victorrama wrote:I agree with Talin on that point. Since sometimes a translator just gone MIA. Maybe add this
Do not inquire about the activity status of a translation project. + unless there's no update for x weeks(?).
But only asking is it still getting worked on. Not when it will be done.
Hm... I had that particular rule there because it was adopted from the Facebook rules. For the most part, any post that goes along the lines of: "Is Sakurasou still being translated?" are denied by the facebook admins. IDK if we want to carry that through here, too.
TBH, the correct response is that no one knows. Actually, only the original translator knows, but if the translator is MIA, you're not going to get a response by posting on the talk page of that translator. ;D So what's the point? You're only going to get responses from active translators who say they are indeed working on it (in other words, bothering the translators).
You end up seeing inquiries like: "Is DAL Volume 7 being translated? Why was that volumed skipped?" "Is Baka Test 12 being translated?" "Spyro, are you translating OreGairu Volume 1?"
99% of the time, these questions come simply because the reader didn't look at the registration page, or the history to check how long ago the last update came. (If there hasn't been an update in a year... it's probably not being worked on. *shrugs*). I've even seen cases where a reader will ask even though the project is clearly tagged with "stalled", or there's not a single "Active Translator" in the staff section.
Imo, it can get very annoying for a translator. Readers can be demanding and tiring. Rules get ignored enough so much already, I don't even want to vaguely give a situation "when it's okay to bother a translator because there's been no update in 6 weeks." Some translators are very sensitive about these subject. I don't even want to know how many times Teh Ping gets inquiries about Baka-Test every month.
Unless some more translators state that they're okay with relaxing the rules for the sake of the readers, I don't think I'm going to change what's written with regards to that, right now. I could be wrong though.
Talinnilat wrote:Not that I'm anyone but I voted 'Wait' after reading one spot:
Do not inquire about the activity status of a translation project.
Perhaps it's needlessly pedantic but could it be "Do not inquire about the activity status of a translation project unless you are a translator pffering to join it."?
I've had a few people ask on the Ore no Nounai thread and I'd mention they are welcome to translate a section. I was 100% serious in case they wanted to help. I'd rather spell it out than risk one possible translator turning away rather than ask a question.
But yes, Talin, I've specified that it's okay to inquire if you're a translator. That's a clarification that is understandable. --
Updated
Kira0802 wrote:I'd say you can ask a project status after 6 weeks of inactivity or so. But the best idea would be to indicate on the project page whether it's stalled or not.
Practically, I think the 6 week thing is okay, but as I said before, I'd really prefer it if the rules requested that readers do not ask. Translators are busy enough. We don't need to create a situation encouraging readers to ask translators the status of their projects (after X weeks).
Instead, I can offer to place information in Help Pages/FAQ (not the rules) helping readers address their questions:
- Where they can find a list of the most recent updates on Baka-Tsuki.
- Where they can find out the last time a project was updated.
- How to tell if a translation is still being continued or not.
- Etc.
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REMINDER: If you vote, please leave a comment saying what you voted for. This is not a secret ballot.
As of right now, I know(?) Talin and Victor have voted for wait. IDK who is the third person who voted for wait (it'd be great if you could name yourself.)