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29 May, 2017

One hundred per cent matches: the golden egg?

The development of CAT tools is one of the most advantageous developments in the translation industry until now. Splitting long texts in sentences improves their readability and efficiency while translating, while the archive of translations in memories offers loads of options for future use and reference. But the mathematical formulas that determine the similarity between two sentences are used more and more as a tool to offer lower prices to clients. Companies focusing on improving their margins or attracting more customers by putting 100% matches beyond their scopes are acting irresponsibly however, and even putting their clients at risk.

by Pieter Beens

5 May, 2017

Translation practice

WhatsApp for freelance translators

Times are changing and technologies are changing as well. In an era of social networks and continuous availability there are plenty of options to reach out to translators quickly. One of them is WhatsApp. Companies are exploring the popular messaging service more and more. Can it help translators to find new work?

by Pieter Beens

Five Indispensable Online Conversion Tools

21 April, 2017

Translator Tech Tips

Five indispensable online conversion tools for translators

As translators we all need more than our CAT tools every now and then. Although CAT tools can do a lot of tasks for us, they often cannot convert files, values and units properly. They also are not able to make advanced measurements, like converting square feet to square metres. Tools like conversion software and calculators are then quite useful. There was a time when we needed software or advanced mathematical calculators for that but in this time of cloud computing there are many more options. In this article I share five indispensable online conversion tools that can prove very valuable to translators.

by Pieter Beens

Feeding the translation robot - Thoughts on translating input for translation engines

5 April, 2017

Translation practice

Feeding the translation robot

Everybody who has ever had their hands on a machine translation task knows that the output of a translation engine in most cases compares badly to the work of a human translator. But although the lack of quality in translation engine results can give reasons to laugh, translators can still influence future output. Considering the pathway and approach to great future results is not only useful for later but offers some insight into our current translation practices as well.

by Pieter Beens

24 March, 2017

xl8 review

The fun of etymology

For translators and other language professionals, having a massive vocabulary is a necessity. Indeed, without an enormous lexis it is difficult to be creative in translations and avoid iterations. Possibly of less importance but still as useful is having knowledge of the origin of words. That is where etymology comes in. Despite its difficult name, the origin of words is not only useful but also interesting and sometimes utter fun.

by Pieter Beens

Should poor paying translation companies have a second chance?

10 March, 2017

Translation practice

A second chance for defaulters?

Doing business means taking some risks. Although one freelancer might be more likely to take risks and others want to stay on the safe side, every freelance translator will find themselves in a position of financial troubles at least once. Sometimes these troubles are caused by one’s own financial mistakes while in many other instances they result from poor business and bookkeeping practices on the client’s side. Although these practices can have serious personal consequences, they are great moments to learn from. One interesting lesson is that patience sometimes can do more good than ending a customer relationship.

by Pieter Beens

24 February, 2017

Translation practice

P = (F+U)/N – Productivity and Fun in the Equation

Productivity is an important part of doing business, if not the most important part. Of course winning clients and jobs is great, but when one is not being productive it can result in earning too little money to work. On the other hand, productivity can put such pressure on freelancers that they almost become paralysed or even burn out. In both cases the fun factor of being a freelance translator gets totally lost.
In this article, which I planned to present at ELIA Together 2017, I share some thoughts on productivity and fun.

by Pieter Beens

Why translators should be more disruptive

8 February, 2017

Translation practice

Why translators should be more disruptive

The smart phone, the electric car and the digital camera differ widely at first glance, but they still have something in common. The introduction of these products led to an increase in similar products and sparked a great discussion about their right to exist and the future of their respective industries and competitor products. They were, in one word, disruptive. Disruption seems to be everywhere nowadays and is sometimes explained as the only way to survive. That raises the question of whether translators should be disruptive as well.

by Pieter Beens

When ending customer relationship might be a good idea

27 January, 2017

Translation practice

When ending a customer relationship is the best option

Starting and growing a company can be a long and cumbersome process. Not only do you need to find and attract clients, but once that important and complex step is taken you need to maintain the relationship with them. While having won clients does not necessarily mean that you have enough work to keep you busy for a whole week, sometimes losing a client is worth more than winning one. When is ending a customer relationship the best option? And how can you end a relationship politely?

by Pieter Beens

How to start a blog. Successful blogging as a freelancer in 2017.

13 January, 2017

Translation practice

How to start a blog: successful blogging as a freelancer in 2017

Blogging is popular among big companies and freelance translators alike. There are so many blogs that offer great content and discussions, that even the least creative writers aim to have one. However, having an idea to start blogging is one thing but continuing to write blogs (not to speak about great blogs) is something different. Many freelancers end up with writers block, disappointing results in terms of exposure and discussions or a recurring pressure to write at least something. This article covers the how’s, why’s and pitfalls of blogging and helps you to start creating a great blog in 2017.

by Pieter Beens

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