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Announcement - part 2 - option to show client "willing to work again" entries in your profile (beta)
Thread poster: Henry Dotterer
Henry Dotterer
Henry Dotterer
Local time: 11:11
SITE FOUNDER
Jul 10, 2006

Dear members,

As many of you know, we have recently developed an optional new marketing tool. This tool, which we have called "WWA" for the purposes of the discussion, provides ProZ.com users (members and non-members) with the option of showing "willingness to work again" (WWA) entries from satisfied clients in their profiles.

We recently invited interested parties to begin testing and/or using the WWA feature for marketing purposes. Much discussion was generated.
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Dear members,

As many of you know, we have recently developed an optional new marketing tool. This tool, which we have called "WWA" for the purposes of the discussion, provides ProZ.com users (members and non-members) with the option of showing "willingness to work again" (WWA) entries from satisfied clients in their profiles.

We recently invited interested parties to begin testing and/or using the WWA feature for marketing purposes. Much discussion was generated.

Based on that feedback and discussion, we have simplified and modified the tool. Functionality has been reduced to its core marketing purpose, and options are provided for those who do not wish to make use of this tool, or be affected in any way by it.

We believe the new formulation will better suit the needs and interests of you, our members.... but we ask for your feedback.

Note: Now that the option exists to opt out of this feature entirely, I would ask those who have no interest in using it to politely step back and take a less active role in this thread, by submitting just one or two posts to this thread, not more. Having concentrated first on the interests of those who will not be using the tool, we would like to have the opportunity to focus on the needs of those who will use it (or already are using it.)

..................

Announcing a WWA system for translators and their clients

A new system has been created to provide ProZ.com users who are interested in using it with a means of requesting, collecting and displaying "willingness to work again" ("WWA") entries from satisfied clients in their profiles.

To see how WWA entries appear in the profiles, check the upper right of the following member profiles (offered up as examples with permission from the owners):

* Vladimir Dubissky....... http://www.proz.com/profile/1606
* Nicole Y. Adams, M.A........ http://www.proz.com/profile/117097
* Claudio Nasso....... http://www.proz.com/profile/51082
* MLeiria......... http://www.proz.com/profile/58944
* Konstantin Kisin....... http://www.proz.com/profile/82508
* Adam Burman........ http://www.proz.com/profile/128124

You can see the aggregate WWA data in the upper right. When you click the line with the statistics, a window pops up to display the entries themselves.

Here is one entry: In response to the question "Would you work again with this person?", an outsourcer wrote:
"Yes. Vladimir is among the best translators, in any language, we have worked with and we have been extremely satisfied with his work and would gladly work with him again."
It appears clear that WWA entries--featured in a prominent location in the profile--can add a high degree of impact to a profile that is already strong.

Note added October 2: Member Cintia Pecellin reports:
"The WWA feature has already gotten me two new clients. I'm thrilled!"


For now, only "yes" entries are possible

Based on user feedback, and for the trial period, we have decided to ask site users to make entries only for those translators and interpreters with whom they would work again. (In other words, it is not possible to make "no" and "maybe" entries in response to the question, "Would you work again with this person?") This approach is intended to address the misgivings that some members have expressed concerning the possibility of abuse, which should allow focus to be placed on the key role of the feature, ie. marketing.
Note: In the future, in order to enhance the integrity (and in turn, the marketing effectiveness of the tool), the responses "no" and "maybe" will also be provided to those making WWA entries. If this is disconcerting, bear in mind that not only will a number of protections be in place, by default, WWA entries are visible only to the person on whose behalf they are entered. There will never be an obligation to make WWA entries public.


The system is already functional and available for use - but improvements will be ongoing

Currently, the WWA entry feature is in a beta stage of development. However, the system is fully operational and site users can begin using it immediately. Note that:

* Entries collected during the trial period are considered valid and will remain available for promotional purposes on an ongoing basis.

* All site users, paying or not, can use the system during the trial period. Limitations may be placed on non-member use of the WWA system in the future.


