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General => The Common Room => Topic started by: netnet on Monday 29 March 04 12:42 BST (UK)

Title: Transcribing for FreeBMD and FreeCen and ...
Post by: netnet on Monday 29 March 04 12:42 BST (UK)
Hi I'm thinking of becoming a volunteer transcriber. I've lots of time on my hands and I am extremely interested in the subject.
Any Ideas which is the best place to start. I've had a look at the freebmd and wondered weather to join a syndicate, but which one? Can you also do census transcribing. I live in Spain does that make a difference. Thanks
Title: Re:volunteer transcriber
Post by: Welsh Jen on Monday 29 March 04 13:18 BST (UK)
I know you can offer your services for transcribing through your Local Family History Society with regards to Census transcribing. However seeing as you live in Spain that may prove to be difficult.....

Have you thought about something which is Spanish based, you may help assist people in other Countries with ancestors that originated from Spain, (i.e: Spanish Monumental Inscriptions). It may not be what you are ideally wishing to do, but it may be a good start.

It may also be worth your while in contacting the Free BMD to see if they have any ideas for you.

Regards Jen  :)
Title: Re:volunteer transcriber
Post by: jacpam on Monday 29 March 04 19:25 BST (UK)
I, too, live in Spain and am a volunteer transcriber for FreeBMD which is not a problem because they just send me the scanned images of pages as e-mail attachments, which I then send back to my syndicate supervisor for checking before uploading to the FreeBMD site - it's all quite simple and easy to download the necessary software.
I'm still a novice at transcribing myself, but probably like you felt I wanted to give something back instead of always using the services of these wonderful sites.
At the moment my particular syndicate is transcribing the first quarter of 1907 for marriages.
If you want any more information let me know  :D
Jacki
Title: Re:volunteer transcriber
Post by: PaulineJ on Monday 29 March 04 20:04 BST (UK)
I've done FreeBmd transcribing for the Scan2 Syndicate, which I can thoroughly recommend. I've tried to do Census transcription for freecen which drove me up the wall, mostly because you have to try and read EVERYTHING under myriad crossings-out and other marks.

At the moment, I'm doing commercial census indexing (I get a copy of the disc when it is produced - I'll let everyone have lookups from it when it's published). Even that is hard on the brain. I found Freebmd to be much easier; it's in alphabetical order, and apart form the very early ones, are in typescript rather than manuscript.


Pauline
Title: Re:volunteer transcriber
Post by: netnet on Monday 29 March 04 20:08 BST (UK)
thanks for that, I think I will contact the freebmd and do some work for them.
Title: Re:volunteer transcriber
Post by: Kazza on Monday 29 March 04 22:44 BST (UK)
Hi there,

I can thoroughly recommend FreeBMD as being a great experience for a volunteer transcriber.   :D

I am with the Freeloaders syndicate,  all is done via Email and internet links.  There are about 100 in my syndicate,  all over the world and our co-ordinator is in Australia.  It is easy,  all the software is very user friendly and downloadable over the 'net.

All you need to contribute is your  time,  and as much or as little as you can spare.  There is no pressure on transcribers and all is friendly and a great feeling of cameraderie.

If you ever need any advice or help I would be happy to hear from you,  and I would urge anyone thinking of contributing to this project to go ahead,  give it a go.  As family historians we all benefit from the results. 8)

Kazza.
Title: Re:volunteer transcriber
Post by: LindaFromOz on Friday 02 April 04 11:06 BST (UK)
Hi I started out transcribing for freebmd about 2yrs ago it was great for getting your recognition for different names, then I wanted more of a challenge so I decided to transcribe for freecen. I live in Australia and they send me the piece number that I want to transcribe and all the info you need is available on the net. You only use an ordinary spreadsheet program. I have done three pieces now and everyone is different.

Linda
Title: Re:volunteer transcriber
Post by: PaulineJ on Friday 02 April 04 11:28 BST (UK)
I wholeheartedly agree that what Linda has said is the best way to go about it. First do FreeBmd to get familiar with the less-common names and then try the census if you want the challenge.

Pauline
Title: Re:volunteer transcriber
Post by: netnet on Friday 02 April 04 13:06 BST (UK)
thanks for that, after your replies i contacted a syndicate at freebmd and have done my training, I'm now waiting for my first assignment. net net
Title: FreeBMD and FreeCen
Post by: trish251 on Tuesday 21 September 04 10:01 BST (UK)
After replying to a query on FreeBMD, I began thinking about the wonderful help being given to all we family searchers from these sites. I am sure there are many volunteers who transcribe this data on rootschat & I thank them very much for doing this work and providing answers even before we ask the questions.

