Increased difficulty of realtime?

[Amy Austin]

Besides the technical setup and limitations, which could be challenging, I would like to know more about any challenges faced while doing realtime scoping.

It seems to me that others are using the term "realtime" even when there is a delay of 5-60+ minutes of what the scopist is working on. In those situations, realtime seems to be hardly different from a regular scoping job... true? I'm thinking you just have to download and upload and know some other tech things.

But I'm thinking the scopist needs to learn a different type of steno theory too...?

Also If there were very little lag time, then I figure the scopist should more skilled and experienced so as not to make any typos or miss any errors. What else?

[Wynne A. Pauly]

To be a realtime scopist you have to be on the top of your game. True, you're likely working with reporters who have low untrans rates.

You have to be able to work fast and efficiently, know your reporter's style and take direction well. No dawdling, no breaks to run to the drug store. Only breaks should be to run to the refrigerator (or bathroom) and back.

Most reporters proof after the scopists finish -- even in a daily copy -- so if your work needs to require very little changing on the reporter's part because the reporter is usually half dead after writing all day and really needs to sleep to perform well the next day.

[from Debra Maples]

This is such a great response!

I'm a new "regular" scopist (w/lots of legal and medical background) and was wondering what the difference was with realtime reporting/scoping. I figured it was something like the above explanation but, thanks, that answer really defines the differences.

I think another way might be to say that both reporter and scopist should have nerves of steel! My hat's off to those who can do this. Take a bow, you deserve it!