I know that I am not the best translator out there in the world... but when you start reading scanlations along with the raws, you begin to realize... that maybe you're somewhat better than what's out there.
I do have some translators that I like a lot and I really do look up to their skills like Okaeshi, PresenceDear, and a few others, but I was reading something from a big mainstream group just now and though the majority is good, I don't agree with some of their translations. I'm not saying that I am perfect, but I think in some ways, my version of the translation is better... if that makes any sense.
Right now, I'm translating Natural Doggy's Diary, which apparently has had two chapters translated by Nakama, and already, I found a few things I did not like. Scanlations are not perfect and even the published English versions are not perfect. I felt that DMP ruined one of my fave stories 'cause they put some text into the wrong bubble for "Ai wa Doko Itta?" I was pretty disappointed. Makes you wish they're more careful.
My method of translating is to type up the script in Japanese and then translate into English, this way I get more practice with my writing and character recognition. Also, if people don't agree with what I have translated, they can just point it out in the text. The sneaky thing about scanlations is that you can't read the Japanese text for the most part so you just accept it as it is, even though it's wrong. Most people can't read Japanese anyway, so they wouldn't know to begin with, but when I see something I find disagreeable, I have to go in and do my own version or change it, I guess. Anyway... back to translating I go.
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