For newcomers to family research, if you have a few free hours - try some transcribing. I recently joined FreeCen (perhaps because I was frustrated about not being able to find any 1861 name indexes??) and apart from adding to the data (with me somewhat slowly) there are other enjoyable and educational outcomes. To mention just a few:

I will never again complain about errors in transcriptions. I have found one enumerator who I can only describe as the one from h... His writing is virtually impossible to decipher and some of my transcriptions are "best guess" only.
Occupations provide an insight into how our families lived in years past. Most children seemed to have joined the work force from age 9 upwards either as domestic servants or "errand boys". There are people aged in their 70s still working as "general labourers" (I guess they never needed to go to the Gym).
It took me awhile to find out that "out door pauper" - didn't necessarily mean being forced to live outside in the snow.
I found Mr Inkpen - the schoolmaster - and his family, many of whom became pupil teachers.

Trish


Moderator Comment: topics merged


Title: Re: FreeBMD and FreeCen
Post by: Kazza on Tuesday 21 September 04 10:59 BST (UK)
I have to second what Trish says,  FreeBMD is my favourite hobby-horse.  :) 

When there are so many people out there waiting to take your money off you,  as you persue your Genealogy hobby,  I think this is a great project.  I started transcribing for them in January,  and it has been so enlightening being part of this enormous project.  When we have finished,  there will be around a Billion records available FREE to anyone who has internet access.

The transcription software they provide is so easy to use,  they make every effort to reduce the number of keystrokes you need to get the record transcribed,  that I do most of mine while watching television.  We are all kept up to date with the project by our co-ordinators and there is a real feeling of camararderie.

Kazza.
Title: Re: FreeBMD and FreeCen
Post by: Kazza on Tuesday 21 September 04 11:02 BST (UK)
In the early days of RootsChat,  a member asked:

Hi I'm thinking of becoming a volunteer transcriber. I've lots of time on my hands and I am extremely interested in the subject.
Any Ideas which is the best place to start. I've had a look at the freebmd and wondered weather to join a syndicate, but which one? Can you also do census transcribing. I live in Spain does that make a difference. Thanks  

We discussed our transcription experiences:

http://www.rootschat.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=2805.0
Moderator Comment: topics merged

Kazza.
Title: Re: FreeBMD and FreeCen
Post by: Andy_D on Tuesday 21 September 04 12:18 BST (UK)
Thanks Trish and Kazza. The sort of information a beginner like me wants to know. 3 weeks ago I had  thought the only info availible online was at cost.
           I just decided to google search on the off chance somebody had done another website and I came accross LDS.....and then another google search came accross a thread here. ....And forums can be so helpful, I could see straight away that this one was filled with peeps who are genuinly interested .... And this forum IS a huge help.....I've read through a lot of the old topics and have learnt so much........Thankyou to all here...much appreciated.

        As for transcribing census, do you recieve a jpg and then read off that ?    ...........And a big thks to you transcribers...unbelievable IMO  :)

         
Title: Re: FreeBMD and FreeCen
Post by: trish251 on Tuesday 21 September 04 14:03 BST (UK)
Hi Andy

With the transcribing - it can be from online scans, sometimes scans on a CD or microfiche. I am currently using fiche - but to do this you need a reader. On the FreeBDM or FreeCEN pages have a browse at the information for transcribers - it describes it all.

Now that you have found rootschat - at the beginning of each section there are usually half a dozen or more posts on "information available". e.g. If you are interested in Kent, go to the Kent pages and there will be lots of links to online data for this area.

Good searching
Trish

Title: Re: FreeBMD and FreeCen
Post by: Floss on Tuesday 21 September 04 14:08 BST (UK)
I volunteered to FreeCEN and am now transcribing the 1861 census for Grimsby (cd) and I love it.  Firstly, I live in Grimsby and it amazing to see how many street names are still surviving today.  My local pub is even listed in 1861 !!
Ok its time consuming and sometimes very frustrating when you just can't figure out whats written but so rewarding when you finally do manage to read what it says.
If anyone is thinking of volunteering then you should, they need all the help they can get.  I was a bit hesitant at first, I'm not that brilliant on a computer, but I had loads of help and advice, and don't seem to have any problems.

