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Comment by Mark Kislingbury on September 29, 2009 at 21:48

Gwen, sounds like you've been initiated into the Magnum Steno Club!

I'm assuming you listed to "Mark Speed Method Part 1" through 4? It's very important that you listen to all four, and then apply everything to your practice, for it to work.

Comment by Gwen Brass on September 29, 2009 at 16:31

Tami, Well, it's going to take me longer than 2 days! I had so many briefs, I've forgotten half of them.

Comment by Gwen Brass on September 29, 2009 at 16:30

Tami Carlson, thanks so much for the phone conversation this morning. After talking to the local Eclipse rep here, I've decided to hold off on the purchase until after the Tri-State conference this weekend (WA/OR/ID) when I'll get together with him for a demo and possibly talk to other vendors.

It turned out he knows some reporters I knew back in California who are both on Eclipse and I really respect their judgments, so that, with the info you gave me, convinced me not to rush into anything. I'm soooo glad we talked!

It will likely come down to a decision between Eclipse and CaseCatalyst. I really hate decisions. This is going to be agony for me...

Comment by Tami on September 29, 2009 at 16:25

It doesn't matter (translation), Gwen. Sounds like you're practicing right on to me.

I'm another piano playing bike rider. :)

Longest time out was about five years, and it took me about two days to get back into the swing of things.

Comment by Gwen Brass on September 29, 2009 at 9:05

Yes, I did. And I also played the piano (from 1st grade on), which I have always felt gives a court reporter a head start. I'm sure there are people who disagree with me, but I am convinced! And I type super fast (gifted fingers ) and was also good at Gregg Shorthand in high school (mind already trained to think in shorthand and come up with briefs on the fly). So I really do feel those things gave me an edge from the get-go.

To get back on track with this site, I started on the videos last night. Did a bunch of the instructional videos, two of the beginning briefs, and a couple of the speed tapes. Whoa, that speed tape are something else. LOL I took me 3 videos before I could get into a rhythm to write with a stroke for most of the words for any sustained time, but I doubt more than a few of the words would have even translated out to what they were supposed to be. But hey, Mark said that doesn't matter so I'm taking him at his word. My fingers were flying but I was 'hammering' so I had to try and make a conscious effort to lighten up. A couple of times I really got into the zone (still not actually hitting any of the right keys but mentally I felt in the zone), which was fun!

Comment by tami carlson on September 29, 2009 at 8:44

Yeah. The vowels are on the same plane as the other keys. You will love it. I think it is standard on the machine you ordered. I've only had raised vowels for a week, and I can't help but wonder if they are somewhat preventative of carpal tunnel. It really feels more natural.

I'm glad it came back so easily for you (slightly jealous, but happy for you!), but you wrote a lot longer than I did before your little hiatus. I'm getting there.

Comment by Gwen Brass on September 28, 2009 at 23:08

I don't know what higher vowels are! You mean the keys are not as low?

I did not keep up with practicing but it's amazing how many times I dreamed about reporting (all the usual nightmares) and also would translate words into my head when hearing people speak, watching a movie, etc.

I was surprised to discover that it was like riding a bike for me. I got right back into it way quicker than i thought I would.

I'm listening to Mark's instructional videos tonight (and taking them down on the machine obviously) and am looking forward to trying one of the speed tapes. I do have some other speed building tapes (the traditional kind) and I did pretty well with them. I feel more confident in my writing than when I first started reporting. However, I was naive then and now I am aware of the kind of nightmare situations you can walk into so hope I don't get any of those right off the bat!

Comment by LeAnne Law on September 28, 2009 at 19:15

Yeah, I did. I've always been right and left challenged. LOL

Comment by tami carlson on September 28, 2009 at 19:09

Gwen, I'm still using my Stentura 8000LX. I bought it only seven months before it was retired; so it is still new to me. I had it reconfigured (shimmed to a very shallow key depth, wide keys for new changes to theory per MS, and higher vowels -- you are going to love those on the Diamante.

I had Eclipse (the DOS version) back in the day. I researched and met with company reps again, and made the same decision. This may not be the place for the Eclipse endorsement, but PLEASE look at it before purchasing. The laptop is a Toshiba.

Had you been keeping up with your practice, or did you have to do any speedbuilding? I kept my license, but didn't practice regularly. Let me just say this, it isn't exactly "riding a bike."

I think I am at about 200-ish now. It is really different this time, obviously much faster progress, but the range of what I can get is so diverse.

Mine are nine and six. Oh, and I am in Southern Cal. Where did you go to school?

Tami, too

Comment by Tami on September 28, 2009 at 17:52

Gwen,

If you want to save some money on equipment, try Acculaw.

I just bought Eclipse software, two keys, for $3100. I received everything brand new from Eclipse, even though I sent the check to Acculaw. It comes with one year of support and also updates for the year.

They deal with most all the software companies and also sell used hardware.

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