oh I see, so you download voice files then

Aye, then they need scanned, then cleaning up, and then typing - and nothing says frustration like having to type verbatim; you'd be stunned at how many times we all say "Um" "uh" and "you know"...and don't get me started about "innit".   The ability to recognise every accent known to man is also required, but I was stumped by what I can only describe as "Welsh gangbanger".

It can be "interesting".   But it's good work, and pays for cosmetic supplies extras

Ooops, i'm a bit late but wanted to say "welcome, welcome, welcome!"

Hi, Me too, sorry, I am extremely rude and often forget to welcome new members, but I dont mean any harm. Just lazy and rude!
So welcome, and same goes for any other newbies that I ignored.. (is that cheating?)

Too kind, truly!  I normally completely space off welcoming anyone - so no apologies required.

Thanks all!

How do you become a freelance transcriptionist SG?  I'd love to do something like that - have a proofreading/copy editing course on a back burner but I'd love to do anything in that line.

A big hello to you. I'm new here myself and in a similar position to you at the moment. Like you I seem to be endlessly reading and searching for information, but everyone on this site is so helpful and will always help if they can.

Hmm, apart from the downloading, still sounds like good oldfashioned audio typing to me, lol, every secretary had to deal with umm, and uhs, and you knows, as well as accents when working for different bosses. I am not belittling anything, audio typist is a good job!

However, I am most intrigued, what exactly is a welsh gangbanger??? Perhaps our Welsh ladies on here know about it?

Welsh Gangbanger?

Sis, i beg you please fill us in on that one!   

Welsh gangbanger - essentially talking all "street", as if they came from LA (which of course none have ever seen outside of COPS), but with a welsh accent.  it's a bit ear-melting, and I couldn't get it.  Sounded like Keith Richards on a bad day.

To get a transcription gig you need some downloading equipment and usually at least two years experience in audio.  You're essentially working for yourself, and therefore have to declare it.  It used to be very difficult to get into if not impossible, but now it's springing up a bit.  To be honest, it's okay, however it seems like it's sort of a dot.com industry....there's a big boom with it, but it just feels like eventually the bottom will fall out of it.  There's also companies which need the proofreading/copy editing, and I rather think that pays better than the transcription, so if you've got it, search around and find some companies seeking it, especially the ones that outsource to India as quality control is vitally important to them.

And I have to say, I've done secretarial stuff for five years but never actually had to TYPE every hesitation before, whilst I'm required to for this.  I can't actually talk any more about it as everything is classified.  But  I was mostly in law, before, so verbatim wasn't necessary.

Interesting re the transcription SG, ta.

I'm a bit late in saying hello aswell!! So HELLO and a big welcome to this crazy fabulous forum!!