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Year-end report to members, 2005
Thread poster: Henry Dotterer

Henry Dotterer
Local time: 17:28
SITE FOUNDER
Nov 1, 2005

Dear ProZ.com members and moderators,

In November, we'll be on the road meeting members at our conferences in Krakow and Seattle (where we are a sponsor of the ATA Conference.) Then in December, we'll be focusing on plans for 2006, and your feedback. Therefore, I would like to take this October newsletter as an opportunity to recap our progress as a workplace and community in 2005, to date.

Highlights:

Membership

- Platinum membership increased substantially, with new members joining from across Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia and the rest of the world. We now have platinum members in 109 nations and territories. Welcome new members!

- In three surveys, platinum members expressed a very high degree of satisfaction with ProZ.com membership. Over 90% indicate a likelihood of renewing, attributing to membership such benefits as an increased client base, enhanced ability to do research, closer working relationships with other translators, improved quality of work and greater satisfaction in their profession overall. (See testimonials.)

- New platinum revenues were invested in (1) improving the site and (2) marketing the services of platinum members to a wider audience of potential clients.

ProZ.com team

Seven new staff members were added to the ProZ.com team. With the larger staff, made possible by platinum membership income, it became possible to complete a backlog of tasks that had been requested by members in previous years.

Site traffic

- Client flow doubled overall, and traffic to profiles increased by a factor of 2.5x. Among those who used ProZ.com in 2005 to locate translator candidates are: *language companies* Bowne Global Solution, CLS Communication, Lionbridge, SDL International and Webster's Online Dictionary, *clients* HP, eBay, Manpower, the European Central Bank, Google, Interwoven, JPMorgan Chase, Korean Air, Cisco, Novartis, Vodaphone, and *organizations* Human Rights Watch, Catholic Relief Services and the United Nations.

- A feature was released that allows platinum members to track visits to their ProZ.com profiles. Your Visitors Tab shows the IP address of your visitors, along with the search terms they used to reach your profile from Google, Yahoo or the ProZ.com directory. (Member feedback)

Offline events

- Registration for our third Conference, to be held November 25-26 in Krakow, is approaching the maximum capacity of 150 participants. Excellent work by organizer Magda Dziadosz in putting together a great program in a great location.

- Powwows have been held more than 100 times in 45 countries.

Site features

- Focus shifted to specialties, PRO points

The translator directory, KudoZ, the jobs system, profiles and a new KudoZ leaderboard were all modified in such a way that emphasis shifted from general to specific fields of expertise, and from overall to PRO-level KudoZ activity. As a result, it is easier to locate specialists and, conversely, easier for specialists to appeal to clients on the strength of the expertise they demonstrate by collaborating.

- Directory updated

The translator directory was updated, allowing outsourcers to perform more detailed searches, and enabling members to indicate their current availability. The number of directory searches performed more than doubled, leading to significantly more job opportunities for members. Platinum members appear in the first set of directory results, and are therefore the primary beneficiaries of this growth.

- KudoZ system updated

A major KudoZ update was released. The interface was updated, more statistics were added to profiles, browser toolbars were released for Mozilla and IE, and a fast new archive search was created and built into the asking process. The archive search function, and an updated KOG interface, have also gained popularity quickly. Also in the update, members were given greater control over the types of questions they see and receive.

Long-standing members report that these changes, along with the institution of per-day limits, have led to a reduction in noise, a more professional environment, and a better site overall.

On the year so far, 250,000 terms have been added to the KudoZ archive. The one million mark was surpassed in April, with a term posted by Sylvain Leray.

- Blue Board faster, more popular

The Blue Board was updated, making it faster and easier to use. The rate at which new records and entries are being added has doubled, increasing the value of this already crucial community resource. Thanks to the jobs/Blue Board team of moderators for their efforts around the clock to put as much information as possible at the disposal of members for managing risk in working with new clients.

- Additional options, information available in job postings

The jobs system was updated, giving members more information on outsourcers and more control over the alerts they receive. In addition, outsourcers now have more options for specifying their needs and targeting certain types of translators. (Here, too, the jobs/BB team led developments.)

- Translator and interpreter world maps created

Using Google's map technology, both a platinum member map and an interpreter world map were created. While the platinum member map is already an interesting and fun networking tool, it is expected that the interpreter map will prove to be a valuable marketing tool for our interpreter members.

