| Страници во темата: [1 2 3] > | Poll: Do you like the project management platforms used by some agencies (as opposed to email)? Лице кое објавува дискусија: ProZ.com Staff
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This forum topic is for the discussion of the poll question "Do you like the project management platforms used by some agencies (as opposed to email)?".
View the poll results »
| | | | John Cutler 
Шпанија
Local time: 08:37
шпански на англиски
+ ...
I answered other because I don't really like PM platforms, but the learning curve of the one I've used was fairly small, so it wasn't a big deal to start using it.
If I had my druthers, I'd just as soon communicate by my normal email account.
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It depends on how well designed and organized they are.
The above was my answer since an in-between option is not available.
Some are efficient and intuitive, while others are just plain clunky and clumsy. For example, one recently didn't even accept staggered deliveries even though I was asked to deliver multiple files as I finished them (!). In another instance, I have been locked out of billing, which caused a host of problems. "The software is foolproof, so your inv... See more It depends on how well designed and organized they are.
The above was my answer since an in-between option is not available.
Some are efficient and intuitive, while others are just plain clunky and clumsy. For example, one recently didn't even accept staggered deliveries even though I was asked to deliver multiple files as I finished them (!). In another instance, I have been locked out of billing, which caused a host of problems. "The software is foolproof, so your invoice has been carried over to the following month." was the customer's response.
Like the majority of things, they are only as good as their creators. If they're inefficient and clumsy, you can expect the same from the project management system that you're expected to use. ▲ Collapse
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I know some, these are quite convenient and potentially can facilitate the routine tasks both for agencies and translators. E-mail communication could remain for any support.
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It depends on how well designed and organized they are, as Julian said. Anyway, email is more personal than any management platform: I hate "talking" to machines...
| | | | Els Hoefman
Local time: 08:37
англиски на холандски
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| It'll get worse | Sep 7, 2012 |
Some are OK and some are not, but the main problem is that everyone is using their own system and we as translators have to adapt to all those different systems and different rules. Invoicing is getting more and more complicated due to different requirements per client. For some you even have to work double, creating the invoice in their system and the same invoice in your own system. In future things will get even more cumbersome - I now have one client who wants me to indicate my availability ... See more Some are OK and some are not, but the main problem is that everyone is using their own system and we as translators have to adapt to all those different systems and different rules. Invoicing is getting more and more complicated due to different requirements per client. For some you even have to work double, creating the invoice in their system and the same invoice in your own system. In future things will get even more cumbersome - I now have one client who wants me to indicate my availability in their system, which is alright, but what if you have 40 clients like that and you plan a day off?
Logging in and checking the project details can be time-consuming as well.
I wish they would all use the same system! That would be beneficial for us as well! ▲ Collapse
| | | | Britt Laux
Local time: 08:37
германски на норвешки
+ ...
Some are ok, but I still don't understand why they should be better than a personal communication through email. It is easier to ask questions and clarify things through an email.
| | | | Nikki Graham
Обединето Кралство
Local time: 07:37
шпански на англиски
I think Els has done a good job of highlighting the problems with these platforms. They might be convenient for agencies, but as far as we freelancers are concerned, they could take a sizeable chunk out of our working day for which we won't get paid. I know it's a cliché, but time is money, and I would rather spend my working time actually earning some money rather than trying to get to grips with yet another platform.
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some yes, others no - but I do not use them very often
| | | | neilmac
Шпанија
Local time: 08:37
шпански на англиски
+ ...
Nikki Graham wrote:
They might be convenient for agencies, but as far as we freelancers are concerned, ... time is money, and I would rather spend my working time actually earning some money rather than trying to get to grips with yet another platform.
For "platform", you can also insert "software/CAT tool/ procedure/format/deadline"... etc. Nine times out of ten, agency work is the pits.
| | | | neilmac
Шпанија
Local time: 08:37
шпански на англиски
+ ...
| New expression | Sep 7, 2012 |
John Cutler wrote:
I answered other because I don't really like PM platforms, but the learning curve of the one I've used was fairly small, so it wasn't a big deal to start using it.
If I had my druthers, I'd just as soon communicate by my normal email account.
I'd never heard the "druthers" expression before, I like the sound of it. Cheers JC
| | | | | Tell the clients | Sep 7, 2012 |
I absolutely agree with Els, and voted NO.
An FTP can occasionally be useful to transfer really large files, but unless they are PDFs for layout proofing or purely for reference, this may be an indication that the translation is being done far too late in the process, and any 'localisation' of other material has either been ignored or done without reference to the text.
Expect trouble.
I refuse to log in, click through several screens and get an RSI on my w... See more
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Ty Kendall
Обединето Кралство
Local time: 07:37
еврејски на англиски
With one semi-regular client. It's quite inoffensive really and makes a nice change from a long string of email communication.
| | | | Luca Tutino
Италија
Член (2002)
англиски на италијански
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| They are really bad | Sep 7, 2012 |
Many of my clients use them. Each one comes with its own rules, passwords and procedures to remember, terms enforced without negotiation, easy means of abuse against translators: this is how I see these platforms.
A couple of clients use them in a way that I never get a firm PO before delivering the translation. Often the wording in the online forms is abusive, like "invoicing allowed on [a date set many weeks after the delivery]" and so on.
I would like to invoice eac... See more Many of my clients use them. Each one comes with its own rules, passwords and procedures to remember, terms enforced without negotiation, easy means of abuse against translators: this is how I see these platforms.
A couple of clients use them in a way that I never get a firm PO before delivering the translation. Often the wording in the online forms is abusive, like "invoicing allowed on [a date set many weeks after the delivery]" and so on.
I would like to invoice each translation when I deliver it, and I see the fact that I cannot do it as a serious sign of general weakness of translators in front of agencies. ▲ Collapse
| | | | Allison Wright (X)
Португалија
Local time: 07:37
I use one regularly and one occasionally.
The regular one is tops, because there is some human contact. The other one is weird - I think it is run by R2-D2 descendants - although it is professional and it pays almost double my average rate, so no complaints yet. With the occasional one, I am never quite sure if the document has actually uploaded, so normally deliver well in advance of the deadline. I love getting the confirmation e-mails which say the work has been received!
Both... See more I use one regularly and one occasionally.
The regular one is tops, because there is some human contact. The other one is weird - I think it is run by R2-D2 descendants - although it is professional and it pays almost double my average rate, so no complaints yet. With the occasional one, I am never quite sure if the document has actually uploaded, so normally deliver well in advance of the deadline. I love getting the confirmation e-mails which say the work has been received!
Both have a great purchase order and invoicing system, which I find efficient. Payment occurs before due date without a hitch. Judging by the translations received, both have top-notch clients. ▲ Collapse
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