Hi Sheri! I am so excited. I saw your post with Bev, and noticed you're in Louisiana, so I looked you up to see where....and you're in Shreveport, just like me! I am an online student with Penn Foster. How are you possibly attending school in Dallas. You're not driving all that way, are you?

Welcome ! Love Your Pic !

I'm on the south shore of Long Island. I know what you mean...love those cookies too. So far we've been lucky...no snow ! If you have a chance, check out my site...www.thebriefzone.com....lots of great practice material to help you over the "hump"...stay with it, all of your hard work WILL pay off ! If I can help you in any way with school, just let me know. I currently teach at a local court reporting school on Long Island too.

Sheri,

We will definitely have to get together to practice. I started in September, and I'm halfway through theory. Which theory does your school teach? I'm learning Realtime, and love it so far.

What area of Shreveport do you live in? I'm close to St. Marks.

Talk to you soon!

Robin

Sorry it took me a couple of days...I had my niece and nephew here so my house was crawling with kids. Do you work during the day? I'm available then definitely. We should meet for lunch, definitely. Let me know! Delete Comment

Hello from a fellow Louisianian!

Hey Deborah. Welcome to the site! Where in Louisiana are you? I'm in Shreveport. Drop me a line!

Hi, Sheri. I live in Hammond, the perfect place for a reporter. I'm only about 40 minutes away from Baton Rouge, New Orleans, and Slidell. I freelance for quite a few firms because I'm centrally located. Good luck with school. I hope all goes well for you!

Sheri, lunch or coffee one day sounds good! Let me know what your schedule looks like...Robin

Hi, Sheri -

Hang in there. Let us know when you graduate. We have an office in Shreveport.

We only refer work at the present time to computerized machine writers. I can't say that won't change in the future, but our clients prefer machine writers at this point.

Monday sounds good. Any preference re: where and when?

I read in one of your posts that you're thinking about switching to voice writing. That's exactly what I did. I don't have any trouble finding work, but I still want to get my steno certification. I want the best of both worlds, LOL! Maybe one of these days I'll actually accomplish it! Good luck.

When I said Monday was good for me I wasn't even thinking about my kids being out of school that day! Friday should be fine. Since you're having to come from Blanchard are there any good places to eat in Bossier you know of?

First let me say this. I haven't had any trouble at all finding work as a voice writer. I'm an overflow reporter and I take work from many firms. In fact, one of the firms I work for was an all-steno group until I came on board with them. I think they've started to use other voice writers since then. They don't seem to care about the method that's used as long as the end result is the same. I've also heard that "attorneys don't want voice writers," but I've yet to meet one who had a problem with it. When my firms send me out on assignment, they ask the attorney up front if they have a problem with having a voice writer instead of a steno writer. They all say it doesn't matter to them one way or the other. (This may get lengthy so I'll go ahead and post this comment and then continue in another one.)

As far as the end result, the difference between voice and steno isn't much as long as you utilize speech recognition and do realtime. Let me explain. With steno, you've got a rough draft at the end of the proceeding (assuming you're using a CAT system). You can have the same thing with voice if you use SRE (speech recognition engine). However, if you don't plan to use SRE, you'll have to type your transcripts the old fashioned way when you get home. That can be time consuming. The more time you spend at home typing, the less time you have to go out and take other jobs. And if the job is a rush, then you're up all night trying to get the transcript complete. If you use SRE and have great recognition, you can put out a rough draft just like a steno writer can. Lot's of voice writers offer realtime and rough drafts. The only difference in the method is that you're using your voice instead of your fingers. (to be continued)

I started out with steno. I was taking an online course and loved it. I got through theory rather quickly and was into speedbuilding. The only reason I switched to voice was because I was unemployed and hungry. I needed to start working ASAP and knew I couldn't build up my steno speed quick enough to get certified. I bought some voice writing equipment and started practicing. Then I went to an NVRA seminar that was held in New Orleans 3 weeks later. I knew I wasn't anywhere near ready to take the certification exam but I went ahead and took it anyway because I wanted to get a sense of the testing environment and what was involved in voice writing. I passed the written exam and the literary 200. I kept practicing and then took (and passed) the state exam the next time it was offered. I went to work immediately. (to be continued)

