ATCP, LLC

I recently replied to a post on Google’s Gmail Help forums regarding phishing, and it touched on an issue I’ve been confused about for years:

[...]

This is the result of a common translator (Google’s , Babelfish, etc.) being used on perfect grammar-from
another country.

Now for years the question has remained as to why an Asian, or other, company wouldn’t just spend a few quick dollars and have their text proof read? I’m not talking (necessarily) about the phishing expeditions, but in all matters foreign where they know an English audience will be reading their material? I’ve been to Asia, and it is crazy how proud they are of their own country and culture. They would rather spend their energy and time making a knock-off of [insert virtually any product type here] than to use that ingenuity to make
their own brand, and establish their countries as those known for making good _original_ goods, instead of really good knock-offs.

Trust me on this, as I have purchased a LOT of Asian knock-offs, and they are a terrific value-as long as you realize what they actually are.

There is no translator that converts perfect to perfect… but this next one is probably even better than the first.

The top part of the sign is in English, but when they emailed someone to translate that English into Welsh, the response actually said “I am not in the office at the moment. Please send any work to be translated.” That’s right, it’s an out of office message, which subsequently made it onto the road sign undetected. We hope those residents are getting used to Welsh truck drivers carrying heavy goods. from here.

Translation, although it would cost just a few dollars, is something I believe is outside their comfort zone with regard to national (cultural) pride.

So. Attention all Asian, Welsh and other companies wanting to get into the US markets by translating your manuals, instructions, and yes-even banners-into English: Send me your broken English and I will make it perfect. I will charge only $5 USD per document, up to 500 characters. How can you miss with that? Email me for my PayPal account!

So who is sitting in front, again?

Yes, they do!

I don't see it! Do you?

Lord knows, I've tried!

Need some spare change when abroad?

Just like at the casino!

Nobody dries crack lik ethe Asians!

I'm calling No.8, just in case!

Nobody would be dumb enough to put something in STONE without checking with me first, would they?

You want creative? You got it!

Would this work over here?

You might as well take one more step!

Lets see if I can help clean up the masses of virtually unintelligible translations out there! :)

I got a nice email from PacSafe, and thought I’d share it with you all:

personal stuff to me mercifully removed

We are developing a whole range of products only dedicated to photography. The Camera Shoulder Bag (handy camera bag) easily accommodates your SLR camera, and the multiple pockets ensure all your small and delicate accessories are well protected and organized. I’ve attached a picture of it.

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I will never remember where I heard someone say “If there are no job reqs that match what you do, it is time to consult.”, but I think I’m there. I’ve had a consultancy for 12 years that has served primarily between engagements, allowing me to 1099 my past employers who still need my services.
Right now as a W2, I rely on others for my success. Of my many faults, one of the most baffling to me is my lack of marketing skills. I help dozens of people network and improve their skills every year. I help them find the work they need, and promote/sell themselves. I find it easy to help people. I can see things-trends, patterns-they can’t.  I’m the person that looks over the player’s shoulders and sees the triple jump.
The problem gets worse with (my) age. In a W2 role, I am an expense. People can be gotten right out of college for 1/3 what I make now, and are easily molded. I’m seriously considering saving up enough money in order to be completely performance compensated.

That is, I receive, say 1% of the gross of any deals I work on that close. I think a VP of Sales/COO/CEO would be much more likely to hire me under than premise. I’d have to think about how to bill out expenses, but I think this is the right approach.
So why can’t I pick up a phone and cold call? Why can’t I be my own mentor? I make a living helping people sell better and become better sales professionals. I’m helpless, apparently, at being one of those I help. If I could acquire my own clients, I would never need to W2 or rely on instability for income. I’d be interested in hearing from anyone who has made the transition.
My powers seem to be strictly one-way. I can only help other people, and not myself. I think this means my professional network is now more valuable than ever to my success.