So I’ve tried using the Project Finder to look for drama’s I can volunteer on, have been having zero luck, and I’m beginning to think it’s me. For reference, I’m looking for projects that need English editing, not translation or segmenting, so I’m searching for ‘translate _____ subtitle to English subtitle.’ I know this probably isn’t totally designed for those who only do editing, but I figure a drama that needs translation will need someone to edit the translation as well, and I can always message to find out. Problem is, I’ve tried using the finder in a variety of ways and continue to recieve the same results. I’ve tried only searching for ‘translate _____ subtitle to English subtitle’ without including genre’s or country of origin. I’ve tried searching for one genre at a time, and I’ve tried searching for multiple genres. I’ve tried searching for one genre and the country of origin, and I’ve tried multiple genres along with a country of origin. I’ve tried only searching for country of origin.
I’ve tried every combination I can think of, and I get the same results.
Nothing.
So I guess my question is, is there a particular way you’re supposed to use the project finder? Have I been doing it wrong? Or should I not even be using it if I’m not looking to help with segmenting or translation? Help would really be appreciated.
It’s not your fault.
I thought that maybe by being more specific I could get some results.
So I tried
Korean to English (the rest blank) - No result
Korean to English country Korea (the rest blank) - No result
Korean to English country Korea genre drama - No result
Then I did the very same with Chinese and China. Again no result.
So of course it means it’s not you, the Project Finder today just doesn’t work (I wonder how long it’s been that way).
You may want to change the title of your thread to “Project Finder isn’t working”, and also tag Viki staff (by using @ before their name) to attract their attention.
Maybe also open a ticket, but do leave this thread open to hear if other people have the same experience (I think they will).
The Project Finder works by seeing the empty subs in the target language and full (not sure how full) subs in origin language. I doesn’t show shows which are already full.
Sadly, you would need to search manually through show cover pages for a show recruiting an editor.
I’ve been trying to use it every few months or so to see if it will work, and I’ve had the same result every time, so at least for me, it’s never worked.
I just submitted a request. I assume that’s what you mean by a ticket? Who on Viki staff would you suggest I tag in this post?
I understand that. My thought process was that if a drama needed subs, regardless of how many or how few, it might possibly need editing as well. But it doesn’t really matter if I can’t find anything when I search, lol. I did actually do what you suggested last night, and I messaged a few English moderators about doing editing on their dramas. Waiting to see if I hear back.
A fundamental problem with the Project Finder is that it requires both a source (from) and target (to) subtitle language. Since English subtitles are usually the first to be completed for a show (i.e. there isn’t going to be a source subtitle language), you usually can’t find projects for English translation or edition.
Well that’s silly. Why would they design it that way? And why would they bother giving you the option to use the search parameters I used if they’re not going to come up with anything?
I guess that means I’m just never gonna use it, lol.
I’m surprised every single reply wasn’t “Yeah, it doesn’t work.”
Anyhow, I haven’t seen a suggestion for a solution to your problem.
What I do is click on any of the regions/categories in the banner (Korean, Mainland Chinese, etc), then click on All Schedules at the far right. Select either On Air or Coming Soon, I guesstimate you’ll have the best luck with the latter.
Then you can click on any show that interests you, scroll down to the uh, what’s it called, the artwork?, and see if they’re currently recruiting, if the position you’d like has already been filled, etc.
If it says they’re still looking for a GE, message the CM. Note that title pages are not always accurate, meaning I’ve written shows before that were recruiting only to hear they’re not.
Idk if this is superfluous to you, but just in case I’ll include it. When you do message the CM, it’s a good idea (idk if there’s any other way to do it, actually - unless you’re viki famous, that is (lol!)) to give them an overview of your skills and work. (Like if you’re a native speaker or work as a writer or editor, maybe even why you’re interested in volunteering for her project.)
Good luck and have fun!
Edit: One small note, I’m a Ch-En subber, not an editor.
Yup, same thing here. Everything that needs Kor-Eng subber is not licensed in my region anymore. Even the projects that I was already a part of, I can no longer sub because VIKI has revoked the license in my region.