Kim, I stumbled on your page just now as I'm waiting for the traffic to die down so I can go home, and I'm compelled to put in my two cents regarding Eclipse. I just got back from the Eclipse users group in Las Vegas, and I'm such a fan. Have you used the translation magic feature yet? What about global magic or auto-brief? If you still have the student version, but it's not on the latest release 4.2 version, you've got to try out those features before you make your final decision. If you are on an older version, you can email me some of your notes and your main dix, and I'll translate them for you using TM so you can see for yourself how much it helps. My email is jenlug@pacbell.net. I hope you forgive me for butting in!

Hi,
I was looking at Depoman and Greta Duckett had this posted," If you have any questions about DC, feel free to post them here or email me privately.

ilovedigitalcat2@hotmail.com."
I also believe she is on this site, you might consider either emailing or contact her though this site with your questions concerning digitalCAT.

Kim, I haven't received an email from you. Please, please send me a few of your note files along with your dix! Here's my email again: jenlug@pacbell.net. Tomorrow morning I go to the dentist - yikes! He better not tell me I need anything major done! I'll be back in the late afternoon, and I'll be around all weekend so I'll have time to fool around with your files. I really think you're going to be impressed with TM. I'm looking forward to playing with your files!

Kim, this is weird! I didn't get your emails and I even checked my spam folder. I found two other friends in there, but nothing from you. If you give me your email here, I'll email you first. I have to leave in 45 minutes or so. I understand if you don't want to post your email, though. Here is my email in caps: JENLUG@PACBELL.NET.

Kim, get in Eclipse, press Control F to get into file manager. Click on your main dix, click on zip. Now it will be zipped and you will see the regular dix and the zipped. Get in your email and attach the zipped dix. Very easy!

Congrats on your anniversary - that's really terrific!

I still haven't received anything from you. Do me a favor and get in your send file and forward what you've sent me to this email address: griffincourtreporting@yahoo.com
My sister can then forward it on to me. I'm anxious to fool around with TM when I get back from the dentist. Thanks for the ipod idea!

Hi Kim, lots of new material listed under Bring on the Briefs !
www.thebriefzone.com

Happy Birthday from CSRnation!

Hi Kim, wishing you a very happy birthday :)

Kim, Wow! Happy birthday!!!
I almost put a comment on your page yesterday to check on how you were doing, but I thought - No, I don't want to nag her! Hope you're having a great summer - Jenny

Hi, Kim,

I did some scoping for a friend while I was in school and she was on StenoCat so that is the system I learned on. I have been using it for 15 years and really like it.

So cool, Kim!

Where did you learn the theory? On your own???

Had you forgotten what you had learned 20 years previously??

Candice's mom has a very similar story. She actually started my same school two months before I took the CA CSR in '80. She dropped out to raise her kids, and now has been reporting three years and is absolutely loving being a court reporter. She doesn't check back her very often, but it's Wendy on my friend page.

Don't have to tell you how much I love the theory. Sounds like you already know. :)

Simplysteno sounds like a great program, too.

Congratulations on your success!! I wish you so much luck on November 1!!

I think working with Mark is such an advantage. You'll be so prepared. Keep me posted, please.

Thanks for touching base with me!

Kim,

I think you can try Digitalcat for three months free. That's my favorite word. :)

I'd have a hard time not trying it.

If I was to switch to Eclipse, before I did I think I'd try the three months free with DigitalCat first too.

I think you've made all the perfect decisions. The online theory program was a disappointment for all that I've heard from, and Mark is not associated with it. Sounds like you're as lucky as me!!

My definition of "luck," by the way, is "hard work." :)

Hi Kim! Nice to "meet" you. What I initially liked about Stenocat, coming out of school, was it was affordable! You don't have to pay a fortune outright to buy it. You can lease it for anywhere from 3 months, to 6 months, to a year at a time. With the lease comes all of the updates for free. You also get technical support.

Coming out of school, I also wanted something that was easy to learn so that I could start working right away when I got my license. I'm a computer retard, and Stenocat was a piece of cake for me to learn and use. Anyway, I've been using it for 8 years now, as a working reporter in depos and court, and now as a scopist, and I love it.

Hope that helps! Good luck with school. ;)

Kim,

While in school, I had the student trial version. I liked that. I also liked the price and option of buying outright or paying by the year. The customer service is excellent... always got right back to me. Their web page has lots of useful info. A reporter friend of mine struggled with a different software company right out of school. How dreadful. So I just stuck with what was working fine for me.

Yes it comes with InSync, which is really nice.

Nice to meet you. You've got a really pleasant page here! I enjoyed the break from scoping a job with the music while answering your question.

Best of luck to you,
Angie

Kim, I have been such a stranger to your page since I've been so obsessed with the LightSpeed. How is it going for you lately? Are you truly now an Eclipsian? I will be having more time to bug you since the last LightSpeed update seems to be working. A while back I typed a long message to you, and then I hit something accidentally and the whole thing disappeared! I hear the Stenomaster theory is the way to go. When I'm done with these depo rushes in the next week, I hope to focus more on my theory changes. I have a few Eclipse tips to send you, but you must let me know if you want them!

