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Online Transcription Services Using Audio Files

By Susan Ross


Whether working in a traditional capacity or online, transcriptionists are often in high demand. While this is the case, there are now a number of different disciplines in which online transcription services can be beneficial. Whether a doctor, lawyer, professor or other professional, most need assistance with transcription at some point in a career.

In fact, transcriptionists are in high demand. For, there are a number of different disciplines as well as individuals which need to have information transcribed either from written pages or audio files. In addition, there are also those needing to have an individual take dictation then transcribe the information into a word processing document.

With the advancement of computers and technology, transcription has taken on an entire new identify. For example, it used to take a great deal of time for an individual to dictate a letter, proposal or other document, then have the material typed on a typewriter. After which, there were often a number of passes on the typewriter before a document could be finalized and delivered.

When it comes to using a service, most prefer that the information to be processed be submitted on a cassette, VHS or CD. Whereas, the most preferable is often a sound file transmitted to the service as at attachment to an email. While this is the case, different companies have different guidelines. As such, it is best to check with the company before preparing a recorded or electronic file to be transcribed.

Rates for this type service are often billed hourly, weekly, monthly or by page count. In most cases, services have faster turn-around times. Whereas, individuals being paid an hourly wage are often tempted to take things a bit slower so as to make more money over the course of a project.

As rates can vary, it is important to know whether an individual or service is charging per minute, per word, per line or per hour. Also, while private services often assist governmental agencies, law firms, courts, meeting planners, nonprofits and trade associates, the rate is often higher for these services.

In the early days of transcription, secretaries often had to take diction and write down what the individual needed typed. During those days, shorthand was quite popular so that the individual could take notes as quickly as possible. Then, in the 1970s, the job became much easier with the introduction of portable recorders and tape cassettes.

While mailing cassettes became part and parcel to the job of a number of transcriptionists in the late 1970s and early 1980s, others still preferred to use traditional equipment. Now, audio files have become quite popular. In most cases, a client will provide audio files of all documents needing to be typed. After which, there will be a review along with a number of edits, changes and revisions before the document is finalized.




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