ancestry 1911 update

[Ray T]

I was actually pleasantly surprised by Ancestry's transcription of this census. They actually bothered to transcribe the occupations and complete address for everyone, which Ancestry has not done on any of the other censuses. So it is possible to search this one by address, which is a bonus. Though there are a lot of simple errors, I don't think on the whole it is any worse than FindMyPast's. At least with two transcriptions we now have twice the chance of finding someone.

Yes, if you're lucky enough to be able to pay for two subscriptions but how does someone with even half a brain manage to transcribe an address as "Gra At Marford Knalogord Cheshie" which is impossible to search on in the extreme. I'm beginning to think they've found some sort of software which attempts to read handwriting.

[stanmapstone]

Yes, if you're lucky enough to be able to pay for two subscriptions but how does someone with even half a brain manage to transcribe an address as "Gra At Marford Knalogord Cheshie" which is impossible to search on in the extreme. I'm beginning to think they've found some sort of software which attempts to read handwriting.

Looking at the original census sheet that is roughly what it looks like 

Stan

[Ray T]

Yes, if you're lucky enough to be able to pay for two subscriptions but how does someone with even half a brain manage to transcribe an address as "Gra At Marford Knalogord Cheshie" which is impossible to search on in the extreme. I'm beginning to think they've found some sort of software which attempts to read handwriting.

Looking at the original census sheet that is roughly what it looks like 

Stan

Maybe, but if all transcribers adopted that attitude where would be? The advantage of the human brain over the electronic one is that it can apply a modicum of logic and not simply write down whatever gibberish first comes to mind.

Interestingly, the adjoining properties are said to be "Brook Farm Great Marford" which is almost correct and "Goy Club Wilmslow" - a boring game spoiled!

[stanmapstone]

If you look at the accepted rules for transcribing documents it is that it is generally good practice to not correct factual errors or mistakes of grammar or spelling in the original. The first and last rule for transcribing is well known. You transcribe what you read.

Stan

[BumbleB]

I totally agree, Stan.  As a FreeBMD transcriber, that is exactly what I was told - you transcribe exactly what is written, and that's quite easy as most of the indices are printed or typed    When it comes to hand-writing, well that is a completely different kettle of fish, but who are we to decide what was written all that time ago.  And of course we must also remember that "he who never makes a mistake, never makes anything" 

BumbleB

[california dreamin]

I think this is so bad of Ancestry    It is a multi million pound business that is suppose to be at the top of their game.  Certainly someone is in charge of overseeing the transcription process that is the mainstay of their business.  It looks like trying to find ancestors in 1911 is now being made even hard by whatever company or digital transcription process that was employed.

I had a quick look for some of mine.  I know exactly where to find them but some people will not be as lucky.  But honestly Fratel for Isabel? Please 

I think someone's head should roll - As Alan Sugar would say "Your Fired"

[Nick29]

If you look at the accepted rules for transcribing documents it is that it is generally good practice to not correct factual errors or mistakes of grammar or spelling in the original. The first and last rule for transcribing is well known. You transcribe what you read.

Stan

I couldn't agree more, Stan, but.... what does this say, ELTHAM or HAM ?

[ReadyDale]

Hi Nick,

It says HAM of course. It's just their bad writing...........same as this is 

[Ray T]

You transcribe what you read.

Going by the general quality of the transcriptions I've seen so far, are we to assume that either peoples handwriting had deteriorated by 1911 or is it that the quality of transcription has worsened? I have no experience of FindMyPast transcription on the 1911 - is it any better or worse than Ancestry?