- Advanced forum search developed

A fast new forum search was released, providing members with convenient access to the large body of tips, tricks and knowledge (tech support, resources, etc.) that has been built among ProZ.com members over the past six years.

- More ways to share knowledge

An Articles Knowledgebase was created. This large collection of member-contributed translation articles offers a new way to exchange information among members, and a great way for authors to communicate to the industry their areas of expertise. Among the active early contributors are members Natalya Zelikova, Andrei Gerasimov, Sylver (English/French), Maria Antonietta Ricagno (English/Italian) and Aurora Humarán (English/Spanish).

Also, a Quick Polls feature was added. This allows platinum members to suggest one-question / mutiple choice polls of general interest, to be featured on the home page for a day at a time. Access to the complete history of site polls is also available to members.

- GlossPost updated, expanded

GlossPost (our member-built database of glossary URLs) was improved, making it easier to contribute, search and moderate. Members added glossary links at an increasing rate, and now over 5000 URLs are shown. Thanks to GlossPost creator Maria Eugenia Farre and moderators Xola, Parrot, Magda Dziadosz and Maria Karra, who vet each and every entry.

CAT tools

Group purchases were organized for tools from TRADOS, SDL and Wordfast. In each case, ProZ.com members buying together in bulk enjoyed the lowest prices worldwide for the products.

Other

Marion Schimmelpfennig posted an idea in the forums and members responded, leading to the foundation of the non-profit organization Translators4Kids. Among the goals of this organization is to "Promote initiatives that enhance the lives of children from all cultures." Learn more and pitch in at http://www.translators4kids.com

More to come this year and next...

In addition to the above, our plans call for additional site development in the coming weeks, including localization of key site areas into a few of our members' dominant languages. (The KudoZ rules, for example, have been localized already.)

Looking ahead to next year, we in the ProZ.com team will continue working with you to further enhance our workplace (and our profession). To that end, in December we will publish an outline of areas of focus for 2006. We will invite you as platinum members to provide your feedback and direction by survey, and also in a new forum created just for platinum members to discuss ProZ.com's future. This will be a good opportunity to influence ProZ.com, and in turn to drive the industry forward.

We will also soon be announcing a membership campaign, targeted at active site users who are not yet platinum. If you are among this group, and are a professional translator, we will soon give you several incentives to invest in your business, and industry, by becoming a full member of ProZ.com. By taking advantage of this opportunity, you will position yourself to enjoy increased advantages as changes and enhancements are made to the site in 2006.

Appreciation

Many members contributed to the accomplishments listed above. In particular, we would like to thank the following (non-moderator) members for suggestions or feedback that influenced our activities this year: Kirill Semenov, Mihai Badea, Edward Potter, Sven Petersson, Konstantin Kisin, Cilian O'Tuama, Pablo Grosschmid, Natalya Zelikova, Alain Cote, Williamson, Lingo Pros, Lucinda Hollenberg, Jack Doughty, Walter Landesman, Daniela Zambrini, gad and many, many others.

Also, the entire team of volunteer moderators continues to play a crucial role in our workplace. Moderators contribute leadership and feedback on site development, act as a bridge to communicate central issues to members working in various languages, formulate and develop site rules, investigate abuse, vet forum and job posts, and otherwise help make ProZ.com a great place to work and meet. Please consider sending a note or otherwise pausing to thank the moderator(s) who have contributed to your enjoyment of the site.

Closing

Remember, platinum members: we--the ProZ.com team--work for you. Let us know how we are doing, and what more we can do for you. (Entering support tickets is the best way to communicate with us.)

Thanks for making ProZ.com possible. Happy translating.

Henry
ProZ.com Founder


 

Walter Landesman  Identity Verified
Uruguay
Local time: 18:28
Member (2005)
English to Spanish
+ ...
Thanks Nov 1, 2005

Dear Henry,

We all know what this site is worth. However, when we see this brief summary of what Proz has accomplished, wow!, it´s really amazing.
My surprise too seeing my name mentioned among those non-moderator members you consider have influenced our activities this year. I`m really flattered.
Anyway, thanks again to Proz and to you and congratulations for all that has been done.
A toast for the future!

