Genealogy Chat

I have just had another look in Freebmd and it still appears (to me at least)that they do not require any transcribers at present. I thought they were always looking for new volunteers, or, as is more likely, am I doing somthing wrong. Terry

Just had a look myself and I don't think your doing anything wrong as I get the same. I know when I looked last week there was a syndicate looking for transcribers so perhaps its a case of looking daily Jeanette

Thanks for that Jeanette. Terry

It may be because of holidays. I know the person responsible for training in my syndicate is about to go on hols so you might just have to wait a week or two.

Hi Angela Thanks for your reply. It's just that I thought that there would be dozens, if not hundreds of syndicates. Maybe I'm wrong. The only syndicate I can find is one called John Pain and they don't need anyone !! Terry

Terry I've been looking for a week or two but will keep trying. I want to 'do my bit' when my youngest starts school next week and I will get a bit more time.

I thought that when I first looked - there didn't seem to be any syndicates that needed transcribers. Then later someone mentioned on here that they always need transcribers on their Syndicate (Scan2) - so I signed up for that, got notification within a few days, did the training package and then got assigned my first 3 pages. To signup for the Scan2 syndicate (I'm afraid I don't know how to do it for any other syndicate - but Scan2 is huge so plenty to go around!....) http://www.scan2.org/scan2.html Click on MainMenu in the frame at the bottom - then click on SignUp Once you've signed up you'll get contacted with a training package. Once you've sucessfully completed that you get assigned your first 'real' pages.

Could someone please say what is actually involved in being a transcriber? I'm a bit frightened of offering in case it needs programs I don't have, or will take too much time. But I would like to do my bit if I can, because I use the site so much. Jan.

Hi All I transcribe for the Scan2 syndicate and they are always looking for transcribers. And as to what is involved - it is easy. Well, if I can do it anyone can. After you sign up, you will be sent a trial page. Once this has been done, you will be allocated a page (or 2) to transcribe, which you download and you are away. It is very fulfilling but I warn you it could be addictive. The following is from the FreeBMD web site re Scan2. "ON-HOLD till 10 Sept 2003 due to vacation. Accepting Worldwide as Access to source is by scans via the WWW. contact Derek Hopkins (Canada) derek(.)hopkins at sympatico(.)ca or Sue Burton at sue(.) burton at tesco.net (England) You can also go to Visit http://www.scan2.org/scan2.html and "Sign UP". (Response to Emails may be SLOW due to work load)." Remove the brackets Regards, Nesta

I'm with the John Pain Syndicate, Jan. You can give as much time as you can. Every little helps. All the software you need is provided, including a package to help you check your transcriptions before uploading them to the site. Anyone can do it - it's not difficult - it just takes a little time to get used to it, and once you do, it's easy. I find it very therapeutic, and really enjoy transcribing. It's also nice to feel that you are giving something back - that's why I did it. Like you, I have used the site on a regular basis, and found it very useful. Janet

Janet, I am a new transcriber with the John Pain syndicate. I uploaded my last one on 16th August, and up to now have not received another one. Is it normal to take this long? Maggy

Maggy Do you forward a copy to them for checking when you upload to the site? I've always had new scans within a day or two. Perhaps you should give them a reminder that you are still waiting? Having said that - perhaps it's due to holidays, but it's worth enquiring. Janet