First time here? Please read this.
Freelancing: Love or let go
Freelancing may be the best thing that has ever happened to you. Here is why you still shouldn't insist that others, too, go for it. <read full entry>
Business plans for translators
If you are just starting out, and even if you have been around for a while, your freelance translation business could benefit from some planning. Information on how to create a typical business plan abounds on the Internet, but it is overwhelmingly aimed at entrepreneurs starting companies, and freelancing is not the same.
The standard business plan complete with an executive summary and myriad graphs, charts and tables is aimed at potential outside investors, and that is one thing you don't need. Your plan should be of practical value to yourself. It should give you a clearer idea of what you are offering, to whom, how you do it and what you expect to achieve. <read full entry> (Published on ProZ, opens in a new tab)
How to keep translation costs under control
(without infuriating your translators)
You may have already noticed, but if you didn’t, I’ll tell you: we translators don’t like to offer discounts. We know you bootstrap. We do respect your efforts. We just don’t want you to make it our problem. Much as we usually love our profession, most of us translate for a living, not exclusively for pleasure.
Still, there are a few things you can do to avoid extra expenses you would incur otherwise. Have this list at hand next time you are in the market for translation services, and you may be able to save a substantial amount. <read full entry>
Kill KudoZ
A few days ago I was asked for an opinion on what was wrong with ProZ.com's directory of translators and what could be done to avoid the same issues on another translation website. I believe the industry would benefit hugely if more players took a moment to consider the underlying dynamics of that system, so I am posting most of my reply below. To agree, disagree, give me a hug or tear me apart, please @NadVega me on Twitter, get in touch on Skype (ID: nad_vega) or email me at nadvega@nadvega.com. Enjoy! <read full entry>
One compelling reason to diversify vocabulary
(On phobias, pay freezes and double jeopardy)
The highlight of the afternoon TV show that day was a local celebrity famous for being wealthy and a socialite. She had lately been visiting mental institutions a lot, she explained, researching her next book whose main character had mental issues. She felt like an expert in terminology, and it showed. When asked about her shiny Bentley, she said, "I really love cars. I love them so much, it's like a phobia."
I recalled that episode a year later and half the world away when a late-night conversation gradually drifted towards the economic turmoil. "Do you know... <read full entry>