Hello, On 4/6/07, Brion Vibber <brion(a)wikimedia.org> wrote: Indeed. Though translators really do their best, it is very difficult to achieve translation of all candidate's statements. Last time the statements were *suggested* not to exceed 1,000 characters [1]. Some rules must be changed. I suggest the following extra rules : * For the pre-(s)election candidates, only a *short presentation* (~50 words) ; easy and fast to translate, even for many candidates. These statements may be translated only in « big » languages, i.e. those of the most developed projects. * For the final candidates, *no more than 150 words*. These statements should be translated in as many languages as possible. * All statements *must* be written in simple words, simple sentences without any idioms. * All candidates *must* write their statement in all languages they speak. They know what they want to say better than anyone, so it's better to have a rough translation by themselves that will be refined later than a well-written serious mistranslation. To the future candidates: respect the work of translators. Last time, some candidates largely exceeded the characters limit. Their statements were however translated because the translators felt a moral obligation to translate them. Though, such an attitude from candidates shows a disrespect to our volunteer translators. So, if you long to be a community representative, first respect the community by following these simple rules. Thanks. [1] http://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Election_candidates_2006/En -- Guillaume Paumier [[m:User:guillom]] http://www.wikimedia.org _______________________________________________ Translators-l mailing list Translators-l(a)lists.wikimedia.org http://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/translators-l

Also, a shorter statement isn't necessarily easier to translate. The statements often consist of difficult topics, which means that you need some context in order to translate it correctly (I know I do). It is very difficult to translate some loose sentences. I do agree that statements should be written in simple words; of course a candidate can write a difficult statement (which of course can also be translated), but it would be nice if all official statements would be in simple words (a more difficult version could be placed on the candidate's user page, no need to forbid that). -Fruggo On 4/9/07, Michelle Gallaway <mgallaway(a)gmail.com> wrote: words. I know that I would. If we attempt to put a rule down like candidates or at least stir statements over a inclined candidates can spout off only, or people can write <guillom.pom(a)gmail.com> wrote: wrote: little time between the of voting. One translation of it is very difficult to statements. Last time the statements [1]. Some rules must be *short presentation* (~50 many candidates. These languages, i.e. those of words*. These statements possible. words, simple sentences all languages they than anyone, so it's better to be refined later than a translators. Last time, limit. Their statements were a moral obligation to candidates shows a disrespect be a community following these simple rules.

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