Tuesday, April 12, 2016

Support The Future of Steno!



This poor blog has been sadly neglected lately, but someone pointed out that I should probably alert its readers to the ongoing crowdfunding campaign we're currently running over at The Open Steno Project. I mostly post about Open Steno Project stuff over at The Plover Blog, which is targeted towards steno amateurs and hobbyists rather than professionals. This blog, by contrast, mostly assumes an audience of professional captioners like me. It's a small group of people (only 465 Certified Realtime Captioners in the United States, according to the NCRA Online Sourcebook!), but one that's obviously extremely close to my heart.

So here's my appeal, addressed to any of my colleagues and future colleges who might read this blog.

The number of people who can use a steno machine has been trending gradually but inexorably downwards for a very long time. Machine steno used to be taught in high schools, secretarial schools, anywhere it might be useful for someone to learn a faster method of transcription than longhand, pen shorthand, or typewriting. Manual steno machines were inexpensive and plentiful. They could be bought on a whim. Some people who learned machine steno studied it diligently enough to become professional court reporters. Others, who couldn't quite match courtroom speeds, used them to take dictation. Some probably just learned the skill for fun, or in case it might become useful at some point in the future.

Then came the 1980s, when for the first time you didn't need to transcribe your steno notes into English for them to be useful. Computers were able to do that for you. That's when steno went on lockdown, and that's when the decline began.

Instead of $30 for a machine and a short self-study course or a few semesters at a trade school, you suddenly needed to pay thousands of dollars for hardware and software. Trade schools became eligible for Federal student loan money and started charging up to $20,000 a year for court reporting programs, despite the fact that, as always, there was an 85% dropout rate from court reporting programs. Steno was no longer something people could pick up and teach themselves on a whim. You had to pay dearly just to give it a try, and if you weren't in the 15% that got to professional court reporting speeds, the price of failure was enormous.

Most professional stenographers -- court reporters and captioners -- know all of this already.

But what we don't always admit to ourselves is that if we don't drastically change something, our profession won't continue to exist in the future. Our technology is by far the fastest and most accurate means of turning human speech into realtime text, but if fewer and fewer people continue to learn how to use it, our deaf and hard of hearing clients will have to settle for whatever accommodations are available to them.

Some people have proposed initiatives to get more high school students into steno schools, but that seems ill-advised to me. Is it ethical to encourage kids to spend huge amounts of money on software, hardware, and schooling, even if most of them might not have the baseline fine motor skills or literacy skills or dedication or determination or whatever ineffable thing ensures that they become one of the successful 15%? However you cut it, those are not good odds.

Wouldn't it be better to give a huge number of people the opportunity to develop baseline steno skills first, without any real risk or financial barriers, and then let the best and brightest of that number continue on to professional careers, while the rest float along happily at a hobbyist or amateur level, writing at 140 to 160 words per minute and ecstatic to have doubled their qwerty speed? A huge number of people spend their days entering text at a computer. Why not give them the opportunity to do that more quickly and efficiently? Why should this machine only be considered useful at speeds above 200 WPM?

This is the reason for the Steno Arcade campaign.

Over the last five years, about 500 people have attempted to teach themselves steno using $40 to $200 hardware and our free online textbook. Many of them have succeeded and are delighted with their new skill. A precious few of those have gone on to professional certification as realtime captioners or court reporters. 500 people isn't bad, but we could reach so many more.

In the time since we launched the playable demo of Steno Hero on Steam, we've had over 5,000 downloads. 5,000 people have gotten a taste of our game, and most of them love it!

Not everyone wants to teach themselves a new skill out of a textbook.

Many, many people learn new skills every day by playing video games. Often that skill is just "be better at this specific video game", but people have learned how to play guitar, how to draw, how to fly an airplane, and, of course, how to touch-type.

Any skill that requires repetitive practice of granular movements that start easy and gradually increase in difficulty can be taught and reinforced with a video game. Steno meets these criteria beautifully.

That's why we're building a free video game suite to teach steno. Our software is already free. Our hardware is already affordable. Two of the three barriers that were built against free and widespread access to steno in the early computer age have already toppled. The only piece left is education.

If you contribute to the Steno Arcade campaign, you will help bring steno into the living room of a middle schooler, high schooler, college student, or career-pivoting young adult. They'll pick it up on a whim, just as people did with those big, heavy manual machines nearly a century ago, and they'll give it a try. They'll start out slow and awkward, gradually pick up speed, eventually find that they're writing faster on their steno machine than they ever managed on their qwerty keyboard, and a few of them will decide that they want to pursue the breathless rush of turning words to text at 200+ WPM as a career.

Short of this, I don't see the trajectory of our profession changing in any meaningful way. Fewer people will enter steno schools. Most will drop out. Those that succeed will see their colleagues retiring around them without anyone younger coming in to take their place.

I love steno with all my heart. I don't want to see that happen. If you care about this technology and this profession, please consider contributing to the Steno Arcade campaign, or at least spreading it around to friends, colleagues, and potential future colleagues. If we can make this happen, we can turn that trajectory around and make sure that our jobs and the clients who rely on them are supported and secure, well into the future.

