Web Theologian

>Donald A. DePalma writes a piece outlining some of the problems that we have in the localization industry with our trade shows in Common Sense Advisory. Too many, none distinguishing themselves, and same ol’ speakers. I’ll be interested in what positive suggestions they add to the conversation.

For me I’m in sales so I’m looking to learn, but my main priority is to find the next lead. So my hope is that we find a way in the industry to improve our story and find more people who want to hear it. We are getting geared up for Localization World, my first so I have some excitement, but honestly we would not be there if it were not in our home town of Seattle, WA.

>In my mind I think it should be. But once again I ran across another hopeful group that is closing up shop because we still have so far to go before we can get accurate translations. BabbleMail closed it up today.

>Just came across an interesting article directed at companies like Sinometrics. 6 things your localization agency doesn’t want you to know. It seems that Cat’s company has been able to find great translators directly that have satisfied their need. This is the case for many companies, and who can blame them. As much as I would like to sell them my services, they have to do what is best for their bottom line.

So it leads me to questions like, “What is the proper place of service companies?” Often I must deal with companies who are in Cat’s position or at least exploring the option. What I find is that they want to concentrate on the core strengths of their business rather than spending energy finding people to handle localization projects for them. Why is it that many people use dry cleaners? Some prefer the way a dry cleaned shirt looks. For them it is an issue of quality. Others would rather spend their time on something else rather than ironing clothes. Now there are many companies that exist for this reason. When was the last time you changed the oil on you car? You might even know how, but you probably chose not to.

What I really like about Cat’s post is that she is confronting some of the myths of the industry. There are bad ways to use TM’s of clients to manipulate them into continuing to do business with you even though you are not providing excellent results. That should be exposed. Now Sinometrics handles the TM’s differently, they are owned by our clients so they can use them as they please. There are other fees involved with working with agencies because they carry overhead. Very few translators are hiring a salesteam to go out there and scurry up business. Our agency is able to work in agile programming enviroments, we are not as flexible as working direct, but pretty close.

My impression of the industry is there is a lot to learn and my hope is that the more Sinometrics is able to listen to criticism like Cat’s the better we will be able to evolve as a company.

>As if I wasn’t already obsessed socially with Facebook. Today I read in a blog post at Damn that’s some tasty data that they are looking to localize the service. I sent out a few emails, but if anyone has a person who I could talk to at Facebook or any suggestions let me know. Cell-206.407.6067