Where do fan translators hang?
 

For the most part I see the Visual Novel people they just stick to IRC mostly a very closed circle thing (some are on /jp/).

Where do you hang as a fan translator?

Internet elitism rule of thumb: if you have to ask where <group of elitist people> hangs out, the answer is most likely "where they can avoid having to talk to people like you".

Also, if you're not on IRC you're not a real internet person.

Spoken like a true elitist.
I bow to you sir.

Fan translators are everywhere and nowhere.

Okay, they're mostly on staff channels.

Translators have to hide.... translators get a lot of IRC paparazzi and puppy-eye degree pleading. I am not even exaggerating, it's especially bad at cons when sometimes people try to make deals over dinners. In fact, after a recent stalking incident (this person knew I work 12+ hour days and most of my IRC talking time is just me procrastinating from work due to frustration), I've changed my vhost to say "don't ask me to translate I am busy", so that my availability is self-explanatory and I don't have to say no to friends. Also translators almost always seem to be either too busy or too available at any given time.

I sometimes wonder how much we'd rake in if we start charging consideration fees :3

Wait, how do people know who you are and what you look like aside from plastering pictures all over yourself enough times to be recognised and harassed. :eyebrow:

PS: If you're a female translator, you'll get harassed regardless, especially on IRC. :)

I have never known myself or any fan translator for written works at least get pestered at any event...Unless you announce to the whole world your affiliation/ Internet name...

The first paragraph is reflective of one school of thought for sure (many would correctly say "old school"). Not all hold to it but a high percentage do. ^^ Really, if you want to get into the fansubbing circles it is best to slowly but surely watch, observe and keep your mouth shut for a good long time. The fansubbing community (like any community) has their own ins and outs, slang, pecking order, internal wars (mostly for fun but often serious), philosophies of how things should be done (with various levels of intensity of conviction and ways of expressing it), etc. In many ways large numbers they are specialists who are usually slow to let in any Tom, Dick or Harry into their circles. But I hafta admit I like 'em.

But the second paragraph is really spot on as far as fansubbers of any sort are concerned.

All the subbers that are still around/alive still hangout and chat on IRC. I mainly stick to and chat in the staff channels, TBH. ;) However, a fair amount of subbers hangout and chat on Discord as well these days.