Genealogy Chat

High again Well I Have done it OMG lol I clicked on one of the Syndicates and sent Chris Mahoney an Email just waiting for a reply now .....then I got to try a test page... Cant wait Lesley :~)

Actually Mandy, I felt like that too - because you type in a few letters and the name choice comes up and it sort of stops your flow in your typing doesnt it.

I followed the setup instructions, and the 'predictive' pick list came up automatically (I didn't have to install it separately). You'll laugh at this, but as a typist I find the predictive list a nuisance and end up overtyping all the time lol! Mandy :)

They will tell you everything - I was just thick and didnt realise it was there to use! After my test run, the chap said, I cant see how you xxxxxxxxxxxxx is not spelt right (Id transposed 2 letters in a name) when I said well Id typed so many that day - he did LOL, didnt realise poor old dear was sitting here typing in all the Gertrudes and Josiahs! In fact that bit of the program hadnt come on for some reason, but I soon sorted it with his help.

Thanxs Heather Again lol How do I do the predictive bit? will they tell me? I take it they wont because you didnt know at first lol....

They usually ask you to click on the name at the top of the list as that is the group in most need of vollies. They will contact you very quickly and send you the info and programs you need. Good luck - and dont forgot the predictive bit - dont do pages and pages typing out every first name in full like I did!

Yeah Mandy you twisted my Arm lol I have nothing to lose by trying it for a while...and as people have said there is no pressure as its voluntary.... Wish me luck I have clicked on Syndicate allocation and found Jeff Coleman in the list so do I click on his name?

Thanxs Kat :~) I was typing my message as you sent yours lol Im really excited about starting. How long after I have been in touch with a syndicate leader will I hear from them any idea?

Hi Lesley Glad we've managed to persuade you lol! No, there really isn't any pressure. My co-ordinator is always very understanding when I have circumstances that mean I can't do any for a few weeks. Go to the FreeBMD home page and there's a place to click and sign up with a syndicate. Your offer will be registered and your co-ordinator will get in touch with you. Mandy :)

Can anyone tell me what the first thing is I should do. I have gone onto Freebmd and clicked on *Join Freebmd* It says to click on item stating if you have got a Microfiche or not got a Microfiche When I click on Not got a Microfiche it gives a list of Syndicates but Jeff Coleman is not on it... Can anyone advise please? Lesley :~)

Hi Leslie, I'm with Brian Smarts syndicate and have had no pressure put on me, I just get 4 at a time and work thro, usually at night when the boards are a bit slow. I'm doing 1845 marriages, handwritten and a bit difficult to read at times. Just take your time and don't do guess work and you'll be fine, give it a go, it's good to put something back. Kat :)

Jean Mandy & Heather Thank you all so much for your feedback :~) I think I will give it a go :~) As you say it is voluntary and no Time limit so what the heck what harm can it do? lol a Apart from me getting sucked in and leaving my house to disappear under a pile of housework lol SO whats the first step..? I would like to start with something easier to read til I get the hang of it... so do I pick a later year ? Lesley :~)

Lesley, you arent being paid and you arent signing a contract - if you feel its too much for you just tell them so and have a break or stop. The worse thing would be to feel under pressure - then it wouldnt be worthwhile for you. Ive always done voluntary work and Ive treated it like paid work and put the same amount of effort in and thats good I know, but when it comes down to it, you are voluntary and shouldnt feel the pressure of paid employment! Have a go, if you dont fancy it, nothing lost. If you love it - it will be a nice worthwhile hobby for you.

Hi Lesley Go for it! It really is very easy, there's no pressure, and an hour a week would be absolutely fine. Jean and I are in the same syndicate, and our co-ordinator is really nice, very helpful and will talk you through any queries. Mandy :)

Lesley, Jeff, my co-ordinator, is great and gives step by step instructions. I usualy get 10 scans at a time and at the moment I am transcribing 1854 handwritten births which have approx 40 entries a page. There is no time limit at all. I can take a week or a month depending on how busy I am. If you want to finish transcribing you just say you are taking a break for a while or finishing altogether. Jean x.

Heather What happens if I start it and then decide I cant do it or I dont have enought time? Sorry Im asking loads of questions but dont want to jump in and drown lol

You will be fine - click to contact one of the groups and they will send you everything you need, all the programs and the sheets to do.

Jean Thats what I thought about the more that help the quicker it will all be done. How much do you get given at one time? Lesley :~)

Hi Lesley, I have been transcribing for freebmd for 18 months now. You join a syndicate. The syndicate co-ordinator (mine is Jeff Coleman) will advise you how to go about downloading the software. I am not kidding when I tell you I am computer illiterate and if I can do it anyone can do it. There is no time limit and no pressure. Jeff does like scans to be uploaded within 4 months of allocating them. Go for it Lesley. The more that transcribe the quicker it will all be on line. Jean x.

Heather. What is the Predicting Program do you download it from them? I would have done the same I think lol type in each individual bit of info... Lesley :~)