Genealogy Chat

Hello Max, Like you, I transcribe and find it helps unwind and you know you are doing something constructive, rather that wasting time. I have wondered, when recording births for the early 1890's, how many of the young men were lost during WW1. One of the saddest pages that ever came my way was when I was recording some Deaths and there was a page of "Unknown". Would that happen today - I don't think so. Nesta

Hi Michelle Basically transcription involves typing up records, some from hand written originals, and others typed. It sounds alot easier than it is, but they are very suppotive and give you loads of help. You have special software that helps, and there is also brilliant software to help you check what you have typed. Free BMD work from scanned images, whilst Freecen work from CDs OR microfiche records(for which you need a reader). I personnally find it a great way to unwind after work, as it is totally absorbing, and you find yourself thinking about the names, and associating them with people and places you know!(or is that just me!!!) Regards Maxine

Thanks Julie, I'll tey having another look. Michelle

If you go to the FreeBMD main page and click on the link 'Join FreeBMD' it will explain how you can become a transcriber and what is involved.

I know that I am probably going to sound really thick but what does transcribing actually involve. I have been on the FreeBMD site but I can't seem to find any explanation as to the processes used. Michelle

Hi all, Terrence, I've been transcribing for FreeBMD and I am in Australia. It's simple even for us Aussies!!! One thing, you have to get used to the county names, but after a couple of go's, you get used to it. Keep it up transcribers, you are doing a great job for us poor devils that rely on the net for research. Anyone wanna shout a poor Aussie a trip to the Mother Country for some research???? Cheers Jenny

I've just taken a look at Freebmd. Maybe I'm doing sopmething wrong but it appears to me that they don't require any transcribers for fische and there's only one syndicate asking for transcribers not using fische. Terry

Claire I have just offered to do 1861 for an area of Durham the co-ordinator asked me which area and I said Darlington if possible if I need any help can I mail you as i am an oldie!!! apparently it's on CD so no fich reader needed?? Ann,Darlington

I have voluntered to transcribe for freecens and it only took about a week before I recieved my fiche, I was very kindly given the area that I had requested (Seaham) and my co-ordinator for Durham is very helpful. However,,I have been unable to download the required software so far but Im determined to give my best shot

Jeanette. I suspect that it does involve a lot more work, and probably a fair bit of experience. I'd stick to the transcribing for an existing syndicate if I were you - at least for the start until you know what is involved. Perhaps someone else knows what is involved? I really enjoy transcribing. Once you get the hang of using the software, it's very relaxing - and very rewarding. Janet. Northamptonshire

jeanette, i think think everyones name appears in little black letters to themselves IYSWIM i know mine does. and to those asking about microfiche- i personally can't use them as they make me sea-sick! (true!) Julie T:)

Hi Janet Thanks for replying. Sounds quite simple. I've just had a quick look on freebmd and I see you can start your own syndicate. Does this involve a lot more than just joining one? I am a newcomer to this part of the site and as I said I don't like to be left out. So how come you've all got your names in big red letters and mine is in small black ones?! Jeanette

Jeanette You just assign yourself to a Syndicate that requires transcribers. I have done transcriptions from typed scans of births and deaths - different years - and in each case, the whole of the country is covered. The scans I get are in pages in alphabetical order. Hope this helps Janet Northamptonshire

Oh well if your all at it I'm going to see about transcribing for freebmd - I don't like to be left out! Couple of questions though. Can you choose the area to transcribe and does freebmd have any relation to the site Yorkshirebmd?

Hi Ann I'm afraid I have no idea what wincen or sscen is! For Terence, I don't have a microfiche reader , and have no intention of getting one! I only transcribe for people that use scans or CDs - It has to be simple - like me! Regards Maxine

Terry. I can't see any reason why you should need to be online to do any transcribing. You certainly don't need to be online when transcribing for FreeBMD. I haven't got access to a microfische, so I will make some more enquiries. See my message to Ann in the Guest Book. Janet. Northamptonshire

Thanks Ann - and as long as I can do it off line Terry

Maxine Can you tell me what WINCENS and SSCENS format is it sounds like a disease!! Terence Microfiche don't bite honest!! It's like/is microfilm --a small plasticcy square with all the info on it.Sorry can't help you with wether you can do it form overseas but if you want me to ask I will Ann,Darlington

A couple of questions about transcribing. Can you do it if you live overseas. What's a microfishythingy, I wouldn't know one if it leapt up and bit me Do you transcribe on or off line as our local charge here to use the net is £1/hour during the day. Terry - Gibraltar

Thanks for the info Maxine. I'll make some enquiries, and let you know how I get on. Janet. Northamptonshire