Hi! I like Fernando's idea about dealing with outdated files! And it is not difficult to implement.
1. Build a script that will run regularly and will delete from CVS the translated files that are, let's say, 10 revisions older than the corresponding "en" original. Bear in mind that CVS will keep in its archive the deleted file. That's good, because it can be restored later. 2. PhD will use the "en" version instead of the deleted file, as it normally does. 3. When the translator responsible for that file returns (or when another translator takes over the work) he/she can restore from CVS the outdated file, update it and commit. I also agree with Hannes that too much magic is dangerous :-) But if all the magic tricks are written/documented in an instruction/manual and everybody is aware of them, then it's not a problem. Best regards, Simion.