Translation requests
I am wondering why we do not treat everyone equally with this subject. At times when a newcomer asks a translation question, there are so many who are quick to answer, "Why don't you give it a try first. This is not a translation site.". Then other times they offer the translation without any hesitation whatsoever.
I think we need to make up our minds of how we are going to deal with this issue and stick with it. I think it is quite rude to tell one person "no" and then turn around and answer the other requests.
What do you guys think?
13 Answers
I don't know about the rest, but I never translate anything straight forward for anyone unless they've tried first, because as people say, this is a learning site, and in any case, they could at least try the translator before asking questions.
However, if the translation is of idiomatic nature -where direct translations are normally useless- or so specific that it is not going to be in the dictionary, I do not hesitate to help.
I lean towards Lazarus' approach. If we just start providing translations to everyone under all circumstances it defeats the purpose of being a learning site. It just becomes a free translation site. I try to welcome newcomers, point out the rules (especially if it looks like homework), and point out the dictionary and translators.
I also try the translators for whatever it is they want translated. If it looks like a complete train wreck, I'll usually just do it. Or, as Lazarus said, if it's colloquial or jargon, I'll just do it.
But you're right that it's confusing if half the members do it one way and the other half the other way, especially on the same thread.
I think we need to make up our minds of how we are going to deal with this issue and stick with it. What a great idea! I'm with you - I think people are trying but sometimes I think what happens is that one person will 'read them the rules' etc. and then along comes someone else who thinks, 'hey I know that' and just goes ahead and puts it down. It's difficult I guess but at least if people who are on a lot could come to the tacit agreement to treat 'all' requests a certain way - then I think (like you say Poetisa) that it would at least be consistent. I'm all for being friendly, kind and helpful but I also think we should encourage learning and showing students how to get an answer by themselves. 
Heidi:
There is actually no "obligation" on this site to make a first attempt at their translations, as can be seen on other forums. There the threads are simply deleted, we never wanted to implement this here on this site.
Because there is no SD rule, like on some forums, we have to take each case on its own merits. We don't want to discourage new people from coming on the forum. We work hard to keep this a friendly, welcoming place. On the other hand, we'd like to remind people that answers can be found in the dictionary, Phrase Book, etc.
We do not allow answers on homework assignments....
Yes, this rule was implemented for a very good reason. If students can come here and just copy answers it's detrimental to their learning.
There is actually no "obligation" on this site to make a first attempt at their translations, as can be seen on other forums. There the threads are simply deleted, we never wanted to implement this here on this site.
However, I have seen many of you try to direct the newby into the right direction, I can name some like Macfadden and Latetodinner among others, which is the way to go of course. Thanks a lot for that to all of you However, if somebody comes along and offers the translation, it is not a good way to help, but it is certainly allowed here.
We do not allow answers on homework assingments, I delete answers if they are direct answers and I see them soon enough.
I have to agree with Lazarus...
It is just some people are so quick to give the translations for some and not others... It seems a bit bad. I think that would be the best way to do it.
Sometimes I feel an urge to translate and show off what I've learned. This is especially true for easy translations because easy translations are all I know! 
But I have tried to restrain myself by reminding myself that I learned how to do those simple translations by studying and trying and making mistakes and being corrected. I think it shows a lack of respect for the questioner to assume that he or she is unable to make that same basic effort.
I agree with Lazarus. Let's avoid immediately translating straightforward words, phrases, and sentences. If there is an idiom or some truly obscure construction involved, perhaps we should make an exception, because we know the questioner's efforts will be frustrating and discouraging in those cases.
I think that it depends on who reads the request- unless it looks like I am doing someone's homework, I usually try to contribute to translations
Being only a student of spanish I never try to help with translations, but I do get annoyed with the questions that appear to be homework.
On the other hand, I visit the forum several times a day to read the answers that have been given for translation questions. I don't necessarily care for the direct translations since I can do most myself, but it's the valuable explanations that most of the members give on why spanish is done one way or another.
So whatever everyone decides, please keep the explanations coming. Even if a translation question is answered, further explanations are always helpful.
"I received this text. Could someone please translate it?"... you read it, and the grammar is just horrible! I noticed that some members correct the grammar and tell them that they can use the translation tool. Others just translate the phrase. Which do you guys think is best here?
I think here we should at least give the correct spelling. This is a good example, I had to read the "text" aloud to make heads and tails of it.
So, you feel like translating it, do it, or give the correct spelling. There is no way at all to find out what this means otherwise.
I think this is relative. Each of us has to individually decide what it is that we're on this site to do and how we want to respond to everyone else. Yes, it is a "learning site" as many have said but, there are times when someone just needs to know the answer. Maybe they're in a rush, maybe they're getting frustrated, maybe they've heard a million different answers and want to see what the majority says... it just all depends.
It's important, of course, for people to be learning but if someone asks me for a translation I'm inclined to give it to them with a thorough explanation. If you were in school, your teacher would do it, if you were in a Spanish-speaking country, your friends would do it. So, I'll do it!
But, as always, to each his own. 
I also see a lot that some want translations from Spanish to English. "I received this text. Could someone please translate it?"... you read it, and the grammar is just horrible! I noticed that some members correct the grammar and tell them that they can use the translation tool. Others just translate the phrase. Which do you guys think is best here?
I understand the point you are trying to make and I usually try to not to simply give translations, but for me, it depends on:
1- whether or not it sounds like homework
2- whether or not it is something as easy as looking in the dictionary
3- Whether or not it looks like slang (which, as someone learning Spanish, I find a bit difficult, so when I know it, I try to help out regardless); and,
3- whether or not it is and idiomatic expression that wouldn't be easy for one to translate, especially as a beginner
