Crowdsourcing

Volunteerism is widespread in the translation sector, but the practices associated with it and its ethical import have so far received very little critical attention. This article critiques one of the most high profile beneficiaries of volunteer translation, Translators without Borders, which presents itself as a charity but operates as a corporate concern, with a leadership composed primarily of major industry players. TWB adopts an asset-centred, platform-based, top-down model that offers massive scaling possibilities and reflects a corporate vision of the translation community. It provides a clear example of the wider shift from artisanal to industrial to platform economy as it plays out in the translation field. To demonstrate the potential for volunteer translation to be situated within a more solidary and equitable context and provide an example of one possible alternative to the platform-based paradigm, we discuss the practices of another humanitarian NGO, Solidarités International, which runs a paid internship programme and adopts a small-scale, peer-based, horizontal model with a strong focus on early-career translators. We ask who ultimately benefits from the exploitation of free labour and focus on identifying practices that enhance or jeopardize the professionalization and stature of the translators involved. We further discuss how the linguistic assets produced by volunteer translators can generate saleable intellectual property and how this can lead to conflicts of interest and support patterns of inequality in the wider social context.

Today, startups continuously seek innovative strategies to stay competitive and accelerate growth. One such strategy gaining prominence is crowdsourcing, particularly in the realm of product development. Crowdsourcing leverages the collective intelligence and creativity of a diverse group of individuals to solve problems, generate ideas, and develop products. This approach not only democratizes innovation but also provides startups with access to a vast pool of talent and resources. This letter delves into the significance of crowdsourcing in startup product development, supported by recent research and case studies. Crowdsourcing represents a transformative approach to product development for startups, offering cost-effective, innovative, and agile solutions to complex challenges. By integrating crowdsourcing with lean startup methodologies, startups can harness the collective intelligence of a global talent pool, driving continuous innovation and market relevance. As the entrepreneurial landscape continues to evolve, embracing crowdsourcing will be essential for startups aiming to achieve sustainable growth and success.