Fiona
Title: Re: FreeBMD and FreeCen
Post by: English Jen on Wednesday 22 September 04 13:54 BST (UK)
I also transcribe for FreeBMD and FreeCEN.  If you don't like things that drag on for a while FreeBMD would be the one for you as you only do a page at a time, but with FreeCEN you get a whole area with pages and pages of information.  So I alternate between the two to stop myself getting downhearted that I haven't finished it quickly enough.  FreeCEN is interesting as you get to see whole families with occupations etc, and FreeBMD can be a little sad when you are typing the deaths, but once you've done a few Unknown, unknown aged about 40, it's surprising how quickly you get used to it.  My first area with FreeCEN was on Microfiche, but the area I'm doing now is on CD as I had to give the microfiche reader back.  Unfortunately, the area that I want (Kent) is not really being done at the moment, so I'm typing up Durham!!!  Every little bit helps.
Title: Re: FreeBMD and FreeCen
Post by: Adi1962 on Thursday 23 September 04 14:38 BST (UK)

Just though I'd get a plug in  ::)

The Kent OPC are always on the look out for volunteers to transcribe Kent records. We are currently working on the 1841 Census.

We support FreeCen and similar projects by giving them copies of our transcribed work, it is also hoped that we will take on some of their transcribing for Kent soon.

If anyone is interested have a look at the site http://www.kent-opc.org.uk it explains what we do and how to volunteer.

Adrian

Title: FreeBMD FreeCEN FreeREG
Post by: SS from The Rhondda on Thursday 16 December 04 21:01 GMT (UK)
If every member of RootsChat would volunteer to transcribe for FreeCEN, FreeBMD, etc then in no time at all we would all have access to the data on-line to search for free.

You can spare as much or as little time as you can afford to help the project. They don't ask for fast typers - just for people to be accurate in what they type.

Follow a link to volunteer:
FreeCEN http://freecen.rootsweb.com/project.htm
FreeBMD http://freebmd.rootsweb.com/Signup.html


Moderator Comment: topics merged
Title: Re: FreeBMD FreeCEN FreeREG
Post by: Darcy2016 on Thursday 16 December 04 21:50 GMT (UK)
That's a great idea! I always thought you had to have a microfiche reader to do that, but there are places you can help out even if you don't have easy access to a microfiche reader!  This is great!   :)

Kathy
Canada
Title: Re: FreeBMD FreeCEN FreeREG
Post by: Kazza on Friday 17 December 04 01:22 GMT (UK)
Kathy,

You only need the same equipment you already have to access their sites.  ;)   

I am a FreeBMD transcriber,  I download an image,  transcribe it and upload to their site.  I keep in touch by email and keep a spreadsheet of my allocations for my own information.

It is easy and I get a great sense of achievement contributing to the project.

Kazza.
Title: Re: FreeBMD FreeCEN FreeREG
Post by: Darcy2016 on Friday 17 December 04 03:05 GMT (UK)
Hello!

I just sent an e-mail to one of the coordinators for FreeBMD and I got a reply already, so I'm going to get everything ready and start transcribing once I'm all set.  I'm looking forward to doing this.  As you said, you feel like you're contributing and helping other people in a round-about way!   :) 

Kathy
Canada
Title: Re: FreeBMD FreeCEN FreeREG
Post by: Kazza on Friday 17 December 04 03:09 GMT (UK)
Good for you Kathy,

If we all do a little bit,  there are about a billion records in all,  we all get the beneft.   :D

Kazza.
Title: Re: FreeBMD FreeCEN FreeREG
Post by: D ap D on Friday 17 December 04 10:57 GMT (UK)
I've been transcribing for FreeCEN for a while. I used to have copies of the census sent by post, but the last batch was scanned, the images put onto CD and I got the CD by post.

It really is easy. Depending on work I can usually get about 10-20 pages done in a week, so it takes a few weeks to complete a district. As far as I'm concerned, the advantages are that not only can I see the original images for my family, but I can also do lookups for others, and I get a better "feel" for the place.

91 is now complete for my main area, so I'm now doing 71. 61 will be next apparently.

Once I've finished these, I'll move onto another parish of interest which hasn't been done yet.

At the end of the day, it does benefit everyone.

D
Title: Re: FreeBMD FreeCEN FreeREG
Post by: kmo on Friday 17 December 04 14:08 GMT (UK)
Do you gat any choice of what areas you transcribe? I would think it would be easier to do areas wher you have some idea of placenames etc.
Title: Re: FreeBMD FreeCEN FreeREG
Post by: D ap D on Friday 17 December 04 15:00 GMT (UK)
If you have a look here:

http://freecen.rootsweb.com/statistics.html

It tells you which areas are already done. I had a look here, got in touch with the county coordinator and offered my services for parishes x, y and/or z.

