.
Musings from an overworked translator 