Bidding to enter databases Thread poster: Lia Fail (X)
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Lia Fail (X) 
Spain
Local time: 07:49
Spanish to English
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I am curious to know how other people feel about jobs ads, here in ProZ (but probably elsewhere), that clearly are efforts to create large databases of translators.
At this stage I decline to apply, as I feel that it\'s a waste of time, and particularly if you suspect your rates are going to be considered high (i.e. in comparison with the prices set for some jobs here).
What\'s more, there will obviously exert a downward pressure on prices.
... See more I am curious to know how other people feel about jobs ads, here in ProZ (but probably elsewhere), that clearly are efforts to create large databases of translators.
At this stage I decline to apply, as I feel that it\'s a waste of time, and particularly if you suspect your rates are going to be considered high (i.e. in comparison with the prices set for some jobs here).
What\'s more, there will obviously exert a downward pressure on prices.
Any thoughts on the subject?? ▲ Collapse
| | | | Valeria Verona
Chile
Local time: 03:49
Member (2003)
English to Spanish
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Hi, Ailish.
I used to feel as you do on this matter. In fact, I have sent my resume several times with no result (other than enlarging the database, maybe...).
But now, I\'m on the other side. I was offered a potential job in my country and I would need more people for this project. So I posted a potential job asking for translators to enlarge my database... and what\'s more, I stated bidders should live in Argentina because it\'s for the local market.
I don\'t know... See more Hi, Ailish.
I used to feel as you do on this matter. In fact, I have sent my resume several times with no result (other than enlarging the database, maybe...).
But now, I\'m on the other side. I was offered a potential job in my country and I would need more people for this project. So I posted a potential job asking for translators to enlarge my database... and what\'s more, I stated bidders should live in Argentina because it\'s for the local market.
I don\'t know if I\'m going to get the job or not, but I feel I have to be prepared beforehand... So now I\'m on the other side. 
Just wanted to tell you my experience.
Good luck.
Valeria 
▲ Collapse
| | | | Parrot
Spain
Local time: 07:49
Spanish to English
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| Check the company | Mar 17, 2003 |
If it specializes, it could be worth it. And if the specialization is right up your alley, go for it.
There\'s another type that SELLS databases (postings for these are forbidden on ProZ).
| | | | Lia Fail (X)
Spain
Local time: 07:49
Spanish to English
+ ...
TOPIC STARTER | Exactly....check the company | Mar 18, 2003 |
I do indeed check to see if the company exists and the last one in fact did not even have a website. Which concerns me, obviously I won\'t apply, but what\'s their game?
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| Look at the long term! | Mar 18, 2003 |
1. I sent information to a potential client more than six months ago and I never heard of them again. Until yesterday evening... It\'s a large and very interesting job that perfectly fits my experience and specializations. So, now I\'m glad I did that effort six months ago.
2. Personally, I outsource jobs every day. I have a database of freelance translators who apply through my website or who found my email address in a list of agencies. If I receive an incomplete applicati... See more 1. I sent information to a potential client more than six months ago and I never heard of them again. Until yesterday evening... It\'s a large and very interesting job that perfectly fits my experience and specializations. So, now I\'m glad I did that effort six months ago.
2. Personally, I outsource jobs every day. I have a database of freelance translators who apply through my website or who found my email address in a list of agencies. If I receive an incomplete application, I reply and ask for more information. But every single application is stored in my database and when I need a translator for a certain language pair, I use that database.
Look at this as a long-term process. Don\'t expect to receive jobs as soon as you apply. Agencies prefer continuing to work with the people they know and especially the people whose work they know they can rely on. As soon as their \"regular\" freelancers have too much work to take on a job that fits you, they will come knocking on your door. And that\'s when you can start a relationship. You might have to wait a very long time, but if you don\'t stand in line, it will never be your turn...
And about the \"downward pressure on prices\": the only translators that will never be contacted by me are the translators who are too cheap. In the short run, it would be very profitable to outsource jobs to the lowest bidder, but my experience is that the lowest bidders often offer the lowest quality and in the long run, I would be destroying my own business (because of the quality and because that would be helping break down my own market).
fwiw
Joeri
[ This Message was edited by: King Darling on 2003-03-18 07:21] ▲ Collapse
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Well, if I wish to promote myself and the services I offer I see nothing wrong in getting listed... If noone knows who you are and what you do, how can you get any work?
MC
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