As it happened, the one I was most interested in was free, so I got that one. As I was born and brought up not far from that area, I know my way around quite well, which helps, but is not imperative.

D
Title: Re: FreeBMD FreeCEN FreeREG
Post by: sadnil on Friday 17 December 04 17:17 GMT (UK)
I have been transcribing for Free BMD for a year and although I offered to do a bit for Freecen as well I have never had a response so presumed they had enough volunteers.
Title: Re: FreeBMD FreeCEN FreeREG
Post by: English Jen on Saturday 18 December 04 14:41 GMT (UK)
If you still want to join FreeCEN, Kent 1861 still need people ... send me a PM and I will get straight back to you.

 :)
Title: Re: FreeBMD FreeCEN FreeREG
Post by: nutkin on Saturday 18 December 04 17:46 GMT (UK)
You all inspired me so I offered to transcribe for FreeReg.  I heard back within a couple of hours.  I am just waiting now for the data and to start typing

I decided that I need to not rely on everone else to do the research that I wanted online so I took action.  I hope in the end I can help others who are waiting for the same information that I have been itching to get my little paws on!! ;)
Title: Re: FreeBMD FreeCEN FreeREG
Post by: Jaki on Sunday 19 December 04 03:58 GMT (UK)
Hi

Have just volunteered for FreeBMD. Am now waiting to get the data to transcribe.  ;D  8)

Ok so there is an ulterior motive .... I want the info on the net ..... lol

Jaki
Title: Re: FreeBMD FreeCEN FreeREG
Post by: SS from The Rhondda on Sunday 19 December 04 10:04 GMT (UK)
Thanks all.

Don't forget to let others know of the good work you are doing -
add a message / link to the bottom of your e-mails, and to your RootsChat profile.
The more willing volunteers there are, the quicker your ancestors records become available on-line for free!

If you are volunteering for FreeCEN, it is a good idea to start off with an area you are familiar with. You will recognise the placenames & surnames more easily.
Title: Re: FreeBMD FreeCEN FreeREG
Post by: Janet B on Thursday 23 December 04 01:07 GMT (UK)
Brilliant idea! Have contacted Freecen and hopefully can do my bit.
Just wanted to keep the post current and hopefully encourage more people to volunteer.

cheers
Janet  ;) ;)
Title: Re: FreeBMD FreeCEN FreeREG
Post by: shazzi_b on Thursday 23 December 04 21:08 GMT (UK)
You have all utterly inspired me - so Ive contacted Freecen to attempt to do some kind of contribution for my area.  It will be handy for those moments when you hit a brick wall and dont know where to attempt next (happens to me a lot recently!)

 :D
Title: Re: FreeBMD FreeCEN FreeREG
Post by: Jill E on Sunday 26 December 04 01:15 GMT (UK)
Just read the other replies and decided to volunteer. I received an answer to my email the following day and am now waiting for my CD to arrive in the mail so that I can get started.
Even though I am in Australia it seems that this is not a problem. I do not have access to a fiche reader but as the 1861 is on CD then I can help with that.
I encourage anyone to offer so that we can get it online as fast as possible.
I know it will be a great help to so many people and it is the best I can do to return the help that has been given me during my research.
Title: Re: FreeBMD FreeCEN FreeREG
Post by: maidmarianoops on Sunday 26 December 04 01:44 GMT (UK)
Okay ,my arm is twisted,mind you it was easy, sylvia
Title: Re: FreeBMD FreeCEN FreeREG
Post by: Mars Barr on Wednesday 29 December 04 15:57 GMT (UK)
But where does the info come from?
Do they send out copies of census etc that have to be transcribed
I could be interested in doing some but would like to know where to obtain the info
Title: Re: FreeBMD FreeCEN FreeREG
Post by: Kazza on Wednesday 19 January 05 00:10 GMT (UK)
Mars Bar,

The most straightforward is the FreeBMD,  where you download the pages from their webpage:

http://freebmd.rootsweb.com/Signup.html

For the signup page.

Kazza.
Title: Re: FreeBMD FreeCEN FreeREG
Post by: Geoff on Wednesday 19 January 05 01:05 GMT (UK)

Hi,
I am involved in Transcribing the 1891 Census of Somerset Parishes for the FreeCen Project.

To find out about the FREE CENSUS project all details can be found at the following website.

www.freecen.rootsweb.com/project.htm

Here you will find the different counties and the coordinators that distribute the material for transcription.
Some is in Fiche form and some on CD.

