| Pages in topic: < [1 2] | A new T&I association is born: IAPTI Thread poster: Maria Karra
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Özden Arıkan 
Germany
Local time: 21:48
Member
English to Turkish
+ ...
| Well, we all are | Oct 1, 2009 |
Pablo wrote:
I am sorry to be a thinking entity, although perhaps I think in a wrong way.
It's not that you are unique in being a thinking entity, Pablo, those who have extended their congratulations are thinking entities, too. In fact, we all are, that's why we keep seeking each other and getting organized. We may -and would better- think in different ways, which doesn't mean the wrong way, that's all.
As far as my experience is concerned, the more thought-involved an activity or field is, the more "divisions" it provokes in organization. Different organizations may serve different -not conflicting- sub-categories of vested interests, as well as providing checks and balances for one another. This is not a weakness, it is a strength. Actually, nothing can be weaker than a single focus of power.
And by the way, FIT is not an association, it's a federation of translator associations, which means that I A P T I and FIT doesn't have to conflict with or exclude each other.
| | | | | A new T&I association is born: IAPTI | Oct 1, 2009 |
Marcela Mestre wrote:
Hi Pablo,
Do you think the FIT is addressing all the issues mentioned below?
"We are facing several problems today in our profession: crowdsourcing, emphasis on price instead of quality, flooding of the translation market with non-professional translators, limitations on the extent to which we can discuss rates and the need for a strong online presence where new translators can be guided by experts that have translators' interests in mind, among other concerns. This new scenario calls for new players to fill an existing gap by tackling these issues, and we aim to build up an international network to achieve this."
Best regards.
mm
Hi Marcela,
May be not. But, fact is that translators will divide as many translation associations exist. I neither believe that any association could accomplish such targets. More than thirty years of profession hearing the same arguments (clients education, translator's profession dignifying, etc.) up to the boredom, with all kinds of obstacles on the part of the government itself, of syndicates (a professional bar is an elitist thing they said...), of the trade unions, of big translations companies (wiht special interest in maintening translators under slavery prices) and, especially, of other translators' associations, etc. does that one becomes skeptical.
I neither doubt of the honesty, nor the good will, nor the sincerity, nor the illusion of none of all the components of the association. But, I have seen too many declarations of good intentions that have gone nowhere all thes years. For example, in Catalonia (were I live) a translators and interpreters association was created in 1995 with a very clear target: The creation of a professional translators and interpreters bar to defend the interests of these. The first saboteurs who tried to prevent the creation of the professional bar of tranlsators at all costs was another association of literary translators , who saw his supposed rights being in danger like "collegial association", if an official and real professional bar of translators existed.
The result: Today, both associations have fused and the creation of a professional bar of translators is definitely prohibited by law.....
I admit this may be only one side of the coin, but it is the side I have beeing seen until now and living so far.
Good luck!
[Editado a las 2009-10-01 14:52 GMT]
| | | | hazmatgerman (X)
Local time: 21:48
English to German
has any of the well-wishers here read this new organization's rules and regulations? I recommend studying what these say about open discussion, free spech and procedures for dealing with criticism before congratulating on it.
thoughtfully yours
| | | | | A new T&I association is born: IAPTI | Oct 1, 2009 |
Özden Arıkan wrote: Pablo wrote:
I am sorry to be a thinking entity, although perhaps I think in a wrong way. It's not that you are unique in being a thinking entity, Pablo, those who have extended their congratulations are thinking entities, too. In fact, we all are, that's why we keep seeking each other and getting organized. We may -and would better- think in different ways, which doesn't mean the wrong way, that's all. As far as my experience is concerned, the more thought-involved an activity or field is, the more "divisions" it provokes in organization. Different organizations may serve different -not conflicting- sub-categories of vested interests, as well as providing checks and balances for one another. This is not a weakness, it is a strength. Actually, nothing can be weaker than a single focus of power. And by the way, FIT is not an association, it's a federation of translator associations, which means that I A P T I and FIT doesn't have to conflict with or exclude each other.
Hi Özden,
of course I am not unique in beeing a thinking entity. All we are. But, I miss a self-critical thought on our attitudes and responsibilities as translators facing facts many years ago. I believe that the power concentration on the market by means of merger is a confirmed fact in full globalization era. Consequently, we will hardly be able to defend translators rights on a market that tends to concentration by means of multiple associations that tend to dispersion.
As for that the FIT is a federation of translators' associations you are right, but then: Why it is autonamed an International Federation of Translators www.fit-ift.org/en/home.php and not an International Federation of Translators Associations? As Confucius said, words have precise meanings and that's why if a thing is named with a significant that does not correspond to him an error is committed. Nor a little thing. If you take a look to the the FIT members, you will see they are most local and not global associations.
Saygılarımla
[Editado a las 2009-10-01 16:59 GMT]
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| I second Michele's concerns | Oct 5, 2009 |
I do still wish this new organisation well, but Michele has raised some important points and a response would be very much appreciated.
| | | | | What to include in an ethics code | Oct 7, 2009 |
I cannot but agree with the colleagues that point out the controversial parts of IAPTI's ethics code. I wonder who is going to judge what a "proper rate" for each market and kind of business relationship (agency, direct client, etc.) is. As regards the enforcement of these rules, through a mechanism of "accusations", I think the arisal of conflict between colleagues wihtin one single association is guaranteed.
