I personally never want to lose my joy of editing and watching Asian dramas.
In order to solve the problem of incomplete channels and irresponsible hoarders of channels, we now can’t load any language moderators. Viki needs positive solutions instead of negative restrictions.
For English teams, they should be required to release a minimum of two up-to-one-hour episodes per week counting from the time it’s segmented on each channel, unless only one episode airs per week. Longer episodes and movies can be counted by hour length for the requirement. For example: a one-hour-plus episode needs to be released by maximum two weeks, preferably sooner. A three-hour movie needs to be released by maximum three weeks from the time it’s segmented.
We each know our own capabilities and hours we can commit to helping Viki, and if we can’t follow through, then someone else should. If English teams follow this requirement, everyone else comes after us and can also finish two episodes per week on each channel. If any moderators don’t produce the required amount, the CM has the right to replace them!
Regarding quality of subs, I have been viewing Asian dramas since 2002. All I ask for in subs is that they be good enough to understand what is happening in the show. We are not performing surgery here or launching rockets into space! A viewer has only 3-5 seconds max to read a subtitle! They don’t want a screen full of subs so they can’t even see the faces of actors. Yes, I do my best to ensure the subs are the best of my ability, but I also do my best to fit them to the timing allotted. And I beam from the messages of thanks I receive:
“I take my hat off to you and your subtitle team for your work on “Be Together”. As someone from the U.S. I have seen some bad interpretations but this one was outstanding. It thought this drama was well written but your subtitles were spot on and enjoyable. Thanks for all you do.”
I had four people fixing pre-subs so viewers could watch decent subs asap. I had four TEs and four GEs and my goal was to release four episodes per week.
Because of a shortage of editors, I trained at least ten people to be English editors in my years on Viki, and I am proud of all of them. I also don’t accept just anyone, but they must be good at spelling already. I applaud all senseis on Viki who impart their knowledge to others! They are training, not doing episodes. So if Viki just implements the two regular episodes per week requirement per channel, senseis of any languages are not affected.
I think this is the best solution rather than adversely limiting our hard-working, highly responsible, dedicated language moderators who work on Viki daily and always complete their channels! If any CMs do not require this of their teams, then the CM either needs a Co-CM or it’s grounds for removal. This would not overtax the computer system which doesn’t tally the number of Language Moderator roles properly or allow our CMs any control.
This would also help Viki to gauge what kinds of shows people want to work on and/or view so they don’t spend money on shows which attract no one! Everyone can tell by my username what kinds of shows I watch and where I am willing to volunteer.