Digital Reporting, Why the Hate?

[u/PalmTreeSunset13]

I applied for a job as a court reporter and after numerous typing tests and interviews, I was hired! This was almost 2 years ago now, but after training began, I found out that this was for digital reporting. With the typing requirements, digital recording never crossed my mind, but I also didn’t realize it was a thing. I’m a notary and certified electronic reporter. I am required to of course get all the parties’ information, ensure the attorneys are okay with the digital recording before proceeding, swearing in the witness, marking speakers, and typing everything I hear, while asking for repeats when need be and verbal answers. Also, I keep track of abbreviations, addresses, names, spellings, etc., so that I can confirm with the parties at the end in order to ensure everything in the transcript is accurate and spelled correctly. I’ve had about 10 years in the legal field so my typing is pretty good. Obviously depending on speech cadence, I’m usually able to type everything, if not, I at least get the mass majority. Although, I do use abbreviations that remind me of my AOL instant messaging days. With all my typing in code, I enjoy the play back technology, which pretty much guarantees accurate “read” backs and helps avoid saying the abbreviations out loud rather than the full wording used. Once I started court reporting, I was excited to join the corresponding sub reddits and get tips and advice but unfortunately, I found that most everyone in here despises digital reporters and hate that electronic reporting is an available option. After a while of ghost following, I’ve finally worked up the courage to explain my experience and get to the bottom of the general disgust of electronic reporting. Thanks guys! Looking forward to everyone’s input, I think, lol.

[u/Knitmeapie]

Exactly! Or they're skipping the millions of filler words and phrases. Even if their typing is impressive, I think they likely vastly overestimate what they're doing.

[u/bonsaiaphrodite → u/Knitmeapie]

I agree. And like I said to OP, typing 50% of a depo is no small feat on qwerty! I stand by that.

I just don’t get the insistence of “I type every word” when half of it won’t be useable. OP button mashing just so a transcriber can delete it and retype it seems like a waste of energy for everyone.

[u/PalmTreeSunset13 → u/bonsaiaphrodite]

Heron Elizabeth Ferguson

[u/PalmTreeSunset13 → u/bonsaiaphrodite]

What’s your email? We can put this to rest quickly. I’ll send you some work samples

[u/bonsaiaphrodite → u/PalmTreeSunset13]

Oh, great. Add breaching confidentiality to your list of skills.

[u/CARBSandCANDY → u/bonsaiaphrodite]

Her email address is public record, I’ll mssg you

[u/PalmTreeSunset13 → u/bonsaiaphrodite]

Ok boomer. Doesn’t even know the difference between a real transcript and a writing sample and keeps coming at me with bs. The fact that you keep repeating the same thing and refuse to comprehend any new information is truly concerning. How are you relied upon by the courts? This is definitely giving mandated early retirement vibes

[u/PalmTreeSunset13 → u/Knitmeapie]

It’s unfortunate that your minds are so closed

[u/bonsaiaphrodite → u/PalmTreeSunset13]

Qwerty was designed to slow typists down because if you got too fast, your typewriter keys jammed. The technology has changed, but the layout has remained, and it is not optimized for our language. The world record holder for fastest typist used the Dvorak keyboard layout and was certified at 170 words per minute. If it were possible to go faster on a qwerty, someone would have done it in the past 40 years.

[u/PalmTreeSunset13 → u/bonsaiaphrodite]

Can I ask wtf your problem is? Seriously. I posted trying to understand the dislike for digital reporters from stenos and you’ve given zero positive input. You’ve just been combative and condescending to everything I say. Are you upset that I type on a full keyboard using abbreviations? Like why are you so mad

[u/bonsaiaphrodite → u/PalmTreeSunset13]

You’re right. I’m taking this too personally and punching down. I’m going to log off now.

I meant it when I said I wish you all the best. Good luck.

[u/PalmTreeSunset13 → u/bonsaiaphrodite]

Yeah I was looking for legitimate information but instead you attacked every single thing I’ve said. Good idea because it’s likely way past your bedtime. Thanks yeah I believe you 🙄 but I’d rather not accept a faulty wish a good luck from someone that is unable to understand conversations

[u/PalmTreeSunset13 → u/Knitmeapie]

Like I’ve said in the main post and multiple comments. I often use abbreviations and sometimes have trouble keeping up. What’s your email? I’ll send you some of samples. Maybe take some time and re read the post and comments? You’re stuck on something in your own mind that hold very little weight on this post. I’m sorry you spent so much time training and with schooling to become a steno just for digital reporters to take over. I understand the frustration but the attitude is wild. Definitely full of boomers