Transcribing for FreeBMD and FreeCen and ...

[SS from The Rhondda]

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.

[English Jen]

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.   

[sandie]

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

[English Jen]

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!!!! 

[sandie]

Good point!!

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

Sandie

[acorngen]

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

[Jojosam]

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. 

[English Jen]

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.

[JacquiY]

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