Poll: When working at your computer after dark, do you keep the lights on or off? Thread poster: ProZ.com Staff
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This forum topic is for the discussion of the poll question "When working at your computer after dark, do you keep the lights on or off?".
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It depends on what you mean by after dark! In Portugal, we have been under Storm Claudia for two days (dark skies, intense downpours, gusty winds, thunderstorms…). It is just after 9 a.m. in Lisbon and it is so dark that I already have the lights on...
| | | | Lingua 5B 
Bosnië en Herzegowina
Local time: 19:24
uit Engels in Frans
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I keep it on up until 8-9 p.m., and after that ambient lighting mostly. This is just what I do generally, regardless of any work.
| | | | | Dim, warm light | Nov 15, 2025 |
I don't think that lights completely off are really an option, if you don't wanna go blind by staring at a glaring computer screen for 4-5 hours straight.
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Gregor Trebec
Slowenië
Local time: 19:24
uit Engels in Sloweens
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I work with the lights on, i want to see the keyboard clearly.
| | | | | I avoid contrast between the screen and its surroundings | Nov 15, 2025 |
Directly behind my computer is a light green wall. When there is any daylight, it comes from the window at the side, and I draw light curtains to avoid dazzle when the sun goes down and shines directly through the window.
A little later, I turn on a lamp over the keyboard, and then, when it gets really dark outside, I turn on the overhead light. In the mornings I may start with just the overhead light, which lights up both the keyboard and the wall.
The idea is to avoid ny eye... See more Directly behind my computer is a light green wall. When there is any daylight, it comes from the window at the side, and I draw light curtains to avoid dazzle when the sun goes down and shines directly through the window.
A little later, I turn on a lamp over the keyboard, and then, when it gets really dark outside, I turn on the overhead light. In the mornings I may start with just the overhead light, which lights up both the keyboard and the wall.
The idea is to avoid ny eyes having to adjust constantly to different levels of light - I find it very tiring.
The time of day when I turn on lights varies enormously her in Denmark. Now, in mid-November, we officially have 9½ hours less daylight than we had at midsummer, and it will go down to around 11 hours' difference around the solstice, before the days gradually get longer again, and it is noticeable by February!
The weather makes a big difference, too. Our grey weather in winter may mean I have the light on all day, or there may be a couple of hours' brilliant low sun in the afternoon, and I actually have to reduce the glare.
Basically, if it is dark outside, then I turn on the light when I work. ▲ Collapse
| | | | AllegroTrans (X)
Verenigde Koninkryk
Local time: 18:24
uit Frans in Engels
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| And I avoid answering pointless "poll discussions" | Nov 15, 2025 |
| | | | Daryo
Local time: 18:24
uit Serwies in Engels
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| This one poll question is not really that 'pointless' | Nov 16, 2025 |
AllegroTrans wrote:
And I avoid answering pointless "poll discussions"
This one poll question is not really that 'pointless' for a translator spending hours at a computer.
It might not be the most important factor, but getting right the balance between the screen light and the ambient light can make a significant difference.
After trying all sort of combinations, permutations and variations, I found illuminated keyboards to be very helpful to get the right balance of ambient/screen light. OK, it may sound like a minor detail, but your eyes will thank you nevertheless.
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| Site policy is working | Nov 16, 2025 |
I think they post these silly polls so we discuss the ludicrousness. The site just wants our traffic, and we're giving it to them.
| | | | Tom in London
Verenigde Koninkryk
Local time: 18:24
uit Italiaans in Engels
ProZ.com Staff wrote:
"When working at your computer after dark, do you keep the lights on or off?"
Yes. I do.
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Lights on? Of course not.
I work by candlelight now, it’s the perfect combination of rising utility bills and falling translation rates.
Very atmospheric, highly recommended.
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