Kim, yes, the LightSpeed is extremely lightweight and flat. It has been nothing but trouble up until the last update which was just last week. Eclipse is an expensive system. If StenoCAT is working for you right now, that's great. Let me know if you ever switch over, though. I will have some good tips to share. I have heard good things about the Magnum Steno site. I know a few reporters who are starting to learn bits of Mark's theory. Even long-time reporters. It is never too late to change things. I know two other reporters who are waiting anxiously for the RPR results as well. I am hoping you all passed, and then on to the CRR you all go!!!

Kim, You know what a big Eclipse fan I am. The last time we spoke about Eclipse, you sent me your main dictionary, and I thought I translated a few things using translation magic. If you'd like, e-mail me a few more of your recent notes. Something really awful. I will retranslate them using a different job name and using translation magic. Am I right that you do not have access to Eclipse at this time? What are you using right now? I realize these are big expensive decisions. I can only tell you how much I enjoy Eclipse. How many other software programs have you been investigating in addition to StenoCat? You should still have my e-mail address. It starts out jenlug. If not, let me know. Feel free to send me a more current main dictionary of yours also.

Do you use a pedal when you are editing in Eclipse? - no, I edit using Dragon dictation software, so I say "down," instead of clicking. Or, if I'm not in Dragon at the moment, I hit page down, which is v and when I toggle my audio, I press the b key. Those are two of my own special macros. Check out the total Eclipse group here. I also have created a few discussions about Dragon if you're interested. Just search for the word dragon, and I'm sure they will pop up.

Love your new pic, by the way!

Hi Kim. I chose steno cat because it's cheap. ahha.. Plus, a lot of classes at my school use steno cat as a reference. It's easy to use, and for a student you can't beat the price. The only downfall is that they don't have 24/7 customer service. It is only normal business hours, but that hasn't affected me because I'm still in school. Good luck with your choice.

Wow! (I found your photo on Jayne's page and it looked interesting, so I clicked it). You just reinforced my decision to continue with StenoMaster. I'm in school at CRID and we were taught Phoenix, but I bought a StenoMaster book and have been incorporating that into my writing and it helps. I intend to get the MagnumSteno book and now you have convinced me. I probably should have started that route to begin with, but, what did I know at the time? I just needed to start. Anyway, the point of this comment is that I'm glad I saw your comment on StenoMaster. Congratulations to you and good luck on your test in May!

Kim, any luck in figuring out how to get some notes to me yet???

No pressure, I just didn't want you to think I forgot!

That pic was from last week when I sang at a friend's Jan. 4 mass. I was showing Andrea how the LS had aged me!

Good Morning, Kim! I'm so glad you are testing for that last leg of the RPR -- I wish you tremendous luck and will say a little prayer for you the day of the test (but you have to let me know when it is!) I am just at 80 right now -- however, did you ever have these moments where you say "I'm at X speed" and you sit down and continue to write and it's easier and easier and then you realize you are actually at a higher speed? I think that has happened, but I have to do a test and see exactly where I'm at.

Called Magnum Steno the other day and I'm going to be ordering Mark's new book; although I'm studying the StenoMaster Theory on my own and making additions to my dictionary, they say I can still do Phoenix and StenoMaster and incorporate Magnum Steno (sounds counfusing, doesn't it?), but I think that I "think" more like Mark's briefs - we will see how it goes!

So, I see you are in PA - don't you miss LA? (I'm a displaced Texan, but in generations past, the family was from LA --Thibodeaux, actually). Definitely a different sort of winter, huh? Keep in touch!

Hi, Kim - just thought I would pop in and see how you are doing! How's the studing going? As you can see, I'm up late, working on briefs and my dictionary! Enjoyed your new slide show! Say Hi when you can!

Good Morning! I had to laugh at your comment about stopping just before something happens! It's so true! It might be happening -- I just dreamt all night long about 140's -- maybe I'll get there really quick!

Have a great day and good luck with your studies!

(What a handsome family you have! Lucky girl with all those guys!)

Hi, Kim! Good to hear from you -- I've been off the board recently, sorry I didn't reply sooner! Just "life", you know!

How is your prep coming? You must be feeling anxious -- but let me know when you test and I'll say a little prayer for you -- it's soon, isn't it?

Holler back!

Hi, Kim. I'm delighted to tell you that I love StenoCAT 32. I have been on StenoCAT software since 1992 and have found it very reliable and easy to use. The StenoCAT Users Network is also fabulous. Their seminars are excellent at increasing proficiency with the software and their members are so nice that I can't think of any of them that wouldn't help you with a question or problem if one came up for some reason. That's a great plus to the software right there, but I would say my three favorite features of SC32 are the easily programmable SmartKeys (macros), the versatility and power of the software, and the company's integrity itself. If you'd like some expansion on those comments, I'd be happy to do that privately, but I don't know how to do messaging here. Are you on facebook? Or I'll check out your website to see if I can send a message there. There are some things I'd like you to know that I wouldn't feel comfortable posting on a comment wall.

