Quote:
Originally Posted by Etoile
You are right to ask for clarification, that was awfully vague of me!
I guess by "more customer service oriented" I meant "more ass-kissing oriented."
|
Aack! I guess "more customer service oriented" does sound better!
Quote:
|
I feel the pressure from two sources. First is my employer, they really stress that we should be perfect all the time - we must always be in a good mood and smiling, we must always interpret as perfectly as possible, we must always comply with anything that is requested of us, and if someone yells at us we should take it with a smile and accept whatever they say. The second source is the FCC, via the consumers. The FCC calls for functional equivalency, and if you are anything but a direct conduit, the consumers get irritated. Here's an example: sometimes a caller will get mad at you if you ask them to turn on additional light. Now, it should be plainly obvious that if I can't see you, I can't interpret for you, so many people are happy to open a curtain or whatever is needed. But sometimes they act like it is their right to sit in a dark room if they want, and it's my fault if I'm not good enough an interpreter to interpret while they're sitting in the dark.
|
Got it.
Yep, and terps should be able to hear what people are whispering in the next room, in Russian, and sign that, too!
Oh, yes!
Quote:
|
In a RL (community) interpreting situation, you have more control over how things are done. You can position yourself, adjust lighting, etc.
|
Umm, up to a point. Yes, I've worked in photo dark rooms, kneeling on floors, balancing on stools, scrunched between computers, in dimmed rooms with spot lights blinding me, outdoors in all kinds of weather, in hospital rooms, and running.
At least you're safe from physical threats if the client gets upset. (I'm not young but I can still duck and dodge if necessary.)
Quote:
|
On VRS you either shut up and deal with what you're given, or someone will make you feel bad for asking them to change.
|
Seriously, I understand that you are under a lot of pressure.