Re: gnumeric: Note to translators

[Michael Twomey <michael twomey ireland sun com>]

Martin Norbäck wrote:
> 
> 2001-02-13T08:22:39+0100, Karl Eichwalder ->
> > > Since the users are the ones who really test the application, they are
> > > perfect for the job.
> >
> > Yes :)  But KISS: The users have to learn to report translation issues
> > to the bug tracking system in use.  Either we'll have to create a
> > special component "Translation" (the languages as subcomponents?) or the
> > maintainer of a produkt or component is asked to assign to the
> > appropriate language team.
> 
> That is another idea. But as you say KISS: it's easier to send email
> than to start a web browser, locate the right bug page, fill in a
> template.
> 
> However, using the bug tracking system is not a bad idea. Every team
> should have a maintainer, or as we do in the sv team, have a mailing
> list. This mailing list could then be informed of all new bugs.
> 

I agree. In Sun we have specific categories for problems with particular
languages so people can file language specific bugs which are assigned
directly to the localisation teams without the application writers ever
knowing. Generally it is category: application, subcategory: l10n_euro
or something like that.

Having a bug category makes it much easier for someone who doesn't know
how the localisation process works in Gnome to file a bug and it also
makes it quicker to fix because you have the information to hand. 

In future when companies which are part of the Gnome foundation want to
get linguists to check the quality/consistency of translations it makes
the linguist's life much easier if they can just file a bug directly
against the application in the appropriate language subcategory. 

You don't just get language problems, for example a menu item could be
missing an accelerator. If this is filed as a bug (e.g. The F in File
needs an accelerator) then someone who doesn't necessarily speak the
language (such as me :) ) can go in and fix the problem.

So in short I think a specific set of categories for languages in bug
tracking system is very important to help push up the quality of Gnome
beyond that of other desktops. 

> > > An ideal spot would be in the about box.
> >
> > Can't hurt neither ;)
> >
> > I'd recommend to add some notes on this issue to the user's guide.
> 
> Sure thing, I think the translators should in any case get credit in the
> about box (even if users should report bugs to the bug tracking system)
> 

Perhaps each credit in the about box could have a link to the specific
bug category beside it (sort of a "if you have a problem with language X
click here").


just my thoughts,
	mick

-- 
Michael Twomey
These opinions are my own and do not represent Sun unless otherwise
stated.
Sun Microsystems, Dublin, 8199164, x19164
"Fly my little Makefiles! Fly!"