Jacek, I can't find what you're quoting in order to see context.

Which of the issues that I have presented are you commenting on: 1. answers not to be deleted 2. criteria for editing posts for reasons listed 3. necessity of the same 4. the unfeasability of screening members 5. the idea of using content instead of poster as crieria?

What suggestions are you making?

Maxi 

You made a comparison, Maxi, on which I commented (see your own context). Otherwise, you know that my suggestions in this particular respect do not matter, so let's not dwell on them.

Jacek

Ok, now I remember what it was about.  In the days before TCTerms we simply asked each other questions in the language forum.  We could discuss however we wished, go off on tangents which often gave creative avenues back to the answer.  The discussions were of quality, at a professional level, courteous, and not like the circus-like atmosphere we have now.  However, these answers were rare, questions were rare, and the answers took so long to come that the translation would be long gone.

In comparison, we get answers and suggestions within the hour or in a few hours.  There is a lot of chaff and nonsense.  An intelligent and informed translator can sometimes still squeeze something out of the chaff.  A lot more people participate.  Not everything is bad about this, and not everything about the "good old days" was superior.

Maxi

Maxi,

I agree that translation is an unregulated profession. Now, in many "unregulated" areas, there is that wonderful concept called "self-regulation" (originally, /self-regulation by business/). Many critics of regulation, in whatever economic field, decried regulation (though in the currect financial crisis that is now changing as I write), and called for self-regulation.

Now, how can one apply this to translation?

Here's how: the site can have some icons which translators would self-apply to their names. Naturally, there will be cheaters. However, let's for a moment imagine, that cheating would be mostly a marginal thing. If all the translators give themselves a qualification, that can in part, help to show the experience level of a person. And if anyone doesn't want to use the icons, they don't have to.

Twice, I have heard mentioned on radio, a book on how long it takes to become a master at what one does (can't remember the name of the book), and last night, again heard a related interview by the author of a book called Outliers, where he talked about ten years at least it takes to become a real pro at what one does. Be that as it may, for a self-rating system in translation, I propose: Master Translator (10 years at least), Journeyman or Journeywoman (and I and II here) (I=4-6, II=7-9), Apprentice (1-3 years)....

Each translator would choose what best applies to him or her. Of course, there will be cheaters, but it will be obvious who they are. I think the shame factor will go a long way to keeping people in check.

Personally, I think it is a good idea. It would at least provide some perspective on people's experience/background. Recently, there have been a lot of answers in TC terms by people who barely have any knowledge of the target language. I doubt many of these people would put a Master Translator icon next to their own names....

Finally, regarding not being able to change an answer. That's fine. Like I said before, if the discussion is so important to an answer, why not have a way of freezing the original answer, having it still show, (I understand this is a programming issue and might not work! But were it to work...), and then allow the answerer to modify or edit his or her answer. After all, in translation, what counts in getting to a good one, is the Process. Also, there is the "after the fact" issue. Often, the proper translation may suddenly come to one later. By freezing the original answer, but allowing an edit, the discussions are "preserved", but the new answer is available. Anyway, it's just an idea....

This discussion is going in an area far removed from the original topic.  I am glad that you understand the need for the actions of moderators you discussed, and hope to count on your (everyone's) cooperation in helping make TCTerms run more smoothly for all concerned.

Categorizing, identifying or similar of translators on an international forum is not a goal that I am currently aware of for the majority of people here.  It would lead to absurdity, and in all likelihood it would lead to such strife that the best translators would be driven away in the aftermath.

Trying to establish the validity or competence of people in any professional field such as this one within a forum will lead to a breakdown of the community, hurt feelings, dispute, and worse.  I've seen this happen several times.  A membership that takes your background into account might be had among your local professional organization.  TC can't do that - not for translation.

Maxi

After all, in translation, what counts in getting to a good one, is the Process. Also, there is the "after the fact" issue. Often, the proper translation may suddenly come to one later. By freezing the original answer, but allowing an edit, the discussions are "preserved", but the new answer is available.

I suggest a comment by the Answerer directly below the answer (this can still be edited) saying "I have changed my answer and no longer stand by this one - see (name of answer) below." or similar.  That would give the desired results, I think.

Maxi

Yes, that's great. Like this: [using a recent answer by me]

First answer:  <b>smoothly</b>Since skin treatments are all about smoothness...\

Modified Answer: without a ripple

The reason that won't work, Jane, is because each answer is within an answer slot, and gets to be seen that way.  When an asker selects an answer, that works with the computer program, sticking that into other places.  Your proposed answer is outside of that system.  You can put that into the comment, but also create a new answer so that it can be selected and bump its way along the system.

Maxi

Yes, Laurent, you are referring to me, among others. I have no problem saying it. I see it as providing a ton of help to a lot of people. Something wrong with that?

Anyway, I think that sometimes the translation process makes it so an answer comes up later. So, now, when I see something I have done, that I don't like. I will just remove the whole answer.....why leave up my answer if I don't like it? Good discussion or not. Sometimes there is not a good discussion and sometimes there is.

I am sorry to have created so much "trouble"...sorry for:

- Making  suggestions to improve the site.

-  I mentioned anything at all and didn't say anything.

That way, by not saying anything, we are in the best of worlds. Everything just staying the same and never changing.....until the end of time. What do you think?

Seriously, why criticize someone WHO GIVES SO MUCH for free to so many people? Huh?

Yes, I enjoy answering questions A LOT. I don't enjoy negative innuendos. And not having a role to play. AND I AM NOT INTERESTED IN BEING A MODERATOR. BUT I am interested in making suggestions.