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General => The Common Room => Topic started by: clairec666 on Wednesday 11 January 17 11:15 GMT (UK)

Title: A challenge for 2017 - become a transcriber for FreeREG
Post by: clairec666 on Wednesday 11 January 17 11:15 GMT (UK)
A year ago I started transcribing for FreeREG. Despite not spending as much time transcribing as I could have done, I've completed nearly 6000 records. It's only a tiny proportion of the 37 million records in FreeREG's database, but hopefully my transcriptions have helped someone.

So here's my mission for 2017:
1) Transcribe more! Finish the post-1813 records for Burnham-on-Crouch, and either tackle the earlier records (aaah!) or start a new parish
2) Recruit more transcribers

If you've ever thought about transcribing, why not give it a go? If you've been researching your own tree for a while, you'll be used to the handwriting (yes, you'll find the occasional bit of appalling scrawl, but you can always post it on rootschat for others to help you with). It feels great to know that you're putting good-quality transcriptions online, and helping others with their research.

My tips - volunteer for a part of the country you're familiar with, pick a small parish to start with (so you feel you're making progress) and start with post-1813 baptisms and burials (standardised forms and generally easier handwriting).

I find WinREG really easy to use, and it's easy to upload your work (and importantly, you can make corrections and re-submit it).

Of course it's not just FreeREG - there are other projects to get involved in too.

So who's in? ;D
Title: Re: A challenge for 2017 - become a transcriber for FreeREG
Post by: Andrew Tarr on Wednesday 11 January 17 12:12 GMT (UK)
I've been at it for over a year.  I enjoy trying to unravel fading stuff in unfamiliar script.  The only slight niggle I have is that much - maybe most, or even all - of what I/we are doing is already accessible on other free sites such as the Lancs Project.  I would like to expand the free availability, not just duplicate it.
Title: Re: A challenge for 2017 - become a transcriber for FreeREG
Post by: BumbleB on Wednesday 11 January 17 12:26 GMT (UK)
I do transcribe, but I've taken the easy option - FreeBMD  8)  Been doing it for a few years now and I'm told that I've contributed 302,454 entries to date.  It's amazing how things have changed since I started - now on 1969 marriages, and I'm currently on page 371 of the September quarter which covers the surnames beginning with "C" (at roughly 120 entries per page that means at least 44,520 entries before reaching those surnames beginning "D").  :o

I, of course, echo the sentiments of Andrew and Claire.  :)  Let's all put something back into this fascinating hobby obsession of ours.



Title: Re: A challenge for 2017 - become a transcriber for FreeREG
Post by: groom on Wednesday 11 January 17 12:30 GMT (UK)
I'm seriously considering it. A question though, I see that  WinREG is  "the very latest Windows based utility for entering Baptism, Marriage and Burial information from church registers for the FreeREG project."  I have an Apple Macbook Pro Retina, would that software work on my laptop?
Title: Re: A challenge for 2017 - become a transcriber for FreeREG
Post by: Andrew Tarr on Wednesday 11 January 17 12:47 GMT (UK)
... I have an Apple Macbook Pro Retina, would that software work on my laptop?

I would think so, it's only a purpose-adapted spreadsheet with some bells and whistles, maintained by a guy in Johannesburg.  He seems to respond quickly to my emails - I believe a fully revised version will appear shortly.
Title: Re: A challenge for 2017 - become a transcriber for FreeREG
Post by: clairec666 on Wednesday 11 January 17 14:05 GMT (UK)
I'm seriously considering it. A question though, I see that  WinREG is  "the very latest Windows based utility for entering Baptism, Marriage and Burial information from church registers for the FreeREG project."  I have an Apple Macbook Pro Retina, would that software work on my laptop?

From http://test.freereg.org.uk/winreg/index.htm (http://test.freereg.org.uk/winreg/index.htm)
"Neither version of WinREG will run on Mac, or Linux etc Operating Systems in native mode. It will, however, run as a PC application under a Windows partition on such computers if it is installed."

This is complete gobbledegook to me ;D
Title: Re: A challenge for 2017 - become a transcriber for FreeREG
Post by: groom on Wednesday 11 January 17 14:10 GMT (UK)
Quote
From http://test.freereg.org.uk/winreg/index.htm
"Neither version of WinREG will run on Mac, or Linux etc Operating Systems in native mode. It will, however, run as a PC application under a Windows partition on such computers if it is installed."

This is complete gobbledegook to me ;D

Me too! I'd obviously have to install something to allow me to run Windows and I don't want to do that.
Title: Re: A challenge for 2017 - become a transcriber for FreeREG
Post by: Andrew Tarr on Wednesday 11 January 17 14:44 GMT (UK)
I would think so, it's only a purpose-adapted spreadsheet with some bells and whistles, maintained by a guy in Johannesburg.  He seems to respond quickly to my emails - I believe a fully revised version will appear shortly.

When I wrote this I assumed that your PC was able to run other Windows packages - clearly, if it can't, it won't run WinREG either.  Sorry.
Title: Re: A challenge for 2017 - become a transcriber for FreeREG
Post by: Old Bristolian on Wednesday 11 January 17 15:47 GMT (UK)
I transcribed for several years for FreeReg, and latterly did so on my Mac. I used the Mac speadsheet and then "exported" it to Excel before sending it
on to the co-ordinator, who uploaded it for me,

Steve
Title: Re: A challenge for 2017 - become a transcriber for FreeREG
Post by: Andrew Tarr on Wednesday 11 January 17 15:52 GMT (UK)
I transcribed for several years for FreeReg, and latterly did so on my Mac. I used the Mac speadsheet and then "exported" it to Excel before sending it on to the co-ordinator, who uploaded it for me.

Transcribers do their own uploading via the website Members page.  As the WinREG output is only a CSV (comma-separated variables) file your process via Excel should be simple, provided the 'header' rows are correct.
Title: Re: A challenge for 2017 - become a transcriber for FreeREG
Post by: clairec666 on Wednesday 11 January 17 16:08 GMT (UK)
I think the WinREG file is basically a spreadsheet and can be edited with any spreadsheet program. Surely there must be an easy way for Mac users to transcribe, otherwise FreeREG are missing out on a whole chunk of transcribers!
Title: Re: A challenge for 2017 - become a transcriber for FreeREG
Post by: Andrew Tarr on Wednesday 11 January 17 16:50 GMT (UK)
I think the WinREG file is basically a spreadsheet and can be edited with any spreadsheet program. Surely there must be an easy way for Mac users to transcribe, otherwise FreeREG are missing out on a whole chunk of transcribers!

It's certainly editable with Excel, though it's not the standard (.XLS) file but .CSV, as I said above, with the first 4 rows reserved for ownership and identification details.
Title: Re: A challenge for 2017 - become a transcriber for FreeREG
Post by: coombs on Wednesday 11 January 17 16:57 GMT (UK)
I have considered transcribing for FreeREG, especially for pre 1783 Finchingfield as no records before then have been transcribed for the village. I have many rellies from that Essex village and have scoured them on SEAX many times.
Title: Re: A challenge for 2017 - become a transcriber for FreeREG
Post by: StanleysChesterton on Wednesday 11 January 17 18:15 GMT (UK)
I applied 1-2 years ago, I only wanted to do places I was familiar with as I wasn't confident at places I'd never heard of.

