Forum: CAT Tools Technical Help
Topic: Across, memoQ are the hell for workers
Poster: Marinus Vesseur
Post title: The psychological component can ruin the experience...
.. and that is Across' downfall, I think. Most translators are freelancers, with "free" being an important component of the lifestyle that goes with it. A tool that is designed to be used by freelancers should therefore suit the choice of freedom and individuality that they so treasure. As soon as a tool, be it online or offline, starts making me feel like a replaceable cogwheel in a big translation machine, I am out.
Secondly, translators are often of the more artsy personality type. They are good at languages, not at math. Learning the use of a computer posed more of a challenge to many of us than it does for your average geek. Why then, would a CAT tool maker expect me to adapt to their way of thinking? Aren't they trying to sell me something. Am I not the paying client?
Apple became successful because they designed machines around the user. What we call "intuitive" is something designed into the system to make the use of it pleasurable, fit for all humans, not just nerds. However, it requires a great deal of study and "nerd mindset" to figure out many of the features of CAT tools and the whole server-user setup of these systems takes even the last bit of personal contact out of the collaboration. Across is the worst offender, but I find all CAT tools sorely lacking in this regard.
I still hope that some Steve Jobs-like character will emerge who will revolutionize translation tools by humanizing them.
Delightful Holidays and a Happy New Year to you all!
Topic: Across, memoQ are the hell for workers
Poster: Marinus Vesseur
Post title: The psychological component can ruin the experience...
.. and that is Across' downfall, I think. Most translators are freelancers, with "free" being an important component of the lifestyle that goes with it. A tool that is designed to be used by freelancers should therefore suit the choice of freedom and individuality that they so treasure. As soon as a tool, be it online or offline, starts making me feel like a replaceable cogwheel in a big translation machine, I am out.
Secondly, translators are often of the more artsy personality type. They are good at languages, not at math. Learning the use of a computer posed more of a challenge to many of us than it does for your average geek. Why then, would a CAT tool maker expect me to adapt to their way of thinking? Aren't they trying to sell me something. Am I not the paying client?
Apple became successful because they designed machines around the user. What we call "intuitive" is something designed into the system to make the use of it pleasurable, fit for all humans, not just nerds. However, it requires a great deal of study and "nerd mindset" to figure out many of the features of CAT tools and the whole server-user setup of these systems takes even the last bit of personal contact out of the collaboration. Across is the worst offender, but I find all CAT tools sorely lacking in this regard.
I still hope that some Steve Jobs-like character will emerge who will revolutionize translation tools by humanizing them.
Delightful Holidays and a Happy New Year to you all!