Wikiwords Beta

ProZ.com has now opened Wikiwords for general use. It’s based on translation suggestions collected at ProZ (KudoZ).

One warning: our focus now is on the mechanisms, and we are not concerning ourselves with content—or quality—yet. So contributions you make now are likely to get wiped at the end of the beta period.

It sounds as if they’re just trying out the mechanics first. When Kudoz entries help me, it’s often in the original context, with all the answers and discussions. I wonder if that will enter the dictionary?

You can register and enter terms, which may remain marked as your collection. Some of this material will presumably be plagiarized - a specific collection of terms used in an online dictionary making money for someone I find these collections great, with many of the very terms I happen to need. The suggestions may be excellent or lousy, but I can decide that for myself: after all, the user has to be informed enough to separate the wheat from the chaff, whatever the reference consulted.

Here’s a quote from the ProZ newsletter, just received:

Yesterday, ProZ.com announced Wikiwords, a project to create a comprehensive and open dictionary of all terms in all languages. The initial response has been dramatic. At this point, comments on the approach, suggestions on licensing terms, and any other feedback (however harsh) will be appreciated. All those interested in playing a part (terminologists, project managers, developers, designers), are invited to express interest via the website. A warning: our immediate focus is on the mechanisms, and we are not concerning ourselves with content—or quality—just yet. Terms and translations contributed now are likely to get wiped out at the end of the beta testing period. Wikiwords - all terms, all languages, built by you. Let’s get started!

(via the enigmatic Maria Eugênia Farré, the founder and moderator of Glosspost, the glossary list at Yahoo)