They had no room for me; they were seeking people who already had originals/copies that they could transcribe and/or people who were "advanced".  They are not in a position to give you originals to transcribe as that's been withdrawn from them. You have to have access yourself already.

I'm on their mailing list where they mail each other for "help", I look at the attachments and think "ooh er missus ... you'd be out of your depth with that lot".
Title: Re: A challenge for 2017 - become a transcriber for FreeREG
Post by: bevj on Wednesday 11 January 17 20:42 GMT (UK)

They had no room for me; they were seeking people who already had originals/copies that they could transcribe and/or people who were "advanced".  They are not in a position to give you originals to transcribe as that's been withdrawn from them. You have to have access yourself already.


I think this depends very much on the area you want to work with.
I have been transcribing for some years, in Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Huntingdon and now Scotland, and have always been provided with registers to transcribe.  At no time have I ever been told to find my own.
If you are interested in transcribing, please do inquire. It's quite true that you look at some of the older records and think 'Blimey I'll never be able to do that!' but you find you can, and the support of other transcribers for solving problems is excellent.
I love it.
Bev
Title: Re: A challenge for 2017 - become a transcriber for FreeREG
Post by: Cas (stallc) on Wednesday 11 January 17 21:18 GMT (UK)
I did transcribe for FreeBMD back in early to mid 2000, enjoyed it, though some were well worth more than a squint🤓 Those that continue, hats off.  Between work and family commitments no longer do. Also my eyesight is not what it was in my forties..

Admire the folk that continued, or those that take it up, I felt I payed back a little bit to FreeBMD, for all I gained.

Just to add my reason for stopping my girl got ill and died of cancer and her 2 young girls came to me to raise, so no time.. 

It is rewarding, give back, pay forward with how you can :)

Cas
Title: Re: A challenge for 2017 - become a transcriber for FreeREG
Post by: clairec666 on Thursday 12 January 17 09:42 GMT (UK)
I've got a lot of respect for people who transcribe for FreeBMD. I've made good use of that website over the years so I should really give something back by transcribing myself, but to be honest transcribing pages of unconnected names and numbers seems really boring. With parish registers, you can follow naming trends and occupations, and laugh at some of the annotations in the margins. At 16 baptisms/burials per page it's easy to do in small chunks.

If anyone's interested in transcribing Essex records, you can check out the images on SEAX to see what the handwriting's like, before you choose a parish to transcribe.

Coombs - you must have seen how lovely the handwriting is on the Foulness records, but I see that somebody else has already transcribed them for FreeREG!
Title: Re: A challenge for 2017 - become a transcriber for FreeREG
Post by: 3sillydogs on Thursday 12 January 17 10:12 GMT (UK)


Jan if your PC won't run that particular application, why not try for one of the others?

I have been indexing and arbitrating (which can induce much mirth when you see some of the interpretations of handwriting) for about 2 years and really enjoy it. It's a way for me to give back for all the help I receive. ;)

Have also done graves for Billion Graves, which is online transcribing no programme to download.
Title: Re: A challenge for 2017 - become a transcriber for FreeREG
Post by: Old Bristolian on Thursday 12 January 17 10:24 GMT (UK)

I transcribed for several years for FreeReg, and latterly did so on my Mac. I used the Mac speadsheet and then "exported" it to Excel before sending it on to the co-ordinator, who uploaded it for me. [/quote]
Transcribers do their own uploading via the website Members page.  As the WinREG output is only a CSV (comma-separated variables) file your process via Excel should be simple, provided the 'header' rows are correct.
[/quote]

I know most do, but I was just pointing out the help given to me as a beginner, by the co-ordinator. When you start you are also supplied with templates which ensure all the headers are as required,

Steve
Title: Re: A challenge for 2017 - become a transcriber for FreeREG
Post by: DavidG02 on Thursday 12 January 17 12:01 GMT (UK)
I did the FamilySearch weekend last year and found it interesting. I had problems with the software at times but managed.

I will chase up the FreeReg idea.
Title: Re: A challenge for 2017 - become a transcriber for FreeREG
Post by: Meelystar on Thursday 12 January 17 12:13 GMT (UK)
Well I have been thinking about it for a while as a way of giving something back - I'd love to be able to help more on rootschat but there are too many cleverer people on here who do a better job.  I just tried to join up to freereg but no email recieved (apparently you need to do some sort of confirmation within 24 hours) so not sure what's going on!

Edit my phone email just wasn't showing it in junk but the link to complete registration doesn't work anyway! Sure I will get there in the end!
Title: Re: A challenge for 2017 - become a transcriber for FreeREG
Post by: sunflower on Thursday 12 January 17 12:57 GMT (UK)
I've been transcribing it for years as well for Freereg.  I agree with Andrew about the niggle if the images are already online.   I've been covering a place in Derbyshire for months and images are on Familysearch which makes me feel I am just duplicating.

I don't upload them myself.  I explained to the co-ordinator that I was a dummy on the computer, so he suggested I just send them back to him and he uploads them for me.  Works well.

Carol
Title: Re: A challenge for 2017 - become a transcriber for FreeREG
Post by: coombs on Thursday 12 January 17 17:18 GMT (UK)
I've got a lot of respect for people who transcribe for FreeBMD. I've made good use of that website over the years so I should really give something back by transcribing myself, but to be honest transcribing pages of unconnected names and numbers seems really boring. With parish registers, you can follow naming trends and occupations, and laugh at some of the annotations in the margins. At 16 baptisms/burials per page it's easy to do in small chunks.

If anyone's interested in transcribing Essex records, you can check out the images on SEAX to see what the handwriting's like, before you choose a parish to transcribe.

Coombs - you must have seen how lovely the handwriting is on the Foulness records, but I see that somebody else has already transcribed them for FreeREG!

But they left out the marriage witnesses for post 1754 marriages. I could offer to add them as well. Witnesses to marriages are vital. It would be good to jump on board and help get more Essex records transcribed as I doubt Anc will do as ERO have them browsable on SEAX.

Title: Re: A challenge for 2017 - become a transcriber for FreeREG
Post by: Andrew Tarr on Thursday 12 January 17 18:04 GMT (UK)
I don't upload them myself.  I explained to the co-ordinator that I was a dummy on the computer, so he suggested I just send them back to him and he uploads them for me.  Works well.

What a nice friendly co-ordinator ....  But if you are able to attach a photo or a document to an Email, you should be able to upload your spreadsheet file to FreeReg.
Title: Re: A challenge for 2017 - become a transcriber for FreeREG
Post by: 3sillydogs on Friday 13 January 17 07:33 GMT (UK)
I did the FamilySearch weekend last year and found it interesting. I had problems with the software at times but managed.