There is a demand for CHECKERS at the moment.
These people validate someone else's transcriptions before they are released.
I think this process is done twice to try and overcome any mistakes that may have been made.

Don't be shy, it's not hard, but is very interesting.

Cheers
Geoff

Title: Re: FreeBMD FreeCEN FreeREG
Post by: minime on Wednesday 19 January 05 03:25 GMT (UK)
I've been transcribing for FreeBMD for a little while now. I enjoy it. I figured since I don't have the means to really do a lot of research for people, it was a way of returning the help they've all given me.
Title: Re: FreeBMD FreeCEN FreeREG
Post by: jakky on Wednesday 19 January 05 10:30 GMT (UK)
I have now volunteered for FreeCen, I hope I can be of help, I would like to think I can put something back for all the help I have had,

Jakky
Title: Re: FreeBMD FreeCEN FreeREG
Post by: Kazza on Wednesday 19 January 05 11:23 GMT (UK)
Oops,

Thanks to SS From the Rhondda for pointing out the link I posted did not work.  ::)

'Tis now corrected.  And a lesson learned:  Always use Preview to check you gave the correct link.  :-[

Kazza.
Title: Re: FreeBMD FreeCEN FreeREG
Post by: janham on Sunday 30 January 05 20:29 GMT (UK)
Hi all,

After reading through all your postings regarding transcribing,  I too have now volunteered to transcribe for Freecen.  I received a CD within a few days and have spent the last couple of days reading all the info on the Freecen site about how to get started. 
I have just in the last hour finished transcribing my first page, I have sent it off to my co-ordinator (who is really helpfull) for checking just  to make sure I've got the hang of it  before I really get stuck in.  I am pleased that the work I am doing now may help people link to their families for free, and that I can re-pay in some way all the help others have given me.

Regards
Jan
Title: Re: FreeBMD FreeCEN FreeREG
Post by: Vicky on Sunday 30 January 05 23:12 GMT (UK)
I have just started transcribing for FreeBMD.

For those interested in starting out transcribing, FreeBMD is much easier to transcribe than FreeCEN.

My husband is transcribing FreeCEN for 1891 and there is much more work involved.
If you want a challenge then try FreeCEN.

The quicker we have all the data on-line, the better it will be for us all.
Title: Re: FreeBMD FreeCEN FreeREG
Post by: tabitha on Sunday 30 January 05 23:22 GMT (UK)
I've just this minute emailed to volunteer for FreeBMD thanks to reading this post!!  ;D

tabitha
Title: Re: FreeBMD FreeCEN FreeREG
Post by: Geoff on Sunday 30 January 05 23:26 GMT (UK)
Good to see all the new volunteers.

I hope you all enjoy the experience as much as I do.

Cheers
Geoff
Title: Re: FreeBMD FreeCEN FreeREG
Post by: Arranroots on Wednesday 02 February 05 14:15 GMT (UK)
Thanks to SS for posting this suggestion and WELL DONE to those who have risen to the challenge.

I have just sent off my details to transcribe freecen 1861 for South Gloucestershire.  I'm quite excited and hope I can make a good job of it!  I agree that if lots of us do a little bit, we should make great progress in making this information widely available FOR FREE!

Would welcome any hints or tips from those more experienced than myself: there are bound to be pitfalls I haven't considered.

At least Darcy should get more sleep nights, without me pestering her for look-ups!! LOL  ;D

Arranroots
Title: Re: FreeBMD FreeCEN FreeREG
Post by: SS from The Rhondda on Wednesday 02 February 05 15:14 GMT (UK)
A few tips for FreeCEN:

Make regular BACKUPS of your transcription. Even make BACKUPS of your BACKUPS!
A census piece may contain over 6000 individuals details. You wouldn't want to retype it all over again.

Print out the Help sheets that accompany the transcription project. Keep them to hand for instant referencing.

A laptop & fiche reader side by side seem the best combination. The fiche provides a better quality image than CD's.
However, some transcribers do use a pc with an image of the census page and the transcription positioned onscreen side by side.

A few tips for FreeBMD:

'Type what you see'. Don't change anything.

Use the transcription software WinBMD / SpeedBMD / MacBMD rather than a spreadsheet.

And for both:

Subscribe to the transcribers email mailing list.
- A very helpful bunch of people who are in the same boat as you. If you have a query about something, then someone will have the answer.

Take regular breaks - It is not a race or competition.
It is far better to be slow and accurate in your transcription than to rush and make loads of mistakes.

