I think that interpreters should have the opportunity to discuss and share their pre-assignment research, lessons learned, etc., regarding assignments that may be similar. For example, if someone is interpreting a play in California, and then a different interpreting team will be interpreting the same play in New York, they could share their resources, experiences, and lessons learned. This could ensure quality standards and develop a body of working knowledge within the interpreting field. Although I am unaware of any repository or place where interpreters can share their resources, experiences, and lessons learned broadly, this idea could be developed into an online forum where all interpreters could submit their research and resources for others to use. In addition to this forum being used by interpreters as a means of sharing resources, it could also be used as a way for companies or organizations to post jobs for other interpreters worldwide or even just in their local area. Thi...
Social media has created a significant shift in the way people are communicating and sharing ideas online. Personal relationships and identities are forever etched in each electronic keystroke that we take. Ideas and political movements that are sparked online can take off like wildfire through millions of online forums, RSS feeds, blogs, Facebook posts, and twitter feed. Assignment confidentiality and ethics can be breached innocently in only a few seconds and create a major ethical dilemma that lasts a lifetime. Your smartphone may post a specific assignment location, or someone may take a picture in a public venue while you are interpreting and post it on Facebook. Posts that were once thought harmless or innocent can cost a job or online reputation as more and more stakeholders, employers, consumers, and colleagues are using it to connect with others in the field. The whole notion of confidentiality and ethics are evolving with the advent of this new technology. Social media is al...