They have recently updated their software, although personally I haven't had any problems with it ;)
Title: Re: A challenge for 2017 - become a transcriber for FreeREG
Post by: clairec666 on Monday 16 January 17 16:54 GMT (UK)
Just in case I haven't convinced you to transcribe yet.... occasionally you come across a name that makes you titter ;D
Title: Re: A challenge for 2017 - become a transcriber for FreeREG
Post by: Katharine F on Monday 16 January 17 17:07 GMT (UK)
I transcribe for FamilySearch but quite like the idea of transcribing for FreeReg.
Title: Re: A challenge for 2017 - become a transcriber for FreeREG
Post by: 3sillydogs on Monday 16 January 17 17:16 GMT (UK)
Just in case I haven't convinced you to transcribe yet.... occasionally you come across a name that makes you titter ;D

When you arbitrate you find yourself tittering a little more frequently especially with documents transcribed by folk who don't speak the language being transcribed. ;) ;) ;D
Title: Re: A challenge for 2017 - become a transcriber for FreeREG
Post by: LizzieW on Tuesday 17 January 17 00:05 GMT (UK)
I used to transcribe Crewlists (which are on FindMyPast as far as I know),  but when that came to an end I switched to transcribing Royal Navy WWI service records.  The idea is that the records are transcribed by 2 people and crosschecked, but although I've done over 900 now (about 100 a month which I don't think is many really), none of mine have been marked as crosschecked, although I can only see the last 90 records I've transcribed (or rejected if they didn't serve in WWI).  I feel I am so far ahead of others that I get a bit disheartened, so I haven't done many since Christmas.  I will get back to it though.
Title: Re: A challenge for 2017 - become a transcriber for FreeREG
Post by: 3sillydogs on Tuesday 17 January 17 07:01 GMT (UK)

LizzieW that may be because there are more transcribers than there are folk crosschecking the completed transcriptions.  ;)

Don't get disheartened.   I have done a lot of transcribing so applied to do arbitrating as well in an effort to help get records online quicker. ;) ;)
Title: Re: A challenge for 2017 - become a transcriber for FreeREG
Post by: clairec666 on Tuesday 17 January 17 08:07 GMT (UK)
LizzieW that may be because there are more transcribers than there are folk crosschecking the completed transcriptions.  ;)

You could be right.... when I'd been transcribing for Familysearch for a while, they emailed me frequently asking me to arbitrate, until finally I relented!

I remember Familysearch's program was quite good - you downloaded a "batch" and the image appeared in the same window as your transcriptions, and the program submitted your work to the server. I stopped because the program kept making my ancient computer crash! FreeREG is a bit more complicated (I had to get hold of the images from SEAX, and you have to submit your work through the website), but at least it doesn't crash my computer. :)
Title: Re: A challenge for 2017 - become a transcriber for FreeREG
Post by: 3sillydogs on Tuesday 17 January 17 08:23 GMT (UK)


I have been transcribing for Family Search for a few years now and also finally gave in and do arbitration as well. Makes a change from transcriptions  ;D ;D

Must admit I haven't had any issues with their programme on my aging pc ;D ;D.  I also do for Billion Graves which is nice because it's online transcriptions nothing to download. Apparently Family Search will be changing to a Web based indexing programme later this year.
Title: Re: A challenge for 2017 - become a transcriber for FreeREG
Post by: LizzieW on Tuesday 17 January 17 09:09 GMT (UK)
Quote
LizzieW that may be because there are more transcribers than there are folk crosschecking the completed transcriptions.

You could be right but, perhaps in my ignorance, I assumed that when two people had transcribed the same data, the crosschecking would be instant and only if something was different would it need an arbitrator.  Obviously I'm giving too much credence to a government department computer program.  ::)
Title: Re: A challenge for 2017 - become a transcriber for FreeREG
Post by: 3sillydogs on Tuesday 17 January 17 09:22 GMT (UK)

I don't know how it works with others but with Family Search once the record has been arbitrated the next step is it gets put on line.
Title: Re: A challenge for 2017 - become a transcriber for FreeREG
Post by: pharmaT on Tuesday 17 January 17 09:28 GMT (UK)
I'm tempted, but I'm about to increase my hours at work by 24 and I'm already struggling to keep up with the housework.  My husband wants me to give up the family tree as well :(.
Title: Re: A challenge for 2017 - become a transcriber for FreeREG
Post by: rosie99 on Tuesday 17 January 17 09:57 GMT (UK)
I'm tempted, but I'm about to increase my hours at work by 24 and I'm already struggling to keep up with the housework.  My husband wants me to give up the family tree as well :(.

Don't give in to giving up the familytree because of OH, you need some interest of your own.  ;)  At least it is a hobby that you can pop in & out of when you have time, with no pressures and you can continue visiting rootschat as well  ;D   

Rosie
Title: Re: A challenge for 2017 - become a transcriber for FreeREG
Post by: clairec666 on Tuesday 17 January 17 10:48 GMT (UK)
I'm tempted, but I'm about to increase my hours at work by 24 and I'm already struggling to keep up with the housework.  My husband wants me to give up the family tree as well :(.

Don't give in to giving up the familytree because of OH, you need some interest of your own.  ;)  At least it is a hobby that you can pop in & out of when you have time, with no pressures and you can continue visiting rootschat as well  ;D   

Rosie

You can't give up! Like Rosie says, you can dip in and out when you have the time.... easier said than done though, I know how addictive it is ;D
Title: Re: A challenge for 2017 - become a transcriber for FreeREG
Post by: groom on Tuesday 17 January 17 11:41 GMT (UK)
If you are working longer hours to bring in more money, make sure that your husband helps out more with the housework! I agree with the others, why should you give up FH? If your husband mentions it again, ask him what hobby he is prepared to give up.
Title: Re: A challenge for 2017 - become a transcriber for FreeREG
Post by: 3sillydogs on Tuesday 17 January 17 13:22 GMT (UK)


Agreed Pharma, get hubby to pitch in and help, if you are adding to the family income then he can sure help with the housework.  It shouldn't be all on you.

Title: Re: A challenge for 2017 - become a transcriber for FreeREG
Post by: LizzieW on Tuesday 17 January 17 14:41 GMT (UK)
pharmaT - it seems from the previous responses that everyone on here thinks you shouldn't give up family history research - unless you want to.  Why should you give up your hobby just because you're working extra hours, as others have said you should get your husband and family to help out, after all your extra working hours are benefiting them too.
Title: Re: A challenge for 2017 - become a transcriber for FreeREG
Post by: Jomot on Tuesday 17 January 17 19:02 GMT (UK)
Well I took up the challenge but have to admit I'm struggling.   

I received no instructions whatsoever on how to use the software, although I think I've just about figured it out.  Also I'm not sure if its just because I'm working on test files sent as a PDF but I expected the images to import into the software to make it easy to read and type simultaneously, but as it stands every time I scroll the image to the next line the WinReg software minimises itself, which is an absolute pain. 

I will persevere but I cant say I'm enjoying it.   :(
Title: Re: A challenge for 2017 - become a transcriber for FreeREG
Post by: coombs on Tuesday 17 January 17 21:14 GMT (UK)
I may contact them to see what they say about me doing Finchingfield pre 1783. I may get told to use the SEAX website or they alone may have copies of them prior to 1783 ready to transcribe.
Title: Re: A challenge for 2017 - become a transcriber for FreeREG
Post by: Andrew Tarr on Tuesday 17 January 17 23:22 GMT (UK)
... I expected the images to import into the software to make it easy to read and type simultaneously, but as it stands every time I scroll the image to the next line the WinReg software minimises itself, which is an absolute pain.

