Thank you for the official declaration. While this change was something many of us saw coming, it’s still a significant moment to have it confirmed. It’s reassuring in a way to finally have clarity about the direction the platform is heading. Even though I can’t say I’m happy about the decision, I respect the path the company has chosen to take. After all, change is a constant in any evolving industry, and we, too, must adapt in response.
That said, it’s hard not to feel bittersweet. I joined Viki because I genuinely love translating. From the start, what drew me in was the opportunity to work closely with passionate teams, to be part of a collaborative process, and to contribute meaningfully by translating content from scratch. It gave me a sense of purpose and joy to know that my work was helping others enjoy stories they otherwise might not have access to. Now, knowing that newly released titles will arrive pre-subtitled in Spanish and French, it feels like the role many of us held dear is changing fundamentally.
Still, I’m trying to remain open-minded. Perhaps this new phase will bring different kinds of opportunities, ones where we can still make a meaningful impact through editing, polishing, and ensuring that the subtitles truly reflect the heart and soul of the original content.
However, I do want to raise a concern that has weighed on me for some time. I’ve seen multiple comments blaming poor-quality subtitles on Spanish volunteers, specifically on shows I know for a fact have not yet been edited by community members. It’s disheartening to see volunteers being criticized for errors that were not theirs to begin with. I truly hope that viewers and fans will grow more aware that many of these subtitles are not the work of volunteers, and the quality is not always reflective of the care and attention that volunteer teams would typically provide. Transparency and understanding from the audience would go a long way in protecting the integrity of the volunteers’ work.
Within the community itself, I’m aware that we don’t always see eye to eye. We have different working styles, different preferences, and different approaches when it comes to our respective projects. That diversity has always been both a strength and a challenge. But despite our differences, I hope we can all come together and continue doing our best—for each other, for the viewers, and for the love of translating. Our shared passion is what brought us here, and I believe it’s what will keep us going.
Let’s keep working hard, supporting each other, and delivering subtitles that do justice to the beautiful stories we help bring to life.