Hi Kim - Yes, I've been using StenoCat for 20 years! Unfortunately I can't really give you a comparison between the newest version and Case. I am still in the dark ages with Open StenoCat. I decided to upgrade and change to Case because I am ready to take advantage of the newer features of software -- I want my software to work for me, not me for it. Case also has the smart key feature, as most current software has something comparable. Anyway, if you have any specific questions, feel free to contact me. I had to move my training to Monday, but I should be up and running pretty well with just the one training session!

Hi, Kim. Thanks for joing the Magnum Steno Fan Club.

Who taught you Stenomaster??

Mark Kislingbury is not affiliated in any way with courtreps, BUT Stenomaster is his theory.

Are you using courtreps for CR training??

Good morning, Kim. I saw your post with Tami. I live in Lafayette, La. We don't have any schools here. I started steno about 10 years ago and I'm ready to go back.
I bought Mark's theory a couple years ago, never got around to actually sitting down to learn it. I'm looking for an online course with a little structure. Have you heard negs/poz about courtrep.com????

That was 10 years ago, though. Like I said, I already have Mark's theory CDs and book, so it's really up to me, I guess. Sounds like I should go through the theory and then plug in with online speedbuilding.
Thanks for the info!!

So awesome, Kim, that you taught yourself the theory. It sounds like you've gotten to graduation speed pretty quickly, too.

Did you have another reporter helping you out at all?

I really do think you took a perfect online route. I just never know how to tell someone to learn Stenomaster theory before going to school. Now I can say I know someone who did it on their own.

You must be extremely bright and very disciplined. Good for you!

Are you in Mark K.'s Club right now??

I know Marc from SS totally disagrees with Mark K's speedbuilding philosophy. Hopefully he's getting warmed up to it more than the last time we had a conversation about it.

Again, congratulations on your success!

Tami

Oh, I just reread your post to me. You are doing the Club.

You really are an awesome example on how to get this CR business taken care of.

Hi, Kim, How's it going? Happy with your software these days? Are your handsome boys out of school for the summer? Bet you'll be busy! I don't expect an answer from you anytime soon!

Oh, it's the hardest thing to wait for the results! I'm so hoping you get the news tomorrow. I know that Clay from this site is hoping for news on the RPR Q & A as well.

Of course I use audio. I never thought about it until I had Eclipse for a while, though. You made me look this up! I've used my Olympus digital recorder since I purchased it in Sept. '05, and I got my laptop Sept. '03. Eclipse in May '02. But I didn't take the laptop to my jobs until '06? And since I started reporting in Jan. of '77, that's a lot of years without audio! I'd never be without it now. I take the digital as a backup on every job. It syncs right up.

That's great you're doing so much interning. Bet you're learning so much. I'm happy you're pleased with your software. That's really important. I'm super thrilled with Eclipse - as well you know!

Have fun with the kids - can't wait to hear about your results. I'm rooting for you!!!

glitter-graphics.com
Now you can leave your nails alone! So happy for you!
# Kim Gibney, Whitehall, PA

blank job sheet.xlt
How wonderful for you, passing the CSR after such a long break in your education. Good for you. You're going to love reporting. Being a fly on the wall is really fun sometimes. Plus, we get to learn a little about a lot of things, which is one of the things that makes this career an interesting one.

I attached by blank spreadsheet for you. Let me know if you have any questions. Oh, and if you're interested in receiving briefs by email occasionally, let me know and I'll you to my distribution list.

And you're right - your sons are very handsome. What a nice family you have.

You plug the Boostaroo into your headphone jack of your laptop, then you plug your headphones into the Boostaroo and it amplifies the playback. It's only helpful if you have a really quiet recording.

I know some people monitor the sound that's being recorded at a depo. They plug in headphones into their microphone. Some mics have a headphone jack for monitoring the recording. And sometimes the sound isn't as loud while monitoring as it is when you play it back later. It would be helpful in that situation as well.

Way to go! Congratulations! You have past everything, have your certification, obviously you know what you are doing. They do not just hand those things out (if they did, I would have cut in line for it, lol!) Use whatever means of relaxation that works for you, yoga, prayer, cutting down on caffeine, etc. I'm so tickled for you!!!!

Hi, Kim! Having a fun summer with your boys? Just checking in!

Kim, great photos!

You know what. I didn't know you learned my StenoMaster Theory. Do you mind telling me your story?

Hi, Kim.

CONGRATULATIONS on passing the RPR in May!!! That's so awesome!!! :)

Christine
stenonerd.blogspot.com

glitter-graphics.com
Hope you're having a wonderful day - and not scoping your first job!