It's a nice idea, but I'm wondering how you might work on a standard (Excel) spreadsheet with a Jpeg image as source, in one active window.  If you have a good idea, send Mike in Johannesburg a 'bug' report and I'm sure he will try to help you out.   :D

I usually manage to have about 8 rows of the spreadsheet visible, with a similar number of records visible in the image, so minimising the minimising as it were.
Title: Re: A challenge for 2017 - become a transcriber for FreeREG
Post by: Jomot on Tuesday 17 January 17 23:43 GMT (UK)
It's a nice idea, but I'm wondering how you might work on a standard (Excel) spreadsheet with a Jpeg image as source, in one active window.  .

Maybe I've just been spoilt at work, but I was honestly expecting software that would import the file into the program and work on a split-screen basis - top half for viewing, bottom half for typing.  I can see under Tools there's an Image Viewer but as I didn't get any instructions on how to use WinReg I've no idea what that's about. 

As I said, I'll persevere and see how it goes.
Title: Re: A challenge for 2017 - become a transcriber for FreeREG
Post by: clairec666 on Wednesday 18 January 17 10:40 GMT (UK)
Jomot - I found WinREG a bit confusing at first. The tricky bit is knowing what info to enter when you start a new file - just ask your coordinator for help, then once you've got the file set up it's pretty straightforward. If you need any help, post a screenshot on here and I'll see if I can help.

I agree that it's annoying that you can't see the image in the same screen as your transcriptions. I flick between the two windows (using Alt-Tab) and that works for me. Or I suppose you could fit the two windows on the same screen.

Coombs - when I started, I was told I had to use my own SEAX subscription to get the images. Luckily I'd downloaded all the parishes I wanted before my subscription expired. I was advised to start with post-1813 records, but if you're confident with the earlier handwriting I guess you can tell the coordinator you want to start with that. I notice that Finchingfield has already been part-transcribed, but not updated since 2012, so hopefully you'll be able to take up the baton!
Title: Re: A challenge for 2017 - become a transcriber for FreeREG
Post by: coombs on Wednesday 18 January 17 12:38 GMT (UK)
Jomot - I found WinREG a bit confusing at first. The tricky bit is knowing what info to enter when you start a new file - just ask your coordinator for help, then once you've got the file set up it's pretty straightforward. If you need any help, post a screenshot on here and I'll see if I can help.

I agree that it's annoying that you can't see the image in the same screen as your transcriptions. I flick between the two windows (using Alt-Tab) and that works for me. Or I suppose you could fit the two windows on the same screen.

Coombs - when I started, I was told I had to use my own SEAX subscription to get the images. Luckily I'd downloaded all the parishes I wanted before my subscription expired. I was advised to start with post-1813 records, but if you're confident with the earlier handwriting I guess you can tell the coordinator you want to start with that. I notice that Finchingfield has already been part-transcribed, but not updated since 2012, so hopefully you'll be able to take up the baton!

Yes it would be good to put Finchingfield online. There is a batch of 1728-1783 records so I may start on them first then do the pre 1728 ones, but before 1700 they are harder to read. I dont know if I can just insert the data into their system or will they make me use a very gobbledygook style database to upload them as others have discussed.
Title: Re: A challenge for 2017 - become a transcriber for FreeREG
Post by: Andrew Tarr on Wednesday 18 January 17 13:00 GMT (UK)
I agree that it's annoying that you can't see the image in the same screen as your transcriptions. I flick between the two windows (using Alt-Tab) and that works for me. Or I suppose you could fit the two windows on the same screen.

As I said (or implied) above, I work with the WinReg spreadsheet (which uses almost the full width) in the top third of the screen, and the image in the remainder. The only hiccup occurs when the image needs to be dragged up or down, which depends on its quality, or to load the next page.
Title: Re: A challenge for 2017 - become a transcriber for FreeREG
Post by: coombs on Saturday 21 January 17 19:25 GMT (UK)
Maybe it is just me but it seems more Essex records have been put onto FreeREG in the last week or so. The other day the list did not automatically fill when Essex was selected as a county, usually a sign that more records are being uploaded. Kudos to the transcribers, you are making it easier.

I have sent an email to FreeREG offering to volunteer, so I can transcribe Finchingfield pre 1783.
Title: Re: A challenge for 2017 - become a transcriber for FreeREG
Post by: clairec666 on Sunday 22 January 17 11:07 GMT (UK)
Maybe it is just me but it seems more Essex records have been put onto FreeREG in the last week or so. The other day the list did not automatically fill when Essex was selected as a county, usually a sign that more records are being uploaded.

Looking through the list of places that have been transcribed, there are quite a few that have been updated in 2017. Keep it up, Essex folks! SEAX subscriptions can be too expensive for some people, so the more transcriptions we can put online, the better.
Title: Re: A challenge for 2017 - become a transcriber for FreeREG
Post by: coombs on Monday 23 January 17 12:37 GMT (UK)
I got a reply which said that I can subscribe to SEAX starting with a £10 fee then download all the scans of the parish I am interested in so I can then use them when I want, and I may need to have some training on how to transcribe.
Title: Re: A challenge for 2017 - become a transcriber for FreeREG
Post by: clairec666 on Monday 23 January 17 17:42 GMT (UK)
Brilliant, welcome to the FreeREG club!

For my "training", I was sent some PDFs of baptisms, marriages and burials to transcribe, all after-1813, nothing too taxing. It takes a little while to do, then you can get stuck in with Essex!
Title: Re: A challenge for 2017 - become a transcriber for FreeREG
Post by: coombs on Monday 23 January 17 21:38 GMT (UK)
Brilliant, welcome to the FreeREG club!

For my "training", I was sent some PDFs of baptisms, marriages and burials to transcribe, all after-1813, nothing too taxing. It takes a little while to do, then you can get stuck in with Essex!

Thanks. The more the better, especially for Essex which is poorly covered on the IGI and FamilySearch. FreeREG seems to be the best place for Essex records now. I thought if I want more Essex records online, then why not jump on board. While it is not like making money, it is a kind of "gravy train", getting more Essex records online quicker.
Title: Re: A challenge for 2017 - become a transcriber for FreeREG
Post by: clairec666 on Tuesday 24 January 17 08:42 GMT (UK)
You'll get a great feeling when you see your first transcriptions go online :)
Title: Re: A challenge for 2017 - become a transcriber for FreeREG
Post by: coombs on Tuesday 24 January 17 14:19 GMT (UK)
I am just now waiting for those PDF's to be sent to me so I can do a practise transcribe as part of my training. The email I got also said the unbreakable rule is type what you see.
Title: Re: A challenge for 2017 - become a transcriber for FreeREG
Post by: Andrew Tarr on Tuesday 24 January 17 16:42 GMT (UK)
I am just now waiting for those PDF's to be sent to me so I can do a practise transcribe as part of my training. The email I got also said the unbreakable rule is type what you see.

Yes, it makes sense to tell all 'novices' that.  But you have probably seen some recent threads on here discussing 'leeway'.  Personally I only enter what looks like gibberish if I can't make better sense of 'what I first see'.  Often it's worth taking some time becoming familiar with (a) the original writing habit and (b) the commonly recurring surnames or place-names of the series you are working on.  You may well be able to revisit some earlier work when you think 'oh, that's what it was ...'