Walter

[Edited at 2005-11-01 18:26]


 

Derek Gill Franßen  Identity Verified
Germany
Local time: 23:28
German to English
+ ...
This site rocks! Nov 1, 2005

Day after day I am presented with even more reasons to love this site. Thank you Henry for providing us with ProZ - I can no longer imagine my daily routine without it.icon_smile.gif

BTW - Props to those processing the support requests; I don't think I have ever experienced such a professional bunch.

[Edited at 2005-11-01 18:54]


 

sarahl (X)
Local time: 14:28
English to French
+ ...
Thank you Henry! Nov 2, 2005

Thank you for your hard work, Henry and ProZ staff, we really appreciate it!icon_smile.gif

Can you elaborate on this specific point? I hadn't realized you were also marketing our services!

Sarah

Henry wrote:

- New platinum revenues were invested in
keting the services of platinum members to a wider audience of potential clients.

[/quote]


 

Jean Martin  Identity Verified
Local time: 22:28
Member (2004)
Italian to English
Thanks Henry and all those who make such a fantastic contribution to Proz.com. Nov 2, 2005

Thanks Henry and all those who make such a fantastic contribution to Proz.com.

 

CSsys (X)
Hungary
Local time: 23:28
English to Hungarian
+ ...
a real successfull project! Nov 2, 2005

Dear ProZ.com Staff!

we appreciate the sense of this project and we hope that we can also contribute to the prosperity of this virtual world...
the place with unlimited access for all cultures countries languages


best wishes


 
Thank you Henry, you guys are terrific! Nov 2, 2005

This is the most comprehensive, up-to-date, useful translator site I know in the cyberspace. My day as a professional translator never go without visiting this site.
Truly good and getting better around the clock.
By the way, are you thinking of organizing an evaluation program as a way to assess the skill level and knowledge of translator (such as ATA stuff)? What do you think?
Well, I am not sure this should be within the ProZ territory, so I'm throwing this up in the air, just to see what are you guys thoughts.


 

Larry Salas  Identity Verified
United States
Local time: 17:28
Member (2003)
Dutch to English
+ ...
Kudos to Henry and team! Nov 2, 2005

The evolution of this site has truly been amazing. Keep up the good work!

Larry


 

Nitza Ramos  Identity Verified
United States
Local time: 17:28
Spanish to English
+ ...
Great site! Nov 3, 2005

Thank you and congratulations for a wonderful site:-)

Nitza


 

Hipyan Nopri  Identity Verified
Indonesia
Local time: 04:28
Member (2005)
English to Indonesian
+ ...
Greatly Beneficial Site to Translators and Outsourcers Alike Nov 3, 2005

Thank you very much, Henry. The existence of this site has facilitated the meeting between translators and outsourcers all over the world. I myself have felt the great benefits of the site, particularly since my Platinum membership in September this year.

 

Ines Garcia Botana  Identity Verified
Local time: 18:28
Member
English to Spanish
+ ...
Thanks Henry for ProZ.com Nov 3, 2005

Thanks, Henry!

Truth to tell, working without this site is something I do not even dare imagine!
Thank you and your fantastic staff!


Keep working hard, please!

Inés


 

Gordana Podvezanec  Identity Verified
Croatia
Local time: 23:28
Member (2003)
German to Croatian
+ ...
Thank you Nov 3, 2005

Thank you and congratulations for a wonderful site, you have made my work much more easier!
icon_smile.gif

Gordana Podvezanec


 

AlphaMike  Identity Verified
Local time: 22:28
English to Portuguese
+ ...
Thank you Henry Nov 3, 2005

Henry,

thank you for provinding us, translators, with this great site. It's really a big help and only comes to prove all the help and friendship among people with the same job: TRANSLATION.

The growth of this site means that translators all around the world are willing to share... and that is wonderful.

Thank you,

A.M.

Portugal


 

Maria Antonietta Ricagno  Identity Verified
Local time: 23:28
Member
English to Italian
+ ...
Many thanks again Henry Nov 3, 2005

You all are really great!
Proz.com is useful, cool, and a good source of networking for us all translators.
Also thanks to the staff for their efforts in solving any issue may arise, and the promptness of their replies.

Anto


 

Ahmed Alami Aroussi  Identity Verified
Morocco
Local time: 22:28
Member (2005)
English to French
Thank you all Dec 2, 2005

Dear Henry and Proz community,

My sincere thanks to all who help us translators work and communicate better, to developers, marketers, moderators, events organizers, users and all those doing a fantastic job behind the scene. Best wishes Proz for 2006.


 
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