Hi,

I was just wondering as to how the public translation job feature work? From my understanding from the website, it seems that a group of people with the matching source and target language would be working together on a project. This is a good idea and understandable to me.

However, I am under the impression that someone could make any changes to the document just to be included amongst those who have contributed, thus will receive points. Once the job is closed, that person will receive some amount of payment (even if a little) because of having 'contributed' although the contribution was not necessary.

Example scenario:

Original text: 'I will be going to the mall today.'
Someone edits: 'I will be going to 'The Mall' today.'

Clearly, the original text was fine and no one needed to edit it. But, because of the edition, the person would be considered to have made a contribution and thus would get paid for that? Is my understanding correct?

Apart from that, if there are 3 translators working on a document, for example, how will the client choose the best translation from amongst the editing made? It is unlikely that all of the 3 translators would agree on one standard translation if each would justify their changes.

Example scenario:

Original text: Many a time, we find ourselves in problems arising from many factors. This could be due to stress, lack of communication, depression, feeling isolated, family problems and so forth.

Translator A edits: Lots of times, we find ourselves drowning in problems arising due to many factors. This could be due to stress, lack of communication, depression, feeling isolated, family problems and so forth.

Translator A comments: This edition sounds better, in my opinion.

Translator B edits: Many a time, we find ourselves in lots of problems arising from many factors - stress, lack of communication, derpession, feeling isolated, family problems to name a few.

Translator B comments: No, this translation makes more sense and it's more straightforward.

Translator C edits: Many a time, we find ourselves facing problems which are caused by many factors - stress, lack of communication, depression, feeling isolated, family problems etc.

Translator C comments: I didn't like the last bit, so that's why I substituted the 'to name a few' with 'etc.'

So, from the three changes and editions made, how will a client chosse the best translation? It seems that the editions and changes were made out of preference to the translator rather than what the client is looking for. Also, clients are not necessarily fluent in the target language, thus are not familiar with grammatical issues etc. How do you reconcile this matter then?

I hope I am making sense. Please clarify this matter for me.

Thanks.

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