Magnum Steno: Write Short, Write Fast! Worth the investment?

[Mya Temple]

After reading the JCR article on briefs last month, I have been looking up books which teach new concepts and briefs to clean up my writing with shorter ways to write. My goal is to learn new concepts and brief sets rather than just a large gathering of random briefs, such as JCR's suggested concept of STK- for dis (distance becomes STKANS, distill becomes STKIL). I'm wondering if it would be a good investment to buy his book (Magnum Steno: Write Short, Write Fast!) over the holidays, and if it actually offers what I'm looking for.

 

Other books suggested that I am looking into are The Stenotype Bible Set http://www.stenotypebible.com/. 

 

I'd really appreciate if anyone could provide any information on their experience with the books, good or bad. I will also mention I am currently on a personally modified StenEd Dictionary, and I'm at the 120-140 speed level class at my college.

 

Thank you,

Mya.  

 

I also posted this question on my Twitter page https://twitter.com/#!/TheStenoNerd.

 

[Mary Jo Cochran]

If page 23 is like all the other pages in Dennis' book, then there is toooo much reading to do.  I asked Mark about having  a Student Version (or mini version).  That was several years ago.  I think $30 a month is too much.  If I was going to do Dennis or Mark, I would take Mark.  Dennis is not well known (for nicer wording), has not won any speed tests, has not established himself as a winner in the brief and speed game.

 

I learned Stenograph Theory (back in mid '70's).  Looks like most are learning Phoenix Theory now. I have spent the last three years rebuilding my speed (quit twenty years ago).  I am now at RPR level.  Myself, I think since you are still learning theory and just beginning to build speed, you need to build a good foundation for writing.  I don't think you need to worry about a lot of briefs right this minute.  If you are not using Phoenix, look on the Internet for those who are and see what they have to say.  It might be what you are looking for.

 

Briefs should be for things you will write almost all the time, like:

at that time - tat

at this time - tit

do you remember -dour

did you see - dusz

(one I like I made up - would it be fair to say - wiz)

statement - s-plt

document - d-plt

verdict - vd

beyond a reasonable doubt - yord or yond

Burden of proof - burp

[Mya Temple]

Those are the type of briefs I use. I really don't want briefs that don't help me learn anything but a brief. I want brief concepts and sets, such as the ones you listed above. I have most of those, but in a different stroke than what you have. I'm really looking for stuff like I had above, like the STK for dist-. 

 

Thank you!

[Kelli Combs (admin)]

I went to one of his seminars a few years ago and it was great.  I bought his book and looked through it and it is overwhelming  all the info.  I'm sure I can cherry pick stuff in there, but it has sat on my desk for almost two years.  Waste of $185.

[Mya Temple]

Its what I have been hearing; that the book itself is very overwhelming. Thank you!

[Marge Teilhaber (TILE hobber)]

I have the book and I'm enrolled in the $30/month Magnum Steno Club.  The book is a good tool to have and I'm glad I have it even though at this stage of my career, I don't pour over it like I did, say, the best book in the world, totally unavailable, called A Stroke in Time by Paul Simone.  That book was my bible.  I don't need a bible anymore but I'm still glad I have Mark's book.

 

The online clinic is FANTASTIC and totally worth the money.  I have learned great stuff, plus you get the opportunity to practice this new stuff with the directed dictation, which is worth the price of admission alone.   The best is when I'm working in an office that has great wireless so I stay after the job and do an hour of Magnum.  But even when I have to set up my machine at home (I do have 2 spare SmartWriters but I'm not about to use them; really must get rid of them already), it's worth the time.  Strong recommendation for Mark Kislingbury's Magnum Steno Club!   http://www.magnumsteno.com/    Go sign up for a free trial and then do what I find so unbelievably helpful.   Click "archives" and start with the 18 videos under Briefs 101 - Start from Scratch!.  G R E A T    S T U F F!!!

[Mya Temple]

What is the book like? Is it concepts, such as the STK for dist-? Or is it a big list of briefs like Brief Encounters by Laruie Boucke or the StenED Dictionary of Brief and Phrases? I'd really like to learn sets and concepts rather than a huge variety of briefs. 

[Marge Teilhaber (TILE hobber)]

Briefs have to make sense and be consistent.  No question about it.  The Magnum Steno book is concepts. There's probably sample pages available.  I'd go to the website and write Mark directly with your inquiry.  He'd welcome it, I'm sure.

[Mya Temple]

I'll do that. Thank you very much, and happy Thanksgiving!