I maintain an Open Source Android app. Every once in a while, some anonymous hero localizes to its mother tongue, sending files or using our online tool.
At first I thought the magic of collaboration would be enough to provide timely localizations, but actually, the UI strings change, and each release ships with roughly:
I am extremely thankful, but is there something I can do to bring the localizations from 70% to 100% when the release comes?
I send messages on the mailing list at code freeze a month before each release, and then a week before, but most of the people who contributed localizations don't read the mailing list, in fact most of them were probably just good samaritans passing by.
Should I stalk the translators and ask them personally?
I have been thinking about having a person responsible for each language. This person (how should I call the role?) would be "responsible" for bringing the translation to 100% before each release. Their names would be listed in the "About" dialog. Is it a good or a bad strategy? Any tips?
It's the 90-9-1 principle - http://www.90-9-1.com/ - and designating people in charge of things isn't going to do it. You can offer cash - rewards/pay - or you can groom them. If you bring money into the mix, remember that it quickly becomes tradeoff analysis. People will compare what you offer versus what they can earn on their own. Since I assume you don't have that much money, you don't want that sort of comparison.
Realistically, grooming them is a better option. You've done the first step - include them - show that their fixes, updates, etc are included and help the product. The next step is publicly thanking them and appreciating them. That will get the first 80% as you've seen. The next step is getting them personally committed. Start interacting with them directly. Send them your thanks.. not just in email. If you have a product t-shirt, send them one with a hand written note. In your release notes, link to their sites. If you ever see them in person, buy their coffee.. whatever. The point is that you go out of your way - however small - to acknowledge that they're going out of their own way.