But I still want to get back to steno. My plan (when I switched to voice writing) was to take down the testimony using my voice, but then use my steno to key in the transcript (instead of straight typing). My thinking at the time was that I could get certified quicker with voice (which I did) but that I could still practice steno speedbuilding by using that to get out my transcripts. The only problem with my plan was that I only had the student version of the CAT software. It's useless for anything other than practice. I couldn't (and still can't) afford to upgrade to the full version. That's the only thing that's keeping me from using the steno machine right now. I really, really want to get back to it and start using it. But I don't have enough time in a day to take depos, type transcripts and get in steno practice. So steno gets put on the back burner until I can afford to upgrade the software. (more to come)

Now, in case you're wondering why I don't just use speech recognition to get my transcripts out... well, it's a little easier said than done. For me, voice writing itself is not difficult at all. In fact, I'm good at it. But I'm not so good at getting the SRE to like my voice. I've tried. Still am. But it's a slow process, just like learning steno. It takes practice and patience. Just like you have to teach your fingers to strike the right keys, you also have to teach yourself to speak in a way that the SRE can understand. Just like you use steno briefs, you also have to (or should) use voice briefs. My problem with speech recognition is that I'm having a hard time training myself to speak properly. I'm a fast talker! Always have been. No trouble at all keeping up with those faster-than-lightning attorneys. But the SRE has trouble at those speeds...at least for me. When I try to slow down a little and speak at a normal pace, I tend to stutter and get tongue-tied. Always have. That's the problem I'm facing right now --trying to train myself. Some people who are unsuccessful with speech recognition want to blame it on their software or their computer or their mask. Not me. I know good and well the problem is with me. I have a lot of work ahead of me to get speech recognition to work for me. I want to get back to steno, if for no other reason than to get my transcripts out quicker without having to type them. My ultimate goal is to be certified in both steno and voice, offering realtime in both methods. Yep, I've got my work cut out for me! Sorry for making this so long. I didn't mean to write a book here, LOL! If you have any more questions, please feel free to ask. I'll do my best to help you.

One more thing I forgot to mention. NVRA (National Verbatim Reporters Association) is holding a continuing ed seminar and certification test in Lafayette in March. It might be worth your while to attend so you can meet other voice writers and gather as much info as you can about voice writing. Their website is www.nvra.org

There's a discussion over on the CRF Forum that you might be interested in. I suggest reading through the entire thread and pay close attention to the posts by Adria Theriot Johnson. She's the vice-president of Audioscribe (located in Lafayette), the leader in CAT software for voice writers. They're beta testing a new program geared specifically for SRE scopists. Copy the following link and paste it into your browser address bar:
http://community.netscape.com/n/pfx/forum.aspx?webtag=ws-crforum&nav=messages&tid=58548&tsn=

I've actually never been to Posadas. That's fine. Ralph and Kacoos is as well, so you pick and let me know!

Jason's Deli is great. I just found out, however, that I have a scheduling conflict. My son's Mardi Gras program is Friday at 1:15. Can you meet tomorrow? I'm so sorry!

kEwL, jus leMMe kn0w oNe DaY when uR noT buZy. ThanKs foR Addin' Me By Tha WaY!

Hi Sheri, Congratulations finishing Theory ! You should be very proud of your accomplishment!! What school did you attend? Just to give you a little background about me....I created The Brief Zone out of my own frustrations as a student years ago with the VERY BORING practice material I had to choose from. I 've been a freelance court reporter since I graduated court reporting school in '98, and now I teach court reporting, also. I'm sorry to hear you're having a little bit of trouble financing for school...been there myself. While the programs on my site will definitely help you achieve your speed and accuracy goals while increasing your memory and concentration, they're an additional tool meant to be included as part of your formal school program. The best advice I can give you would be to talk to your school about your situation--they may surprise you with a plan that could fit your needs or they may be able to refer you to one or more financing possibilities you may not have thought of. If you've done that, and you still can't swing it, maybe you could check out some of the courses offerred online where you could save $. Also, since you've achieved 80 wpm, maybe you could combine your knowledge of transcription and the skills you've learned on the steno machine to make extra money on your own by putting an ad in the paper for transcription work. The medical terms may be out of your reach, but you could still type more efficiently on the steno machine rather than on a typewriter. You might also want to look into a scoping school....I'm not familiar with what they charge, but it might be worth looking into, and there are a lot of people on this site who I'm sure would point you in the right direction and answer any questions you might have. Although I would love to see you graduate @225wpm, we all know how life gets in the way sometimes....so try focusing on your achievements this far and see where it can take you....Don't give up the search ! Hope this helps....Sue.