I hope I'm wrong.
| | | | | Some points on IAPTI | Oct 10, 2009 |
Hi Michele,
Thanks for showing an interest in our association.
Michele Johnson wrote:
1.2. Abstain from any and all sorts of conduct that might in any way harm or undermine IAPTI's interests.
Does this mean members are not allowed to express criticism of the association on internet forums, blogs, etc.? And how much "fair comment" is likely to be tolerated?
The principle of free speech is of utmost importance, and we would never try to undermine it. With this article, we are just trying to prevent actions (not just words—this is essential) that may cause any damage upon our association. Think of a member who leaks reserved information to other associations or plans to overthrow our authorities... That's the point.
3.4. Do nothing that might favor unfair competition by offering or accepting fees below those generally considered to be proper and fair on the market where they practice their Profession.
I strongly object to anyone telling me how to run my business, especially in terms of rates, and I don't think I'm the only one. You don't see this as price fixing? I also wonder how this will be enforced. Will you provide your members with a list of the "proper" rates in their markets? Can you let me know in advance what the market rates in Germany are, so I can decide whether or not to join?
One of the main objectives of IAPTI is to promote ethical business practices in translation and interpreting. To achieve that, it is essential to encourage fair rates. We don't see this as price fixing at all, because we're just imposing an ethical duty upon IAPTI members. And we won't tell anybody how much to charge. This provision is not something new. I invite you to take a look at other codes of ethics (you can do that at FIT’s website) and you will find this type of provisions at least in a dozen associations (from Ireland to Belgium, Spain, and Argentina).
3.6. In cases in which they donate free services to non-profit organizations, never carry out work for which these groups might otherwise pay. Furthermore, inform the non-profit organization benefiting from these free services of the proper market value of same.
How are members to know whether groups would have otherwise paid? I don't usually have knowledge of internal budgets. Don't you think your members are capable of deciding themselves what groups to volunteer for and whether or not to inform them of the market value of these services?
Please take a look again at our site. This article was an old version of the Code, which is now updated.
This is the correct wording:
3.6. In cases in which they render free services to non-profit organizations, apply themselves as if such services were a paid job. Furthermore, inform the non-profit organization benefiting from these free services of the proper market value of the job performed.
3.8. Report to the IAPTI Good Practices Commission, or to any other pertinent body of the Association, any colleague whose conduct may be detrimental to the profession and, furthermore, take part in any subsequent investigation into such conduct.
*Any* colleague, anywhere in the world?
This refers just to IAPTI members.
4.4. Offer any and all cooperation within their possibilities to their Colleagues, and especially to those of lesser experience.
So if I joined, I would have no choice about whom I cooperate with and what junior colleagues I have to mentor?
That's what "within their possibilities" means: if you can't, you can't.
I hope to have answered your questions.
Regards,
Mariano
Head - IAPTI Legal Affairs Committee
| | | | Maria Nerdrum
United Kingdom
Local time: 20:48
English to Norwegian
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| Congratulation to IAPTI! | Nov 23, 2009 |
Dear All,
I personally think it is great that someone are willing to offer their time to work for us all in this industry. There may be points, which not everyone agree with, but I do think the point of IAPTI is that they want to work with all our interests in mind. Translators, Interpreters and clients.
The tasks and goals they have set are not easy to reach, but if one doesn't start somewhere how do you propose we get anywhere? Before a law is made there are loads of ... See more Dear All,
I personally think it is great that someone are willing to offer their time to work for us all in this industry. There may be points, which not everyone agree with, but I do think the point of IAPTI is that they want to work with all our interests in mind. Translators, Interpreters and clients.
The tasks and goals they have set are not easy to reach, but if one doesn't start somewhere how do you propose we get anywhere? Before a law is made there are loads of drafts, so I think it is pointless to attack the few who wish to do so much for so many!
We need to work together and be constructive. Just critizising takes us no where as we have seen before. This is a hot debate and I think it is hotter now than before.
Of course we have freedom of speach, so let us use that in a positive way and give comments, advice based on real experiences, assistance and support and work towards a solution that fits us all regardless of where we are in the world and where the client is. If we can all join one federation, trade organisation, the name of it less important, then we can be part of changing the ill practises and finally get to regulate the industry.
It has taken rather many years to set up the EU and a lot of chances has had to be made to cater for all the different nations. It is still an ongoing process, like laws in general in every country. The society is changing and faster than before.
IAPTI has most likely set their goals, tasks and targets based on their personal experiences, knowledge and how they see this industry and what has gone before they set up. There is nothing wrong in that.
Join them and be part of them, give them your experiences, knowledge and ideas. I will join them, no doubt, and I suggest we all do and get down to one Federation as this will make us so much stronger.
One Federation, one cause, one fight! Together we can do it!
Thank you IAPTI! I wish you all the best and I look forward to become your member.
Kind regards
Maria ▲ Collapse
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