Note:
A FreeBMD page can be downloaded, transcribed, checked & uploaded to the FreeBMD database within a matter of days.
It is extremely satisfying to see your efforts on-line in the FreeBMD search results :)

FreeCEN pieces take much longer due to the vast quantity of information to be checked & verified.
Title: Re: FreeBMD FreeCEN FreeREG
Post by: English Jen on Thursday 10 February 05 13:38 GMT (UK)
I just wanted to say, I started off transcribing for FreeBMD.  As you become more experienced it becomes a lot quicker.  So I decided to transcribe for FreeCEN as well, as it takes a lot longer, I chop and change between the two so it's not so much of a chore.  I've now transcribed one fiche and one CD for 1891 and now I've had my arm twisted for being the 1861 Kent co-ordinator.  You don't need any experience to volunteer and if you're a bit worried about committing yourself, just volunteer for FreeBMD and do a page.  If you decide you don't want to carry on, at least there's one more page on-line.   ;D
Title: Re: FreeBMD FreeCEN FreeREG
Post by: sandie on Friday 11 February 05 17:19 GMT (UK)
I did ask about transcribing for FreeReg some time ago, but was told I needed a fiche reader and had to purchase the fiches etc. and I just couldn't do it.  I thought FreeBMD would already have enough transcribers as it was the first one so didn't bother.  After reading the postings here I realise I was wrong so have just emailed bmd to ask about transcribing.

I can't wait to start.

Sandie
Title: Re: FreeBMD FreeCEN FreeREG
Post by: English Jen on Tuesday 15 February 05 15:59 GMT (UK)
That's a very good point Sandie ... I think a lot of people think because it's been going for so long, they will have enough people.  But if you look at it another way, if they had enough people, it would be finished!!!!  ;)
Title: Re: FreeBMD FreeCEN FreeREG
Post by: sandie on Wednesday 16 February 05 23:16 GMT (UK)
Good point!!

On the subject of being finished.. does anyone know when FreeReg will be searchable?

Sandie
Title: Re: FreeBMD FreeCEN FreeREG
Post by: acorngen on Wednesday 16 February 05 23:23 GMT (UK)
The question should be does anyone know if FreeReg is still actually going ahead.  Thier page as been static now for over 12 months.

Rob
Title: Re: FreeBMD FreeCEN FreeREG
Post by: Jojosam on Thursday 17 February 05 07:45 GMT (UK)
I came across this thread this morning and it reminded me that I hadn't heard anything from FreeCen since contacting them about volunteering a little while ago. And all the discussion prompted me to email them again.

Like a lot of posters, I don't have access to a microfiche reader but I am keen to help in some other way.

And if FreeCen doesn't need me, I'll definitely contact FreeBMD.

So thanks to all of you who gave me that reminder.  :)
Title: Re: FreeBMD FreeCEN FreeREG
Post by: English Jen on Friday 18 February 05 08:53 GMT (UK)
Jojosam

Please, please, please, do not give up with FreeCEN ... if you aren't getting a reply from who you are emailing, send me an email and I will get it sorted for you.  It could just be a simple problem like an incorrect email address.

Kind regards
English Jen.
Title: Re: FreeBMD FreeCEN FreeREG
Post by: JacquiY on Saturday 19 February 05 22:04 GMT (UK)
Well, that's one more signed up!!  I've just volunteered for the 1850's Births syndicate!!   Hope I hear back from them soon - can't wait to get started!
Jax
Title: Re: FreeBMD FreeCEN FreeREG
Post by: josimpson on Wednesday 02 March 05 17:18 GMT (UK)
Freecen have restructured the co ordinators.
Carol Barber is now the recruiter. You can contact her at
 carol.barber[AT]blueyonder.co.uk (*)
The LDS have given on loan some CDs and fiche to transcribe, available now. 1891 are mainly fiche, 1861 CDs. If you are interested please contact Carol,
 This is a basic list of what is available
There may be more to add to this list
Derbyshire 1861

Durham 1861

Essex 1871,

Gloucestershire 1861

Hampshire 1861,

Herefordshire 1871

Kent 1861,

Lancashire 1861

Leicestershire 1861, 1871

Lincolnshire 1871,

Whitechapel

Middlesex 1861,

Norfolk 1861,

Northumberland 1861

Nottinghamshire

Rutland 1871

Shropshire

Somerset

Staffordshire North

Staffordshire South

Suffolk 1871

Sussex 1861,

Westmorland 1861

Wiltshire 1841,1861, 1871

Worcestershire

Yorkshire 1861,

Scotland 1841, 1851, 1861, 1871 – please enquire

Wales 1861, 1871, – please enquire

Jo  :)