Interested? Spend a few minutes to collect your first entry.

Would you like to add WWA entries to your profile? If so, please take a few minutes now to familiarize yourself with the process of collecting and displaying entries.

The process is simple, and begins at your profile page. Here are the steps involved in inviting a client to make a WWA entry:

(1) Go to http://www.proz.com/profile (must be logged in)
(2) Go to the upper right corner of your profile and select the checkbox to "Show WWA" (optional - you can wait until you receive entries before you turn on public display)
(3) Click the link to "Request entries"
(4) Identify the client you wish to invite to make a WWA entry, edit the message, and send.

That's it. The outsourcer will be asked, in the email you send, to make an entry on your behalf. When the entry is made, you will be notified by email. You will have the option of entering a one-line comment of your own to accompany the client's entry, and the entry will become available for display in your profile, should you wish to show it.

You can toggle display of the WWA box in your profile on and off at will, as suits your purposes for marketing.


Use of the WWA tool is entirely optional--and by default, you will not be affected by the trial.

If you are not interested in using this tool, you need not do so. For now, unless you turn it on, the WWA box will not appear in your profile and no WWA entries can be made on your behalf.
Note: In the future, outsourcers will be invited to make "yes" entries for the ProZ.com translators with whom they have worked and with whom they would work again. Before that time, however, the option to refuse such entries -- by opting out of both making and accepting "willingness to work again" entries (via this system and the Blue Board) -- will be provided. All site users will be notified by email and in the forums when this option becomes available.


Additional information to follow

What we have presented here is an overview of the WWA feature and how you can use it for marketing purposes in your profile. Additional details of the proposed feature and system are under active discussion and development, and additional features will be made available in the coming weeks.

To ensure that all site users are informed, we will be sending a special email on the topic. In it, we will update you on additional details of the system and the options available to you.

For now, if you want to spice up your profile with a WWA entry or two from satisfied clients, please give it a try. Then let us know, with a support ticket - http://www.proz.com/support - how we can improve upon the system to better meet your needs.


Appreciation

The WWA trial as it now stands has been influenced by feedback received from a large number of members in the public discussion. Specifically, we would like to express appreciation for certain suggestions and/or requests, which either we have implemented / plan to implement or which have inspired other ideas. Among them are:

Walter Landesman (interconnection with PH, additional profile tab(s)), Kirill Semenov (batch invitation to PH and BB clients), Philippe Boucry (no trace in profile when opting out), Eugene Pik (more space for comments), TampaTranslator (idea to make visitor view the default - (under consideration)), Ralf Lemster (trial period, offer to test among his team), Vladimir Dubisskiy (option for confidential client listings), Konstantin Kisin (ability to save own default invitation message, more flexibility in requests system, more space for comments, etc.), Ramon Samoza (prevent members with less than 6 months to post reviews, entries not be accepted from outsourcers with average LWA (ie. BB score) below [3]), Luis Arri Cibils (numerous insights), Pablo Grosschmid ("testimonials" as "new animal" - echoed by similar suggestion from Ivette Camargo López (which inspired "yes"-only initial stage), explain that term "outsourcers" includes fellow translators who pass along work, monitor/control BB-FB interactions, ability to scrap/edit entries, control profiles allowed to make entries), sylver (concept of public/group/owner views), Eva T (limit number of requests going to outsourcers).

Many more people contributed their ideas and opinions, so apologies to those who are not listed here - thank you all!

Finally, as always, thanks to you, our members, for investing in your businesses and thereby making ProZ.com possible.
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PRen (X)
PRen (X)  Identity Verified
Local time: 11:11
French to English
+ ...
Do outsourcers have to sign up Jul 10, 2006

If a translator requests feedback from an outsourcer, does the outsourcer have to sign up with proz.com if they have not already done so?

