Aptus Anyone?

[Nina Grimler]

Has anyone heard of Aptus Court Reporting? They're in San Diego, CA. Has anyone worked for them?

[Kelli Combs (admin)]

I have talked with them many times.  I have not taken a job for they yet, but I definitely would if I'm ever available.

[Denise Myers Byrd]

It's my understanding they are former Esquire employees who opened up their own shop.  We covered a couple of depositions for them before I understood who they were - in other words, extended credit - and I'm a little concerned they don't have any money to pay us.  First partial payment they put on a credit card and then they want payment terms.

[Martha R]

they are like leeches, aren't they?   If  you want to be in the court reporting business, take the test!

[Amanda Leigh]

Why in the world would they ever consider wasting the time, effort, and expense, Martha?  The money's in the pimping and seems to be an unlimited stable.

[Kelli Combs (admin)]

Boy, I hope what you guys are saying isn't true.  I met the calendaring person, Ashley, at the DRA convention a few weekends ago.  They have been trying to get me to take their work. 

One of their clients from Latham really liked me and told them to try to get me to take her work.  They contacted me directly and asked it I would take this case.  I declined because I took the other side and felt sort of strange about it, but I said I would work for them in the future on any other work.  I just didn't get the impression they would have burned me.  I still would give them a try and find out for myself. 

[Amanda Leigh]

With so many easy online services to get paid in full before sending product, that'd be a good way for reporters (and videographers) to protect themselves financially, at least until a relationship has been established--even a retainer paid before taking the job, to cover the no-show or late cancellation, the end-of-day roughs, unexpected expedites.  The chance of that happening wide-scale, I realize, is about as likely as me winning the lottery, unless....

Maybe you would consider setting up a secure transaction portal here on CSRNation that would encourage reporters to use that service when accepting assignments through your site (and even when not through your site--an available service that, in time, might very well become industry standard), and agencies in need of coverage would understand the parameters, which include a nominal fee for transaction or membership fee to access this site or both--there's no question connection is a seriously valuable service.  Think of the money agencies save now by just posting here and waiting a few minutes--seconds sometimes--compared to what it used to be: calling, calling, asking do-you-knows, callling, sweating, calling, freaking, calling....

A pay portal is something that could go a long way in reducing the number of fly-by-nights, Kelli--and in the process, protecting and empowering reporters.

[Kelli Combs (admin)]

Any reporter can send a payment request through Paypal, so anyone can do that now.  Just let the agency know in advance you're requesting payment when the transcript is done through Paypal until a relationship is established. 

I personally don't think it's my responsibility to get involved in the payment methods used between agencies and reporters.  I think I've helped everyone enough as it is with all the time and gobs of money I've put into this website.  There is a limit as to how much I am willing to spend when there is very little financial return to me.  I don't want to go broke in the process. 

[Amanda Leigh]

True, true, it is not your job.  I am not thinking in terms of your responsibility to get involved.  I am not thinking anything close to you giving freely.  I am thinking about a business model, aside from the forum piece, that provides a service that has proven to be valuable (market testing's done--it's obviously a hit).  I'm talking about integrating a pay portal into that business model, another valuable service.

And as for all the money you've spent on this endeavor, all the headaches you've had, I personally would have no objection to seeing banners--would understand why they were there and would click in support.

Just ideas.  I don't think anyone who has been on CSRNation, who has benefited from CSRNation in any way, can begrudge you turning a great idea, a successful site, lots of hard work and cash outlay, into a successful business--everyone seems to be benefiting. 

Why don't I do this myself?  You have the platform.  But, then again, what do I know. ;-)

[Kelli Combs (admin)]

You would be surprised how many people complain to me when there is a charge for anything on this website.  Everyone wants it all for free and love the site as long as someone else pays for it.  I guess I can't blame them.  Sort of frustrating, however.

[Amanda Leigh]

No one wants to pay for anything they don't have to.  I would love to get everything for free, but I also know when something is worth the money.  To be able to log on an established, active site and get a court reporter or videographer (interpreter?) to cover an assignment anywhere, and often very quickly, that's worth paying for.  Posting on CSRNation is already a standard procedure for many agencies--increased productivity, decreased hassle and headache.  The service allows startups to more seamlessly start up--maybe even start up at all.  Even if it were as little as $9.95 a month (the cost of a Yahoo! enhanced listing), it would be a great value.  That price range is a virtual drop in the bucket for medium- to large-sized and doable for small--or even a choice of economical monthly or per-post plans.  By adding the pay portal service, that could become a payment method reporters take advantage of, especially if assignment is through CSRNation--and if the portal even gets in the vicinity of common, we all win: the reporters, who actually get paid for their services and don't have to wait until who knows when, if ever (what a concept); you, naturally, the service provider; and even the agencies can benefit, being able to distinguish themselves from those who can't pay lickety-split--good press--and would more than likely get transcripts in more quickly (maybe implement a view-only feature if there are quality-control concerns).  Like I said, I'm just throwing out ideas here--but seems like I might've hit on somethin' at least mull-worthy.

Reporters complain about things like banners and advertising, I know.  We complain about a lot of things.  I am a major complainer, myself (pick a subject, any subject).  But that's okay--so what.  Who is going to stop coming to a site where leads are posted just because they don't want to look at a banner or see some ads along the right-hand side of the page?  I would think advertisement could be done tastefully--doesn't have to be flashing at you, loud and obnoxious.