When transcribing baptisms or burials I copy what I see in personal names, even when they are clearly just mis-spellings.  However I see little point in reproducing variants in well-known place names such as Manchester, or names of months, for example.  We must remember that others are searching for records, and we should have a little licence to increase their chances of a hit.
Title: Re: A challenge for 2017 - become a transcriber for FreeREG
Post by: coombs on Tuesday 24 January 17 22:15 GMT (UK)
I am just now waiting for those PDF's to be sent to me so I can do a practise transcribe as part of my training. The email I got also said the unbreakable rule is type what you see.

Yes, it makes sense to tell all 'novices' that.  But you have probably seen some recent threads on here discussing 'leeway'.  Personally I only enter what looks like gibberish if I can't make better sense of 'what I first see'.  Often it's worth taking some time becoming familiar with (a) the original writing habit and (b) the commonly recurring surnames or place-names of the series you are working on.  You may well be able to revisit some earlier work when you think 'oh, that's what it was ...'

When transcribing baptisms or burials I copy what I see in personal names, even when they are clearly just mis-spellings.  However I see little point in reproducing variants in well-known place names such as Manchester, or names of months, for example.  We must remember that others are searching for records, and we should have a little licence to increase their chances of a hit.

I will always take time to study what the writing says, rather than transcribe what I first see, always best to take a closer look.
Title: Re: A challenge for 2017 - become a transcriber for FreeREG
Post by: clairec666 on Wednesday 25 January 17 08:09 GMT (UK)
Re "type what you see" - the transcription is supposed to be a representation of what is on the page, not our interpretation of what it should say. So we shouldn't make corrections to spelling mistakes, or guess a gender - leave it blank if it isn't explicit. Any abbreviations should be written as they are, but abbreviations for months are obvious, and I think it's fair to assume that "mos" means months and "yrs" means years.

For example, if you see a place name that has been spelled incorrectly, don't correct it, as it may not refer to the place you're thinking about.

Here's a thread I started a while ago about proofreading your work: http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php?topic=746132.msg5933343#msg5933343 (http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php?topic=746132.msg5933343#msg5933343)
Title: Re: A challenge for 2017 - become a transcriber for FreeREG
Post by: StevieSteve on Wednesday 25 January 17 09:31 GMT (UK)
Just as a worked example, so if you saw Manch'r in  as the abode in a Manchester parish, best practice is to transcribe as Manch'r ?
Title: Re: A challenge for 2017 - become a transcriber for FreeREG
Post by: Andrew Tarr on Wednesday 25 January 17 09:43 GMT (UK)
Re "type what you see" - the transcription is supposed to be a representation of what is on the page, not our interpretation of what it should say. So we shouldn't make corrections to spelling mistakes, or guess a gender - leave it blank if it isn't explicit.

Unfortunately it's not always that simple.  For example my current baptisms are recorded as 'Fred son of Jas. and Mary Jones' while the standard FreeReg template only offers choices of Male, Female, etc.  So 'son' has to be translated into Male - not an exact representation of the original.

And I stop short of what I regard as 'interpretation' (your word) preferring 'recognition'.  I respect the original ad-hoc spellings of given names of which C18 clerics didn't have a standard version; it helps us imagine how the people of those days spoke the words.  But I am also aware that when that version is so far from what searchers may hope to find, we may not be helping as much as we might.
Title: Re: A challenge for 2017 - become a transcriber for FreeREG
Post by: clairec666 on Wednesday 25 January 17 11:06 GMT (UK)
Re "type what you see" - the transcription is supposed to be a representation of what is on the page, not our interpretation of what it should say. So we shouldn't make corrections to spelling mistakes, or guess a gender - leave it blank if it isn't explicit.

Unfortunately it's not always that simple.  For example my current baptisms are recorded as 'Fred son of Jas. and Mary Jones' while the standard FreeReg template only offers choices of Male, Female, etc.  So 'son' has to be translated into Male - not an exact representation of the original.
rom what searchers may hope to find, we may not be helping as much as we might.

Fair point. We also have to make little decisions about which data belongs in which field - e.g. often there's a date of birth in the margin but it doesn't explicitly say it's the date of birth, it's a fair assumption that it is though. And I've just transcribed a burial for Henry John Finch Croxon - I assumed that Croxon was the surname and the others are first names, since it wasn't obviously double-barrelled as Finch-Croxon.
Title: Re: A challenge for 2017 - become a transcriber for FreeREG
Post by: Andrew Tarr on Wednesday 25 January 17 12:44 GMT (UK)
... I respect the original ad-hoc spellings of given names of which C18 clerics didn't have a standard version; it helps us imagine how the people of those days spoke the words.  But I am also aware that when that version is so far from what searchers may hope to find, we may not be helping as much as we might.

A suitable example has just come up.  With this lovely script the transcription is obvious - but what on earth is the surname?  The only one I can connect with it might be Boughey, which has already appeared once or twice.
Title: Re: A challenge for 2017 - become a transcriber for FreeREG
Post by: clairec666 on Wednesday 25 January 17 13:47 GMT (UK)
That's the sort of thing that wouldn't show up in a soundex or wildcard search...
Title: Re: A challenge for 2017 - become a transcriber for FreeREG
Post by: groom on Wednesday 25 January 17 13:49 GMT (UK)
Looking at other letters, I'd read that as Beuyh - but that doesn't look like a name does it?
Title: Re: A challenge for 2017 - become a transcriber for FreeREG
Post by: coombs on Wednesday 25 January 17 16:08 GMT (UK)
If I feel a surname should be Johnson but is spelt as Johhnson then I will have to type it as Johhnson even if I know it should be Johnson. Dont worry I wont bend the rules and put what I think it should say.
Title: Re: A challenge for 2017 - become a transcriber for FreeREG
Post by: lanercost on Thursday 26 January 17 01:36 GMT (UK)
I emailed them to ask if I could transcribe Cumberland parishes but they kindly replied that Cumberland wasn't accepting any transcribers. Does Cumberland even have any currently active transcribers?
Title: Re: A challenge for 2017 - become a transcriber for FreeREG
Post by: clairec666 on Thursday 26 January 17 07:14 GMT (UK)
It would be good if FreeREG had post-ems like on FreeBMD. Or maybe something like Ancestry has, where you can submit an alternative name and it shows up in the search results.

I emailed them to ask if I could transcribe Cumberland parishes but they kindly replied that Cumberland wasn't accepting any transcribers. Does Cumberland even have any currently active transcribers?

That's strange, maybe there isn't a county coordinator for Cumberland. Despite having records online from most if not all counties, they aren't all in the drop-down box when you apply.
Title: Re: A challenge for 2017 - become a transcriber for FreeREG
Post by: Jomot on Thursday 26 January 17 09:20 GMT (UK)
I asked for Durham, North Yorkshire, East Yorkshire or Leicestershire.... not accepting for them either.  The reason I was given is that it's to do with copyright. 
Title: Re: A challenge for 2017 - become a transcriber for FreeREG
Post by: coombs on Thursday 26 January 17 18:36 GMT (UK)
I am just awaiting to be sent the sample transcriptions as part of my training now.
Title: Re: A challenge for 2017 - become a transcriber for FreeREG
Post by: BumbleB on Sunday 29 January 17 15:34 GMT (UK)
Please don't shout at me when my current FreeBMD transcriptions are uploaded - there's a new Registration District in September quarter 1969 - Ettmng, 4a

Any guesses  :o  And should I have corrected it?



