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February 2009 Blog Posts (33)

EIN versus SS - more things I wish I knew my first year out.

Here's more things I wish I knew my first year out.

It's a little slow; right? Or not. But you're looking to expand your base of people for whom you're working. You're getting calls from out-of-state agencies. You're getting e-mails from CSRnation from nationwide firms. But you don't know them. Do you really want to give them your Social Security number?

Probably not. That's why you should apply for an EIN (Employee identification number) or TIN (taxpayer identification… Continue

Added by Kyung on February 11, 2009 at 8:30 — 2 Comments

Simply Steno

What do you guys think about Simply Steno? I looked at their sample schedule for a week: Please let me know what you think. (BTW been out of the field for a while) do you guys think this is worth geting back into the field for $610 to start and that covers the first 3 months. After that it's $360 every three months. I already finished a program where I proved that I can write accuratley at 225. I guess it is one of those cases where if you don't use it you will lose it. Well I have totally lost… Continue

Added by Ebony on February 10, 2009 at 9:12 — 1 Comment

When witnesses make sound effects, what do you do?

Just trying to get some advice. I've been reporting for many years now, but I've always wondered what to do when witnesses make sound effects. You know, as an example, "Yeah. I was traveling down the road and the car just went right through the center divide" and then the witness made this crunching, banging noise! I'm thinking I should put some kind of blurb in parenthesis, i.e., (witness makes sound) or (unintelligible) or something to indiciate that he made a sound effect, you know? Any… Continue

Added by Melissa Hill on February 7, 2009 at 11:27 — 9 Comments

IRS Examination

Can anybody tell me if they have ever reported an IRS examination? I have been asked to do one in a couple of weeks, and I don't believe I have ever reported one of these. I have been told that there can be any number of examiners, and I am under the impression it is an examination of a person being audited. If anyone can tell me more about these proceedings, I would really appreciate it.

Added by Lorna Brodie on February 5, 2009 at 19:27 — 9 Comments

Then and Now

I keep hearing about how slow it is and how bad it's getting out there.

Well, I think back in the 80's the court reporting field went through something similar. I'd love to hear from the reporters who were working back in the 80's and who are still working now. How does this recession compare to back then?

I think one of the problems back then was the contracting, which continues to be a problem these days with these huge firms trying to be all things.

If this… Continue

Added by Kyung on February 4, 2009 at 20:16 — 3 Comments

How are you sending wave files to scopists?

Hi there! I just read about You Convert It not being available anymore, and was wondering what other large file transfer websites are out there. I've used WhaleMail in the past, but it is so slow and usually takes 2-3 attempts at uploading, and 2-3 attempts for my scopist to download. Any suggestions? Thanks!

Added by Kimberly Bonnell on February 4, 2009 at 18:53 — 15 Comments

Away from Home Wireless connection

I have only shopped Verizon so far and learned that a wireless connection will run about $75/mo. Can anyone recommend a good and more affordable provider?

Added by Janice Arnold on February 4, 2009 at 14:01 — 7 Comments

Gemini Grand pic

This is a sweet machine! Jason has done it this time! Have used models since Gemini2 and I think he has it SO perfect on the Grand!

Added by Rhoda Collins on February 4, 2009 at 6:28 — 13 Comments

DEPOS FOR LIPKA.COM

Has anyone done any work for Lipka.com? I received a request to do depos for them and I wanted to know a little bit about the business. Any comments are welcome.

Added by Jennifer Slessinger on February 3, 2009 at 20:11 — 6 Comments

Nervous Fingers!

Hi everyone! I've been in school now since last May. I'm in the 70-90 speed now and I get so dang nervous during testing. I come home and practice and can knock out a clean 80 dictation, but can't pass a 70 at school. Any testing technics anyone can pass along so my hands don't shake like I have parkinsons?

Added by Jonathan on February 3, 2009 at 14:05 — 13 Comments

Court Reporter Board on governor's chopping block

please someone weigh in on this - the california website for proposed budget cuts is suggesting doing away with the board and instead, as I remember it, having it fall under the governance of the state bar. Seems like a conflict of interest to me - and also from what I understand, the board is self-funded and therefore this would result in no monetary benefit to the state, so what's up with that?

Added by shelly storey on February 2, 2009 at 23:44 — 2 Comments

Not only am I going deaf, but I'm going blind too.

No, seriously. I'm not going blind, nor am I going deaf. Just sometimes you feel like you're doing more lip reading than listening. The other day I actually had the attorney say to his deponent before the depo started to speak up and speak clearly and not to cover their mouth with their hands, a lot of court reporters are lip reading. The deponents say, I kid you not, I don't move my lips that much when I speak. Oh, yeah. It was a joyous depo. Not!!

Also, have you ever gotten… Continue

Added by Kyung on February 2, 2009 at 20:15 — 1 Comment

Frustrated with this field!!

I have been working in New York for about 7 months now, and I am having so much trouble getting steady work and pay. I know the holidays just passed, but it's been like this for me since the summer. I work steady for a few weeks and then barely get any work for the next month or so. Because of that, my paychecks don't come on a regular basis and I have trouble paying my bills. Is anyone else having this problem??? I am seriously considering relocating to anywhere where I can get steady work and… Continue

Added by Jennifer Benci on February 2, 2009 at 9:24 — 17 Comments