Paula


Debasis Mukherjee
 
Henry Dotterer
Henry Dotterer
Local time: 11:11
SITE FOUNDER
TOPIC STARTER
I'll post some FAQs... Jul 10, 2006

Paula Rennie wrote:

If a translator requests feedback from an outsourcer, does the outsourcer have to sign up with proz.com if they have not already done so?

Paula


Hi Paula,

Yes, currently only those who are registered with ProZ.com can make WWA entries. We plan to do something like we did with project histories soon, though.

I'll post some FAQs here...


Debasis Mukherjee
 
Henry Dotterer
Henry Dotterer
Local time: 11:11
SITE FOUNDER
TOPIC STARTER
FAQs - basic Jul 10, 2006

FAQs

How might the WWA system be useful to me as a translator and/or interpreter?

WWA provides you with a powerful new way to add marketing impact to your ProZ.com profile. By collecting and displaying one or more WWA entries, in a prominent location, you may find it easier to attract new clients and/or justify higher-than-average rates (if you charge them).

Is this feature also intended to benefit outsourcers?

Yes. Outsourcers wh
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FAQs

How might the WWA system be useful to me as a translator and/or interpreter?

WWA provides you with a powerful new way to add marketing impact to your ProZ.com profile. By collecting and displaying one or more WWA entries, in a prominent location, you may find it easier to attract new clients and/or justify higher-than-average rates (if you charge them).

Is this feature also intended to benefit outsourcers?

Yes. Outsourcers who choose to consider WWA data may find that they are able to qualify translators and interpreters more efficiently.

What is meant by the term "outsourcer"?

The term "outsourcer" is used broadly to refer to anyone who passes along paid work. This includes not only language companies and end clients, but also translators and interpreters who send work to colleagues when they are busy.

How can WWA be beneficial for both service providers (ie. translators and interpreters) and outsourcers at the same time?

The translator/outsourcer relationship is one of partners, not adversaries. If the WWA system leads to faster engagement cycles, fewer test translations, etc., this will be good for outsourcers and service providers alike.

The Blue Board is an example of another tool of benefit to both service providers and outsourcers. Outsourcers who are listed and have received positive entries report a higher degree of trust and shortened project launch cycles among those service providers who reference the Blue Board.

What are the conditions under which a WWA entry can be (requested from / made by) an outsourcer?

The outsourcer must have commissioned paid work to the service provider on at least one prior occasion. WWA entries are not permitted on the basis of a test translation or any other preliminary interactions.

What does a WWA entry consist of?

An entry consists of three parts:
1. The outsourcers' expression of its "willingness to work again" (with a "yes" response to the question "Would you outsource work to this service provider again?")
2. A brief line of text accompanying the "yes" (optional)
3. The service provider's one-line response to the outsourcer (optional)

Is "yes" the only possible response to the "willingness to work again" question asked of outsourcers?

Yes. During the trial period, we are asking that outsourcers only make entries for translators and interpreters to whom they would outsource work again.

In the profile WWA box, aggregate data is shown. How does that correspond to the entries received?

A summary in the WWA box shows the number of each response received (yes's / maybe's / no's). Note, however, that only entries which meet certain criteria are counted in these totals. Specifically, the entries must be from outsourcers for whom there is some degree of verification, in the form of vidding or other criteria.

What about confidentiality? I can not / would rather not disclose my client's names.

Currently, each entry includes the client's name. Therefore, you should refrain from inviting entries from clients with whom you have an understanding or presumption of confidentiality.

Will there be staff and/or moderator oversight?

Staff members will vet entries. (Not with the goal of ensuring their accuracy, but merely to confirm that the feature is being used for the intended purposes.) Staff members will also be available, via the support system, to review and investigate questionable entries and possible abuse upon request.

Moderators will not be involved in administering the WWA system.

Is it possible to show WWA entries also in the old profile format?

No. You must use the new profile format to show WWA entries.

Can non-members use the WWA feature, too?

Yes. All site users, paying or not, can use the system during the trial period. Limitations may be placed on non-member use of the WWA system in the future, but any entries you collect during the trial period will remain available for you.