Title: Re: A challenge for 2017 - become a transcriber for FreeREG
Post by: Deirdre784 on Sunday 29 January 17 15:50 GMT (UK)
Could it be Epping? Essex...
Title: Re: A challenge for 2017 - become a transcriber for FreeREG
Post by: clairec666 on Sunday 29 January 17 15:52 GMT (UK)
Definitely says Ettmng, doesn't it... "type what you see", definitely don't correct it :)
Title: Re: A challenge for 2017 - become a transcriber for FreeREG
Post by: Andrew Tarr on Sunday 29 January 17 15:56 GMT (UK)
Please don't shout at me when my current FreeBMD transcriptions are uploaded - there's a new Registration District in September quarter 1969 - Ettmng, 4a

Any guesses  :o  And should I have corrected it?

I think it's a cackhanded attempt at Epping, which belonged in district 4a, at least some of the time - you can find your way to a complete list of districts on FreeBMD if you poke around a bit.

Personally, if you find that Epping would be in 4a at the date of that record, I would correct it, as no real purpose is served by perpetuating the error, other than to show that someone made it  >:(  and that you can read typescript ....
Title: Re: A challenge for 2017 - become a transcriber for FreeREG
Post by: BumbleB on Sunday 29 January 17 16:02 GMT (UK)
You are correct - I did double-check with the spouse's entry, which is correct as Epping, 4a.

I might ask my Co-Ordinator for his opinion as to whether I correct it or not  ;D

Title: Re: A challenge for 2017 - become a transcriber for FreeREG
Post by: Andrew Tarr on Sunday 29 January 17 17:54 GMT (UK)
You are correct - I did double-check with the spouse's entry, which is correct as Epping, 4a.

I might ask my Co-Ordinator for his opinion as to whether I correct it or not  ;D

To add to my earlier suggestion - there are two reasons for making a correction:  district 4a would be correct for Epping at that date, and the spouse's entry confirms the error.

If it had been a question of correcting the spelling of a personal name, for which there is no other supporting evidence, then it has to be 'type what you see'.
Title: Re: A challenge for 2017 - become a transcriber for FreeREG
Post by: BumbleB on Sunday 29 January 17 18:25 GMT (UK)
I've put my query, and I'll report back.
Title: Re: A challenge for 2017 - become a transcriber for FreeREG
Post by: clairec666 on Monday 30 January 17 09:31 GMT (UK)
I'll be interested to know the response, BumbleB.

This morning I've been transcribing burials from 1934, but in the middle was one from 1933. I'm guessing from the dates either side that it is an error and was actually in 1934, but obviously I have to enter 1933. I've mentioned it in the "notes" column though, otherwise nobody would guess there was a mistake (unless they accessed the register themselves).
Title: Re: A challenge for 2017 - become a transcriber for FreeREG
Post by: BumbleB on Monday 30 January 17 09:37 GMT (UK)
I've just this minute received an answer from my Co-Ordinator = Type what you see.  The error will be rectified at a later date by FreeBMD team.

Title: Re: A challenge for 2017 - become a transcriber for FreeREG
Post by: Andrew Tarr on Monday 30 January 17 09:47 GMT (UK)
I've just this minute received an answer from my Co-Ordinator = Type what you see.  The error will be rectified at a later date by FreeBMD team.

Does this mean that your co-ordinator will initiate the correction?  If not, how will it be detected?

I wonder how long it will take.
Title: Re: A challenge for 2017 - become a transcriber for FreeREG
Post by: Andrew Tarr on Monday 30 January 17 09:55 GMT (UK)
This morning I've been transcribing burials from 1934, but in the middle was one from 1933. I'm guessing from the dates either side that it is an error and was actually in 1934, but obviously I have to enter 1933. I've mentioned it in the "notes" column though, otherwise nobody would guess there was a mistake (unless they accessed the register themselves).

I recently transcribed a series of (baptisms, I think they were) where the cleric had gaily continued from December through January into February before changing the year.  I corrected those, recording the mistake in the Notes.  A lot of searchers easily consider published data as accurate, and I think we can tidy some things up (scientifically of course) rather than just being unthinking automatic dogsbodies.  The well-intentioned corrections don't always happen, do they?
Title: Re: A challenge for 2017 - become a transcriber for FreeREG
Post by: clairec666 on Monday 30 January 17 09:59 GMT (UK)
I've seen search results on FreeBMD where the district appears in italics; if you click on it, it tells you that the district name hasn't been recognised or doesn't fall within the expected page range. I'm guessing this is what your co-ordinator means?
Title: Re: A challenge for 2017 - become a transcriber for FreeREG
Post by: clairec666 on Monday 30 January 17 10:05 GMT (UK)
This morning I've been transcribing burials from 1934, but in the middle was one from 1933. I'm guessing from the dates either side that it is an error and was actually in 1934, but obviously I have to enter 1933. I've mentioned it in the "notes" column though, otherwise nobody would guess there was a mistake (unless they accessed the register themselves).

I recently transcribed a series of (baptisms, I think they were) where the cleric had gaily continued from December through January into February before changing the year.  I corrected those, recording the mistake in the Notes.  A lot of searchers easily consider published data as accurate, and I think we can tidy some things up (scientifically of course) rather than just being unthinking automatic dogsbodies.  The well-intentioned corrections don't always happen, do they?

So do you think I should transcribe it as 1934 and put 1933 in the notes? I think it's pretty clear that it should be 1934, rather than an entry being recorded a year after the event. I know it's going against the "type what you see" rule, but if someone was searching for a burial in 1934 they would dismiss this record without even looking at it, and would miss my notes about the incorrect year....
Title: Re: A challenge for 2017 - become a transcriber for FreeREG
Post by: Andrew Tarr on Monday 30 January 17 11:29 GMT (UK)
So do you think I should transcribe it as 1934 and put 1933 in the notes? I think it's pretty clear that it should be 1934, rather than an entry being recorded a year after the event. I know it's going against the "type what you see" rule, but if someone was searching for a burial in 1934 they would dismiss this record without even looking at it, and would miss my notes about the incorrect year....

My personal opinion is that it depends on how much doubt there is.  If you feel there is only one possible meaning for the seemingly incorrect record, you should correct it so that other possible seekers will not be misled - noting your reasons of course.  Supporting evidence may help.

The example of 'Ettmng' is a case in point.  I have no idea how that arose, as the wrong characters are nowhere near the right ones on a keyboard.  It must have been typed by someone with no knowledge or interest in what they were typing.  That should not apply to us as transcribers, who will normally be trying (perhaps struggling) to make sense of the words as we see them.
Title: Re: A challenge for 2017 - become a transcriber for FreeREG
Post by: clairec666 on Tuesday 31 January 17 09:12 GMT (UK)
Thanks for your input. I think I'm going to transcribe it as 1934 - it's highly unlikely that a burial in January 1933 would be recorded in the middle of January 1934. (I know, I'm breaking the golden rule...)

I found another burial (in a much smaller parish) which is recorded as 1908. It is a distant relative of mine, and I know for sure that he died in 1910 - backed up by the death index, probate calendar and newspaper obituary. But I have to record it as 1908 since it clearly says 1908. (The previous entry was in 1906 and the next in 1910 so it doesn't help much!)
Title: Re: A challenge for 2017 - become a transcriber for FreeREG
Post by: Andrew Tarr on Tuesday 31 January 17 09:35 GMT (UK)
Thanks for your input. I think I'm going to transcribe it as 1934 - it's highly unlikely that a burial in January 1933 would be recorded in the middle of January 1934. (I know, I'm breaking the golden rule...)

