In response to five questions raised by William B. Cramer, the author outlines his thoughts on the topic of translation as a profession in light of his 26 years as a full-time staff translator and part-time lecturer on translation. The five questions he attempts to provide an answer for are the following: 1) what is our own self-image?; 2) are we considered professionals by the outside world?; 3) should there be strict controls over entry into the field, such a a prescribed course of study, or at least a college degree, or previous translating experience?; 4) should there be a formal code of ethics, including effective means or disciplining "errant" translators?; and 5) should accreditation a/o certification be mandatory for all translators? If so, who would aminister the tests a/o license translators? If administered by ATA, should the tests be open to all translators?