What if I am not interested in using the WWA system?

Do nothing. By default, WWA entries will not appear in your profile.

WWA was announced publicly in the forums a few weeks ago, and was discussed at length. Some of the features announced and discussed in that thread are now gone.

Right. In response to member feedback, we scaled back the initial implementation, retaining only the core marketing function.

What about members' desire to be able to prevent others from making unsolicited WWA entries?

In response to this concern, we have configured things so that now, unless you make your WWA box visible, no one will be able to make entries for you.

Soon, and also in response to member preference, a new page will be provided for outsourcers to make entries via a channel other than the profile. Notice will be sent to all members before this page is made public.

How can we expect WWA to change and develop in the future?

Apart from what has been described in terms of future plans in this announcement, we'll be relying on usage data and community feedback to determine whether or not WWA is meeting its objectives. Assuming it proves useful, you can expect refinements and improvements on an ongoing basis.

Was this system requested by ProZ.com members? Were members involved in the creation of this beta version?

Yes, this type of system has been requested and discussed frequently by members (translators and outsourcers both). In fact, there have been more requests in the area of translator feedback / references / testimonials than almost any other feature in ProZ.com's history.

The implementation we chose has been developed with substantial member and moderator involvement, and several hundred translators and outsourcers have already begun to use it.
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Debasis Mukherjee
 
Jeff Whittaker
Jeff Whittaker  Identity Verified
United States
Local time: 11:11
Member (2002)
Spanish to English
+ ...
View Feedback Link Jul 10, 2006

Unless this was done intentionally, I would add a link in the feedback box ("Read Feedback" or "View Feedback") to make it clearer to a potential client that this is an option. As it stands, they can click on the words "outsourcer WWA" to bring up this information, but this is not readily apparent unless you happen to move the mouse over the text and notice that it is a link.

Also, clicking on/moving the mouse over the WWA numbers (Ex. +2, 0, -0) should result in an explanation of w
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Unless this was done intentionally, I would add a link in the feedback box ("Read Feedback" or "View Feedback") to make it clearer to a potential client that this is an option. As it stands, they can click on the words "outsourcer WWA" to bring up this information, but this is not readily apparent unless you happen to move the mouse over the text and notice that it is a link.

Also, clicking on/moving the mouse over the WWA numbers (Ex. +2, 0, -0) should result in an explanation of what these numbers mean.

As a potential future feature, the feedback box could also show a sample feedback comment - chosen by the translator or a random comment option, making the page different every time you visit.
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Debasis Mukherjee
 
Ralf Lemster
Ralf Lemster  Identity Verified
Germany
Local time: 16:11
English to German
+ ...
Thanks for providing details Jul 10, 2006

Hi Henry,
Thanks for providing details - as you know, I have started using the system for freelancers within my team.

Best regards,
Ralf


Debasis Mukherjee
 
Henry Dotterer
Henry Dotterer
Local time: 11:11
SITE FOUNDER
TOPIC STARTER
Excellent ideas, TampaTranslator Jul 10, 2006

TampaTranslator wrote:

Unless this was done intentionally, I would add a link in the feedback box ("Read Feedback" or "View Feedback") to make it clearer to a potential client that this is an option. As it stands, they can click on the words "outsourcer WWA" to bring up this information, but this is not readily apparent unless you happen to move the mouse over the text and notice that it is a link.

Also, clicking on/moving the mouse over the WWA numbers (Ex. +2, 0, -0) should result in an explanation of what these numbers mean.

As a potential future feature, the feedback box could also show a sample feedback comment - chosen by the translator or a random comment option, making the page different every time you visit.

Great suggestions, TampaTranslator. Thanks!


Debasis Mukherjee
 
Dyran Altenburg (X)
Dyran Altenburg (X)  Identity Verified
United States
Local time: 11:11
English to Spanish
+ ...
Questions Jul 10, 2006

Henry wrote:
Soon, and also in response to member preference, a new page will be provided for outsourcers to make entries via a channel other than the profile. Notice will be sent to all members before this page is made public.