(*) Moderator Comment: e-mail edited to avoid spamming. Pleas replace [AT] with @
Title: Re: FreeBMD FreeCEN FreeREG
Post by: josimpson on Wednesday 02 March 05 17:26 GMT (UK)
FreeReg hopes to be searchable the next couple of months.
People are working very hard to get it going, so keep watching.
Jo  :)
Title: Re: FreeBMD FreeCEN FreeREG
Post by: acorngen on Wednesday 02 March 05 17:41 GMT (UK)
Jo,

Thats what they have been saying for the last 18 months since they started trialing the search engine.  Don't hold your breath

Rob
Title: Re: FreeBMD FreeCEN FreeREG
Post by: josimpson on Wednesday 02 March 05 17:57 GMT (UK)
Hi Rob,
they have got some people now to work in the IT department. Also been in contact with the LDS to try and get fiche and CDs.
It's not just the transcribing they need help with, there is all the technical things to do. Also all the permissions to be allowed to show the transcriptions.
I will keep transcribing and I am certain it will be searchable soon. Wont have as many records as freebmd but all great things.....
Jo  :)
Title: Re: FreeBMD FreeCEN FreeREG
Post by: acorngen on Wednesday 02 March 05 21:55 GMT (UK)
Jo,

I agree with your sentiments and I hope it goes ahead.  It would be another nail in the pro researchers coffin though :(  You mention permissions required, what do you mean because the transcripts don't need anyone's permission bar the transcribers who if he sends them the transcripts is giving that anyway.

Rob
Title: Re: FreeBMD FreeCEN FreeREG
Post by: josimpson on Tuesday 29 March 05 20:05 BST (UK)
Freecen have had more than 70 volunteers the last couple of weeks, 200+ in the last year.  ;D
So more the merrier and more will be on line!
They also need checkers to go through transcriptions.
Any help for all the projects are always welcome.
FreeBMD
FreeCen
FreeReg
All helps us in the long run in finding our Ancestors.
Jo  :)
 
Title: Re: FreeBMD FreeCEN FreeREG
Post by: saz1401 on Wednesday 13 July 05 00:01 BST (UK)
I am interested in transcribing if possible for Northern Ireland - anyone know if / where it is possible to volunteer to do this?

saz
Title: Re: FreeBMD FreeCEN FreeREG
Post by: Geoff on Wednesday 13 July 05 00:44 BST (UK)
Hi saz,

If you go to the following website you can find out all about transcribing.

http://freecen.rootsweb.com/project.htm

I don't think Ireland is being done though, at this stage.  Not sure whether it will ever be done.

Cheers
Geoff
Title: Re: FreeBMD FreeCEN FreeREG
Post by: the happy granny on Wednesday 13 July 05 11:44 BST (UK)
I just want to say how much I am enjoying helping to transcribe the 1861 census for Maidstone for FreeCen. :)

I read a thread at Easter, about how helpful it would be if some people who use Rootschat helped with transcribing, and  it would mean a free facility would be on line even faster.

I was worried that I wouldn't be able to work fast enough,give enough time or be able to understand how to do it.......but I needn't have worried.
After having a lesson (from my maths teacher daughter) I quickly got the hang of spreadsheets.
There has never been any pressure to work faster...........I work at my own pace........and I enjoy it.
I'm also transcribing a local area that I know well.

I have been lucky in the fact that the first couple of pages I had an Earl who lived locally...........his household was vast and his lifestyle must have been so interesting..........in fact while I was transcribing my husband gave up a morning in the garden to read as I was typing simply because he was getting fed up with missing out on the ooo's and ah's that were coming from the house as I typed another name.

As I travel through the area I'm transcribing.........on most days..........I see the old houses in a completely different light.In fact they have come alive and I often wonder if the occupiers now, realise what an interesting past their houses have had.

Give it a go....lets get rid of all those people who are making money out of our history.........telling us about our own ancestors

If I had to give it up tomorrow I would know that at least I have made a few pages difference..............and if you are reading another thread on this site at the moment,it has kept my fingers occupied whilst I'm not smoking!!   :D
Sue
Title: Re: FreeBMD FreeCEN FreeREG
Post by: giving up for a while on Wednesday 13 July 05 12:04 BST (UK)
I am Just after applying I cant wait to get stuck in will keep you posted on how i get on as this is my first time doing anything like this

Love Anne
Title: Re: FreeBMD FreeCEN FreeREG
Post by: D ap D on Wednesday 13 July 05 12:24 BST (UK)
For anyone interested in Wales:

http://home.clear.net.nz/pages/na.mckenzie/flintshire.html

Anglesey hasn't even got of the ground yet, Caernarfonshire needs people, Cardiganshire hasn't even got a county coordinator!