Of course you could check on the GRO for the death record (if it's in England & Wales) to feel a bit safer ...  Costs nothing  ;)
Title: Re: A challenge for 2017 - become a transcriber for FreeREG
Post by: clairec666 on Wednesday 01 February 17 07:17 GMT (UK)
Of course you could check on the GRO for the death record (if it's in England & Wales) to feel a bit safer ...  Costs nothing  ;)

Well, his name's William John Smith so I can't be 100% sure ;D But there's a death in Maldon district in 1934, and it's the right age, but none in 1933. If I ignore the possibility that he died in a different district, I think this confirms my suspicions.
Title: Re: A challenge for 2017 - become a transcriber for FreeREG
Post by: Andrew Tarr on Wednesday 01 February 17 09:16 GMT (UK)
Well, his name's William John Smith so I can't be 100% sure ;D But there's a death in Maldon district in 1934, and it's the right age, but none in 1933. If I ignore the possibility that he died in a different district, I think this confirms my suspicions.

So by making your correction you may have prevented some lucky person from discovering conflicting data !  :)
Title: Re: A challenge for 2017 - become a transcriber for FreeREG
Post by: clairec666 on Wednesday 01 February 17 12:03 GMT (UK)
Ah good, I've prevented a genealogical disaster :)
Title: Re: A challenge for 2017 - become a transcriber for FreeREG
Post by: coombs on Wednesday 01 February 17 16:25 GMT (UK)
I am still awaiting my sample parish registers to transcribe as part of my training. Clairec666 how long did it take for you to receive yours once you applied as a transcriber?
Title: Re: A challenge for 2017 - become a transcriber for FreeREG
Post by: clairec666 on Wednesday 01 February 17 17:21 GMT (UK)
I am still awaiting my sample parish registers to transcribe as part of my training. Clairec666 how long did it take for you to receive yours once you applied as a transcriber?

Looking back through my emails, I got a confirmation from Julie the Essex co-ordinator and then received my test files a couple of days later. Have you heard anything from Julie?
Title: Re: A challenge for 2017 - become a transcriber for FreeREG
Post by: coombs on Wednesday 01 February 17 18:33 GMT (UK)
I am still awaiting my sample parish registers to transcribe as part of my training. Clairec666 how long did it take for you to receive yours once you applied as a transcriber?

Looking back through my emails, I got a confirmation from Julie the Essex co-ordinator and then received my test files a couple of days later. Have you heard anything from Julie?

Julie referred me to a lady called Jo and Jo sent me general instructions on how to transcribe (ie type what you see etc) but not any samples to transcribe yet. Maybe I should be on the safe side and re read the email again in case I did miss anything. But I am sure she did not send any samples for me to transcribe.

UPDATE: She said she will give me time to absorb the email and download WinREG before she sends me my first session of training, and this email was 23 January, and I have not heard from her since.
Title: Re: A challenge for 2017 - become a transcriber for FreeREG
Post by: BumbleB on Wednesday 01 February 17 20:03 GMT (UK)
Could she be waiting for a response from you, before giving you the samples?  I'd give her a response!
Title: Re: A challenge for 2017 - become a transcriber for FreeREG
Post by: clairec666 on Thursday 02 February 17 09:07 GMT (UK)
Agree with BumbleB, it's worth sending her a reminder. She definitely sent my samples through quicker than that.
Title: Re: A challenge for 2017 - become a transcriber for FreeREG
Post by: coombs on Thursday 02 February 17 12:12 GMT (UK)
I have sent a reminder to her.
Title: Re: A challenge for 2017 - become a transcriber for FreeREG
Post by: sunflower on Wednesday 22 February 17 16:59 GMT (UK)
Just a quick question to all you FreeReg transcribers.  If you come across an entry that is completely unreadable do you just leave it blank or put a ?

Carol
Title: Re: A challenge for 2017 - become a transcriber for FreeREG
Post by: Andrew Tarr on Wednesday 22 February 17 18:50 GMT (UK)
Just a quick question to all you FreeReg transcribers.  If you come across an entry that is completely unreadable do you just leave it blank or put a ?

I occasionally omit records completely if the original was clearly an error or a total deletion.  But if information is present (but you can't read some of it) you should do the best you can, using the suggested can't-read symbols as required.  Perhaps put a remark in the Notes to that effect.
Title: Re: A challenge for 2017 - become a transcriber for FreeREG
Post by: sunflower on Wednesday 22 February 17 19:28 GMT (UK)
Thanks Andrew

What can't read symbols ? 

Carol
Title: Re: A challenge for 2017 - become a transcriber for FreeREG
Post by: clairec666 on Wednesday 22 February 17 20:37 GMT (UK)
Here's FreeREG's advice for transcribers:
https://www.freereg.org.uk/cms/information-for-transcribers/dealing-with-uncertainty (https://www.freereg.org.uk/cms/information-for-transcribers/dealing-with-uncertainty)
Scroll down to the bit entitled "Uncertain Character Format (UCF)".
Title: Re: A challenge for 2017 - become a transcriber for FreeREG
Post by: sunflower on Wednesday 22 February 17 22:42 GMT (UK)
Thanks for the Link Claire

Carol
Title: Re: A challenge for 2017 - become a transcriber for FreeREG
Post by: ladyk on Thursday 23 February 17 02:51 GMT (UK)
Without reading through the 11 pages of this thread, can someone tell me if USA residents can participate in this? Or are there similar opportunities for us folks across the pond? I had thought of doing this, and coming across this thread has encouraged me to consider it again. I'm pretty good at deciphering lousy handwriting!  :P
Title: Re: A challenge for 2017 - become a transcriber for FreeREG
Post by: clairec666 on Thursday 23 February 17 08:53 GMT (UK)
Without reading through the 11 pages of this thread, can someone tell me if USA residents can participate in this? Or are there similar opportunities for us folks across the pond? I had thought of doing this, and coming across this thread has encouraged me to consider it again. I'm pretty good at deciphering lousy handwriting!  :P

Hi ladyk
I'm sure you'll be able to transcribe for FreeREG from "across the pond". For some counties, they can provide you with images of the original records, or tell you where to find them online. For some counties though, the only option is to go to the local record office and transcribe from the original registers. So I would suggest emailing FreeREG and asking which counties would be suitable. (I know Essex records are available.)

Alternatively, you could sign up for indexing at familysearch.org. You can do it all from the comfort of your own home, anywhere in the world. There are several "projects" on the go including English parish records, so hopefully something will be of interest to you.

And there are lots of other similar projects available, which other rootschatters can tell you about!

Transcribing for FreeREG is great because you can upload your work and it's available to search immediately - it feels great when you see your first transcriptions online. :)
Title: Re: A challenge for 2017 - become a transcriber for FreeREG
Post by: coombs on Thursday 23 February 17 12:20 GMT (UK)
I have been having computer problems and router and internet problems lately but seem to have them fixed now and need to get the ball rolling regarding my training for FreeBMD transcribing. My samples are from Ormskirk.
Title: Re: A challenge for 2017 - become a transcriber for FreeREG
Post by: rosie99 on Thursday 23 February 17 12:37 GMT (UK)
I have been having computer problems and router and internet problems lately but seem to have them fixed now and need to get the ball rolling regarding my training for FreeBMD transcribing. My samples are from Ormskirk.