Will this be an opt-in feature (i.e. disabled by default)?

If not, will it be possible to opt out completely?

--
Dyran


 
Claudia Iglesias
Claudia Iglesias  Identity Verified
Chile
Local time: 12:11
Member (2002)
Spanish to French
+ ...
About seeing the WWA outsourcer details Jul 10, 2006

Thanks to those who are serving as test profiles.

I often visit profiles just out of curiosity and think that unless I'm looking for a translator to do a job, these details shouldn't be visible without the translator's agreement.
I'm not talking about the numbers (+4/0/-0) but about the comments. They are intended for outsourcers not for curious people.

I often see in profiles sentences like "For more information contact me" or "CV upon request".
What about
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Thanks to those who are serving as test profiles.

I often visit profiles just out of curiosity and think that unless I'm looking for a translator to do a job, these details shouldn't be visible without the translator's agreement.
I'm not talking about the numbers (+4/0/-0) but about the comments. They are intended for outsourcers not for curious people.

I often see in profiles sentences like "For more information contact me" or "CV upon request".
What about doing something similar for this information?

Thank you

Claudia
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Dyran Altenburg (X)
Dyran Altenburg (X)  Identity Verified
United States
Local time: 11:11
English to Spanish
+ ...
One more Jul 10, 2006

Henry wrote:
Was this system requested by ProZ.com members? Were members involved in the creation of this beta version?
Yes, this type of system has been requested and discussed frequently by members (translators and outsourcers both). In fact, there have been more requests in the area of translator feedback / references / testimonials than almost any other feature in ProZ.com's history.
The implementation we chose has been developed with substantial member and moderator involvement, and several hundred translators and outsourcers have already begun to use it.


Just out of curiosity, what is the ratio between plain vanilla translators and outsourcers in the aforementioned request and substantial involvement?

--
Dyran


 
Henry Dotterer
Henry Dotterer
Local time: 11:11
SITE FOUNDER
TOPIC STARTER
Yes, Dyran, yes. Jul 10, 2006

Dyran Altenburg wrote:
Henry wrote:
Soon, and also in response to member preference, a new page will be provided for outsourcers to make entries via a channel other than the profile. Notice will be sent to all members before this page is made public.

Will this be an opt-in feature (i.e. disabled by default)?

There will be no default. Everyone will be asked to choose, and in the absence of a choice, we won't make any assumptions as to whether someone wants to participate in the BB/WWA systems or not.
If not, will it be possible to opt out completely?

Yes.

Dyran, you have made it very clear, with no fewer than eleven post in the last thread alone, that you oppose the WWA feature. Now I get the sense, judging from your reposting of a question that was answered several times in the last thread (including once for you), that you are preparing to make further arguments here.

What I would ask is that you not do that. Having opted not to participate, as is your prerogative, I hope you will instead let those who wish to use and improve WWA, do so.

To put it differently, it is reasonable for you to desire the right not to participate in ProZ.com's WWA systems. But if your intent is to oppose their very existence, so that no one else can use them either, I can tell you at the outset that we will not be receptive to that position.


 
PFB (X)
PFB (X)  Identity Verified
Local time: 16:11
English to French
+ ...
Thank you, Henry (and site staff) Jul 10, 2006

I'm still not in favour of this new feature. I still think that it serves the interests of outsourcers more than it does those of service providers (who don't have anything to hide, unlike what the moderator from Latvia, I think, seems to think). All of which leads me to believe that, unfortunately, this is no longer the ProZ.com I decided to join last year.

BUT...

The manner in which this new feature is now re-introduced is quite an improvement on last month: we are to
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I'm still not in favour of this new feature. I still think that it serves the interests of outsourcers more than it does those of service providers (who don't have anything to hide, unlike what the moderator from Latvia, I think, seems to think). All of which leads me to believe that, unfortunately, this is no longer the ProZ.com I decided to join last year.

BUT...