Sheri,

Sorry I haven't been around! You could have called me anytime...I started helping out a bit at my husband's office and got a bit overwhelmed between that and finishing up theory. How's it going for you?

Hi, Sheri! How are you? How are your last few weeks going? I'm really knuckling down on the speedbuilding -- I can really relate to the lack of sleep -- for once my insomnia is working FOR me! I'm online for a while - shout back!

I can't wait to get into speed - at this point, I need to just do it! Reading, playing around, lessons, etc. aren't cutting it - time to wade in!

So U mOvin' On Up NexT quaRter wiF me or U goNNa SticK wiF theOry agaIN? im TeLLin Ya, it IsnT thaT BaD. ThIs quArtEr haS fl0wN!

Hi, Sheri! Just wanted to say hello! I'm sure you're playing catch up like the rest of us!

Hi, Sheri! How goes it?! Sorry I just hibernated last quarter! How's steno going for you? Are we in class together? I just answer the posts and haven't even looked at the roster in a proper way! You know, I had to laugh when I read your "about me" - I haven't cried so much either - and I started out as a medical transcriptionist about a million and one years ago (IBM Selectric with a correction tape - and grateful to have it) -- I don't recall it being so hard! LOL!

Holler back and I promise not to be such a stranger! Good luck with the semester!

Hey, Sheri! I'm in 80/100 with Ms. Scoggins! We have 30 in that class! Brittany Imler is in your class - I am going to miss ya'll! I don't have an academic this semester - asked for that - I am really intense on getting out of 80/100 and just wanted to focus on that!

How is the first week going for you? I have a lot more done than I thought, so that's good! I'll be online for a while! Good to hear from you! Good luck with your tests this week and be sure to take them!

Thank you so much for your reply to my discussion about MT and my mom! I really appreciated it! I have tried to get her to go into CR, but I still have a younger brother at home and a sick grandmother, so right now she doesn't have the time to go to school.

I also wanted to tell you that your feelings about CR school is normal. We all have a VERY hard time with it. If you ever need anything, feel free to let me know!

Hey, Sheri - how were your holidays! How did you quarter go? What speed will you go into - do I sound like I'm interrogating? LOL! Sorry - I was just so lame about getting online and replying to things. Did your aid work out?

I'm still struggling too, if it's any consolation. I'm still in 80/100 speed and trying - I just need to get on it - I've been too lax with myself.

Let me know how you are doing!

Wow, Sheri! Well, I wish you the best in your new school. I'm still in 80/100 and have to hit 100 or I will be in the same boat. I think it will be okay, though.

Let me know all about that voice writing - I've wondered about it, but it's not accepted in New Mexico, at all.

Happy New year and don't be a stranger!

glitter-graphics.com

Happy New Year, Sheri - hope you hit 100 the first week! Jeannie

Hi, Shari. I saw your post in Transcriptionists Group. I am also a student and wanting to get into Medical Transcribing but don't know where to start. When I think I'm on the right track, it ends up being a dead in. Do you use your machine while working? I have heard that it is possible but no one seems to know how and/or where to get started.

Any advice you have would be appreciated more than you could possibly know : ) Thank you!

Wow, Shari! Thank you so very much for taking the time to send that info! I will look more into it and now know how : ) Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Hope you have a very blessed day!

Hi, Sheri!

I love your "About Me." I can relate 'cause I'm a CR student too and have my fair share of crying fits FOR SURE! Hahaha! I have bags under my eyes too, but we CR students keep pressing on 'cause we know... IT WILL ALL BE WORTH IT!!! :)

Keep it up! You're not in this alone!

...AND HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! :)

~ Christine

Hi, Sheri!

I'm at 140 right now. I need 1 more test to pass to get into 160.

I know how money issues can cause breaks in school. I took one of those too. For years I would go to school part-time focusing on the academic portion only 'cause I had to work full-time. But since 2008, I've been back to school full-time, and I work part-time at a law office, plus doing freelance transcription assignments from anyone who needs me. I'm almost done with ALL my academics. I currently only need 1 more to pass, which is Transcript Prep. Other than that class, I'm just working on my speed. It's hard to be disciplined, but I really gotta get on my machine EVERY DAY!!!

How about you? What school do you go to? How far along are you, speed-wise and academic-wise?

Hope you had a great birthday!

Talk to you soon,
Christine