Just curious, are they duplicating lancashireOPC Ormskirk records. 
Title: Re: A challenge for 2017 - become a transcriber for FreeREG
Post by: Andrew Tarr on Thursday 23 February 17 14:09 GMT (UK)
Just curious, are they duplicating lancashireOPC Ormskirk records.

I would think yes, very likely.  The Lancs jobs I have done for FreeReg have duplicated records either on LancsPC or on Family Search, or both.  My images have come from LDS (Family Search) anyway.  I would like to transcribe stuff which is not already available, so that I could think I was adding to the available data, but orders is orders ....  :(
Title: Re: A challenge for 2017 - become a transcriber for FreeREG
Post by: coombs on Thursday 23 February 17 15:07 GMT (UK)
I have been having computer problems and router and internet problems lately but seem to have them fixed now and need to get the ball rolling regarding my training for FreeBMD transcribing. My samples are from Ormskirk.

Just curious, are they duplicating lancashireOPC Ormskirk records.

Not 100% sure but they could be sending new transcribers Ormskirk samples so they can duplicate them.
Title: Re: A challenge for 2017 - become a transcriber for FreeREG
Post by: rosie99 on Thursday 23 February 17 15:20 GMT (UK)
Just curious, are they duplicating lancashireOPC Ormskirk records.

I would think yes, very likely.  The Lancs jobs I have done for FreeReg have duplicated records either on LancsPC or on Family Search, or both.  My images have come from LDS (Family Search) anyway.  I would like to transcribe stuff which is not already available, so that I could think I was adding to the available data, but orders is orders ....  :(

It is a shame that volunteers time is spent doing what other volunteers have already done elsewhere, particularly with lancashire whose opc site is brilliant.  As you say orders are orders  ;D
Title: Re: A challenge for 2017 - become a transcriber for FreeREG
Post by: BumbleB on Thursday 23 February 17 15:27 GMT (UK)
Going back a long time now, I seem to remember when I first started transcribing for FreeBMD, that I was sent samples to try out, rather than new un-transcribed pages.  Once I had "passed" the test, then I was allocated my own set of pages to work on.

Possibly the same for FreeREG  :-\
Title: Re: A challenge for 2017 - become a transcriber for FreeREG
Post by: Andrew Tarr on Thursday 23 February 17 17:04 GMT (UK)
Going back a long time now, I seem to remember when I first started transcribing for FreeBMD, that I was sent samples to try out, rather than new un-transcribed pages.  Once I had "passed" the test, then I was allocated my own set of pages to work on.

Possibly the same for FreeREG  :-\

Yes, that's what happened for me.  My supervisor asked what areas might be of special interest, and I began with central Manchester because my g-g-g-grandfather was born there in 1806.  But everything I have done has been accessible somewhere else, although not necessarily free.  I did suggest that I might do somewhere 'new', without apparent success.  I have the impression that there is a to-do list which needs to be completed.  Maybe as the images are from a third party someone will have done them somewhere ...
Title: Re: A challenge for 2017 - become a transcriber for FreeREG
Post by: clairec666 on Thursday 23 February 17 19:34 GMT (UK)
Going back a long time now, I seem to remember when I first started transcribing for FreeBMD, that I was sent samples to try out, rather than new un-transcribed pages.  Once I had "passed" the test, then I was allocated my own set of pages to work on.

Possibly the same for FreeREG  :-\

Yes, I think everyone is sent the same sample images. I was sent a batch each of baptisms, marriages and burials. Once I'd proved I was a competent transcriber (I had a couple of errors pointed out) I could get on with transcribing the places I want to do.

I suppose it depends on who your county co-ordinator is - some might prefer to assign people to transcribe a particular place, but I was allowed to choose.
Title: Re: A challenge for 2017 - become a transcriber for FreeREG
Post by: coombs on Saturday 25 February 17 15:10 GMT (UK)
I volunteered as an Essex transcriber and got told I was more than welcome to work on Finchingfield.

The Genealogist has lots more Essex records now I think, so that and FreeREG will certainly help in making it easier to research Essex ancestors.
Title: Re: A challenge for 2017 - become a transcriber for FreeREG
Post by: coombs on Sunday 26 February 17 19:23 GMT (UK)
Well I have just spent some time today transcribing 4 images (8 pages) of baptisms for Sep 1878-Jan 1879 Ormskirk as part of my practise. Transcribed them to WinReg and have sent the transcriptions to the Lancs co-ordinator. WinReg is pretty straight forward and I feel that I will enjoy it when I transcribe properly for FreeREG.
Title: Re: A challenge for 2017 - become a transcriber for FreeREG
Post by: clairec666 on Saturday 11 March 17 12:13 GMT (UK)
Well I have just spent some time today transcribing 4 images (8 pages) of baptisms for Sep 1878-Jan 1879 Ormskirk as part of my practise. Transcribed them to WinReg and have sent the transcriptions to the Lancs co-ordinator. WinReg is pretty straight forward and I feel that I will enjoy it when I transcribe properly for FreeREG.

How's it going? Have you started on the Essex records yet? I've just had an email from the Essex coordinator saying we've now reached 1 million records for Essex, next target it 500,000 baptisms. :)
Title: Re: A challenge for 2017 - become a transcriber for FreeREG
Post by: coombs on Saturday 11 March 17 19:47 GMT (UK)
Well I have just spent some time today transcribing 4 images (8 pages) of baptisms for Sep 1878-Jan 1879 Ormskirk as part of my practise. Transcribed them to WinReg and have sent the transcriptions to the Lancs co-ordinator. WinReg is pretty straight forward and I feel that I will enjoy it when I transcribe properly for FreeREG.

How's it going? Have you started on the Essex records yet? I've just had an email from the Essex coordinator saying we've now reached 1 million records for Essex, next target it 500,000 baptisms. :)

Very good thanks. I have been quite busy but am on my 3rd practise of training. The lady has pointed out any small errors I have made which will help me when I do Finchgingfield. I now know how difficult it can be for transcribers to try and work out what something says when part of the words looks like a squiggle. One occupation said "Factory Operative" but looked more like "Factory Jolsulive".
Title: Re: A challenge for 2017 - become a transcriber for FreeREG
Post by: solidrock on Tuesday 14 March 17 00:54 GMT (UK)
I also volunteered to transcribe Essex registers and got told that I would have to buy my own subscription for SEAX to enable me to do so.


I volunteered as an Essex transcriber and got told I was more than welcome to work on Finchingfield.

The Genealogist has lots more Essex records now I think, so that and FreeREG will certainly help in making it easier to research Essex ancestors.
Title: Re: A challenge for 2017 - become a transcriber for FreeREG
Post by: clairec666 on Tuesday 14 March 17 07:26 GMT (UK)
I also volunteered to transcribe Essex registers and got told that I would have to buy my own subscription for SEAX to enable me to do so.

If you get a day subscription, you can download as many records as you want so you can work with them after your subscription's finished.

What parish did you want to work on?