CSRNation

Welcome to CSR Nation

Phoenix Theory

I'm posting this for a friend. Does anyone know about the Phoenix Theory? Is it good, full of briefs, etc? Her daughter wants to be a court reporter, and I guess she's going to use Stenograph's schooling, and the Phoenix Theory is one of the ones they use.

Thanks!

< Previous Post

Add a Comment

You need to be a member of CSRNation to add comments!

Join CSRNation

Comment by Tami on July 26, 2012 at 15:08: Run! I think I'm too late. :(

Third person here recommending learning Mark's theory from the get-go.

Comment by Glen Warner on July 5, 2012 at 12:18: You're welcome, Tricia!

I do know the frustration of dealing with folks that ignore what you tell them. Fortunately for me, the target of my ire these days is an intentionally obtuse four-year-old.

Comment by Tricia McLaughlin on July 5, 2012 at 11:41: Thanks, Glen, but I cut and pasted all the remarks here and on FB. She asked me to do this, and when I told her to check her e-mail about it, she could tell me she already bought Phoenix Theory. When she originally asked me, I recommended Magnum Steno, as she's a Federal official and money didn't seem to a problem.

I gave it my all to no avail. BUT your post helps me. I will pass along the info about the info about the Speed Plus books.

Thanks so, so much! Tricia

Comment by Glen Warner on July 5, 2012 at 8:19: When I started CR school, they gave (well ... "sold") us the Phoenix Theory books, which included the two volumes of the theory, a small book called "The Phoenix Theory Quick Reference Guide," which contained several briefs, the "Phoenix Theory Fast Track to Machine Shorthand" book (basically finger exercises), and the "Speed Plus" development books.

Chances are Christina's new classmate was NOT given the Speed Plus books, which is where the Phoenix Theory student would learn the briefs and phrases Phoenix has.

As for recommendations, if there IS no other choice, go with Phoenix -- but ensure she is aware of the existence of the Speed Plus books! They not only teach the briefs and phrases; they also teach vocabulary (of those that need the extra lessons).

If money is tight, she can pick up the StarTran theory for ~$350, then switch to another school for speedbuilding.

Another possibility is CourtReps, born from the ashes of Mark Kislingbury's StenoMaster school -- though I am not sure if they are still in operation; call and ask. From what I can see, the theory ("Howee Write") is similar to StenoMaster, and should make the transition to Magnum Steno fairly easy.

Probably too late, but there you go ....

Comment by Tricia McLaughlin on June 26, 2012 at 7:39: Thanks, Angie and Christina. This is what I've been hearing from most people. I'm going to cut and paste this thread and e-mail it to her. Again, THANKS!

Comment by Christina on June 11, 2012 at 14:12: I remember being in school with a transfer student who had learned Phoenix Theory. In speaking with that student (and from watching him write), that theory seemed to be very stroke intensive. It really doesn't seem to be the best way to go these days. Honestly, if I were to encourage anyone to be a reporter, I would tell them to try to start at Mark Kislingbury's school for theory. He has the right idea, and there is no time like the very beginning to learn his way of writing.