I’d never heard of the translation company that sent me this email, but now that I’ve read an example of its communication style, I’m unlikely to send it any work. Here’s what “Melissa” wrote (I’ve removed identifying names):
As a leading provider of multilingual localization services and solutions, we at ____ strive to further connect with people around the globe, from localization and linguistic enthusiasts to those merely curious about the generalities of this field of work. With the onset of a blog in development, we are reaching out to you today to open up lines for dialogue in an effort to encourage communication, share ideas, and extend networks.
To briefly introduce ____ to you through a current project, for those interested, the chance to participate in the industry's first collaborative and customizable terminology management system, ____, could possible result in your very own iPad!
For further instructions, please visit ____.
In the name of good old-fashioned advertising, we would also appreciate any mention of ____ in your blog entries. Likewise, we would be more than willing to return the favor. Our blog is very much a work-in-progress at the moment, but future endeavors will include "spotlights" with freelance translators, linguists, or ardent supporters of localization development and technology—this could be you!
I receive plenty of awkwardly written emails from strangers and companies I’ve never heard of. This one stood out because it came from a translation company—one that is, according to its blog, “a multinational, top-tier localization vendor with 13 offices around the world” that has succeeded by “sticking to our quality guns.” (Quality guns?) The company is based in Beijing, which may account for some of the awkward English (“linguistic enthusiasts”; “open up lines for dialogue”; “those merely curious about the generalities of this field of work”; “in the name of good old-fashioned advertising”*; “the onset of a blog in development”; the entire second paragraph). But it also has six North American offices and, presumably, at least one native English speaker and proofreader.
Based on the email, would you trust this company with your next translation project? I’m guessing your answer is no, non, nein, and nyet.
___
* I think Melissa means “free PR,” not advertising.
I love the end of the first paragraph, where they say that they're talking to you to start talking to encourage talking. Could it get any wordier?
Posted by: Jonathon | June 09, 2010 at 03:40 PM