Flints & Denbs are doing well for 71 and 91, but even so are not complete.

Have fun!

D
Title: FreeBMD transcribing
Post by: Cas (stallc) on Friday 19 May 06 17:39 BST (UK)
Does anyone transcribe for FreeBMD? 

Have just registered to do this, and wondered how others have found it?

Cas


Moderator Comment:  topics merged
Title: Re: FreeBMD transcribing
Post by: PaulineJ on Friday 19 May 06 17:44 BST (UK)

I did it, and enjoyed it (on the whole). I find Freebmd an invaluable resource and I'm glad I contributed something in exchange. Still found doing 'deaths' a bit depressing mind.

Pauline

Title: Re: FreeBMD transcribing
Post by: Cas (stallc) on Friday 19 May 06 17:58 BST (UK)
I agree Pauline it is invaluable, and also like you, wanted to help and give something back.

Sorry Berlin Bob did not know there was already a topic discussion on this.

Cas
Title: Volunteering
Post by: exessexgirl on Monday 19 June 06 15:07 BST (UK)
This is probably going to show how stupid I am but here goes. I see on some of the sites that they need volunteers to help with transcribing. Can anyone let me know what is involved, and would it be possible to help if you are living overseas........ e.g: Australia  :) Lyn


Moderator Comment: topics merged
Title: Re: Transcribing for FreeBMD and FreeCen and ...
Post by: Berlin-Bob on Monday 19 June 06 17:17 BST (UK)
Hi Lyn,

I've merged your question with some of the answers.

If you look through this topic, you will see that several of the contributors/transcribers are from outside the U.K.

As to where to transcribe, i.e. for whom, an answer from another thread is still just as valid
Topic: Proportion of death records transcribed
Hi Nick,

Quote
Perhaps somebody could post details of where volunteers are being sought to transcribe records? That would be a start.

I think you will find that everybody would like volunteers, in particular:

freeREG: http://freereg.rootsweb.com/
freeCEN: http://freecen.rootsweb.com/
freeBMD: http://freebmd.rootsweb.com/

all the "County" sites: see the full list at http://www.UK-BMD.org
or here on RootsChat:
http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,147605.0.html

all the "Online Parish Clerk" / OPC-Sites:

Devon: http://www.cs.ncl.ac.uk/genuki/DEV/OPCproject.html
Dorset : http://www.dorset-opc.com/
Kent: http://www.kent-opc.org.uk/
Lancashire: http://www.lan-opc.org.uk/
South Derby: http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~brett/sdindex.htm
Sussex: http://www.sussex-opc.org/
Wiltshire: http://homepage.ntlworld.com/david.brown6666/wiltsopc/

I am sure there are others, maybe they could be added here .......

freeReg is also soon going live (see this topic
Topic: FreeREG - is it up and running yet?
http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,164081.0.html
and when people are able to use this database as well, I'm sure there will be an upsurge in the wish to transcribe.

so look through the possibilities, and get in touch with any of the co-ordinators.

Good luck,
Bob
Title: Re: Transcribing for FreeBMD and FreeCen and ...
Post by: exessexgirl on Monday 19 June 06 17:38 BST (UK)
Thank's for that Bob. I didn't realize there was a thread already  ??? I'll certainly give it a go. It's the least I can do considering all the help I've been given through the friendly folks on here.  :) Lyn
Title: transcibers
Post by: sueky71 on Saturday 16 June 07 21:36 BST (UK)
is there anybody on here who is/or has been a transcriber?

whilst on a genealogy site i noticed that they were looking for volunteers to transcribe records.
oooh i thought, that's something i'd like to do (ignoring OH's reply of  " what? with your eyesight! you'd need a bifocal computer!!")
but i'm not sure what transcibing actually involves (besides the obvious :D) or how it works.
does anybody know?


Moderator Comment: topics merged
Title: Re: transcibers
Post by: PaulineJ on Saturday 16 June 07 21:40 BST (UK)

Several on here have been (& still are transcribers)..

Freebmd for example you work from the images that you can view (just like on Ancestry).
(Zoom is a useful tool here)!

Parish records may be online or you can transcribe from Fiche...

Pauline