The manner in which this new feature is now re-introduced is quite an improvement on last month: we are told that it is happening, it is not imposed on us, there is a trial period, the outsourcers' comments are limited, temporarily, and we are invited to comment and make suggestions.

This is very different from what happened last month.

So, thank you, Henry (and site staff) for allowing this to be discussed in a reasonable and reasoned way, the only way that suits the ProZ that we are.



[Edited at 2006-07-10 15:23]
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Henry Dotterer
Henry Dotterer
Local time: 11:11
SITE FOUNDER
TOPIC STARTER
Outsourcers and service providers both Jul 10, 2006

Dyran Altenburg wrote:
Henry wrote:
Was this system requested by ProZ.com members? Were members involved in the creation of this beta version?
Yes, this type of system has been requested and discussed frequently by members (translators and outsourcers both). In fact, there have been more requests in the area of translator feedback / references / testimonials than almost any other feature in ProZ.com's history.
The implementation we chose has been developed with substantial member and moderator involvement, and several hundred translators and outsourcers have already begun to use it.

Just out of curiosity, what is the ratio between plain vanilla translators and outsourcers in the aforementioned request and substantial involvement?

Initially, it was primarily outsourcers who requested this type of thing. But the proportion of translators asking for it has risen over the years. Maybe it is 50/50 now.

As for development, it has been undertaken almost entirely by service providers. I hope that more outsourcers will join us soon in implementation discussions.


 
Henry Dotterer
Henry Dotterer
Local time: 11:11
SITE FOUNDER
TOPIC STARTER
Thanks, Philippe! Jul 10, 2006

Philippe Boucry wrote:

I'm still not in favour of this new feature. I still think that it serves the interests of outsourcers more than it does those of service providers (who don't have anything to hide, unlike what the moderator from Latvia, I think, seems to think). All of which leads me to believe that, unfortunately, this is no longer the ProZ.com I decided to join last year.

BUT...

The manner in which this new feature is now re-introduced is quite an improvement on last month: we are told that it is happening, it is not imposed on us, there is a trial period, the outsourcers' comments are limited, temporarily, and we are invited to comment and make suggestions.

This is very different from what happened last month.

So, thank you, Henry (and site staff) for allowing this to be discussed in a reasonable and reasoned way, the only way that suits the ProZ that we are.

Much appreciated, Philippe. And as I said in closing the last thread, I apologize for the consternation caused by the way in which we (I) released it the first time around. Sorry!


 
Kirill Semenov
Kirill Semenov  Identity Verified
Ukraine
Local time: 17:11
Member (2004)
English to Russian
+ ...
WWA vs. PH Jul 10, 2006

I've read everything carefully enough, I think, and I participated in that `monstrous thread'.

Now I can't see real difference of WWA comparing to the `Project History' except of the PH is more detailed and, thus, better. I think I will continue to use the PH mainly, as for the adjusted WWA - I just can't see why and how it's better now. I still don't see any harm with it, mind you, still `Project History' is more detailed and vivid, I assume, so I think I will concentrate on this f
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I've read everything carefully enough, I think, and I participated in that `monstrous thread'.

Now I can't see real difference of WWA comparing to the `Project History' except of the PH is more detailed and, thus, better. I think I will continue to use the PH mainly, as for the adjusted WWA - I just can't see why and how it's better now. I still don't see any harm with it, mind you, still `Project History' is more detailed and vivid, I assume, so I think I will concentrate on this feature, while - of course! - allowing the WWA feature and using sometimes. I will use it, but without any enthusiasm.

ADDED: Basically, I think the initially great and fair idea of the new WWA feature was trampled by the majority, so I don't think it may be anyhow useful now. It's better to forfeit it to free some space in our profiles. It gives me some food to think deeply about the community, but this is my own problem, of course.

[Edited at 2006-07-10 15:29]

[Edited at 2006-07-10 15:31]
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Announcement - part 2 - option to show client "willing to work again" entries in your profile (beta)






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