Be a Steno Hero! Help us build Steno Arcade!

71 comments:

  1. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Nicely written! I think the things you touch upon are just a few of the many ways we can build this profession. Well done!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Grammy 2017 will be at 5:00 PM - 8:30 PM on Sunday, February 12, 2017 in Los Angeles at the Staples Center. Read more:



    Grammys

    Grammy 2017

    Grammys 2017

    2017 Grammys

    Watch Grammy 2017

    Grammy Awards

    Grammy Awards 2017

    ReplyDelete
  4. Couponing is easy with these top coupon sites. Most have verified coupons you can print that will save you up to 90% on groceries, clothes Myntra coupons

    ReplyDelete
  5. Your blog looks worthy. If you decide that you need help with completing writing task you need to know that you can visit https://dissertationmasters.com/order-business-plan-online.html. Here you'll get support and professional help.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Even though the majority of people write a discussion chapter to include in their theses or dissertations, a lot of them overlook a number of critical aspects. A discussion chapter is the section where you bring your entire paper together. For better understanding read this https://best-writing-service.net/discussion-chapter-for-a-dissertation.html.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Search engine optimization (SEO) is a critical component of online marketing. Search engine optimization (SEO) is a critical component of online marketing. At SEO Services In Delhi we use a combination of the latest onsite and off-site strategies to produce top results.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Good and relevant information about an important topic. Here the author presented the main points in a clear and understanding way. Thanks a lot for sharing. Visit here

    ReplyDelete
  9. Would you like to know how to execute HP Printer Setup for windows?
    Executing HP printer setup for windows is not a tough task and let us explain the steps one by one
    · For the brand new models, fix the power and USB cable
    · Insert the cartridges and also place the paper properly in your paper input tray
    · Proceed with the steps for software download
    · For windows, operating system, built-in printer drivers are often recommended
    Visit the compatible webpage 123.hp.com and provide the required data, if download from website is your option.

    ReplyDelete
  10. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  11. If you feel that executing HP OfficeJet Pro 8025 Setup is tough, refer the manual and proceed further. You should have a basic idea of the Printer settings. Activate the network and choose the required settings using the control panel. Use the available software and driver download methods compatible with the driver update. If wireless setup wizard is your choice, run the setup steps to complete the setup Carry on with the instructions and for setup guide and assistance, use the toll-free number@ +1-844-876-5110

    ReplyDelete
  12. HP printers are well known for their high-end features and advanced functions. If you have bought a new HP printer and require drivers for it, you can then get it easily from 123.hp.com/setup. The site also contains ways to get the drivers. If you have any queries regarding the product then feel free to contact us@ +1-888-214-1820 for assistance.

    ReplyDelete
  13. The best seo company in delhi ncr of December, 2019 SEO, or Search Engine Optimization, is the process of improving your website in a way that lets users find your business more easily in search results. Without SEO, your newly designed website won’t work to its fullest potential, because it will be hard to find online.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Sarkari Result, Sarkari Naukri 2020: In today's time everyone is lying behind Sarkari Exam. Everyone needs a government job. If you are also among the same students who have to do a Sarkari Job in Hindi, then the information of this article of the Latest Exam Result website is going to be very popular.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Nice Content ,Want to setup HP OfficeJet Pro driver in windows? IT provides you with various different features. You can use your HP OfficeJet printer to print, scan, copy, and fax. Furthermore, it has an ADF that you can use for quick scanning and copying.Any Queries Visit 123.hp.com/setup to get more details.

    Webroot Download

    HP Printers Drivers

    Norton.com/nu16

    Garmin Update

    Garmin Express

    ReplyDelete
  16. I just passed this onto a colleague who was doing a little research on this topic. And he actually bought me lunch because I found it for him. So I should thank you for the free lunch I got.Also, visit the blog posted by me.
    HP Printer Error Code ox83c0000a

    ReplyDelete
  17. NICE POST ! thanks for sharing. Words are god is the website with a global cause of igniting conscious living in mankind Being with us can be meeting yourself in person Awareness of our existence and improving it is a process which we must seek in life.
    Website: funny life quotes

    ReplyDelete
  18. Wow, What a Excellent post. I really found this to much informatics. It is what i was searching for.I would like to suggest you that please keep sharing such type of info.Thanks
    Visit here :- best body shapers| personalized lockets | matching outfits for family

    ReplyDelete
  19. It’s a really very Awazing post. I really like it very much. Thanks for Sharing. Keep it up….
    kundan bridal jewellery | Kundan Jewellery | antique rings

    ReplyDelete
  20. I really like your post. Thanks for sharing. But comedy is really gives us happiness. Watch comedy videos in hindi in youtube. Search hum do humare do comedy and enjoy your life.

    ReplyDelete
  21. I really like your post. Thanks for sharing. But comedy is really gives us happiness. Watch comedy videos in hindi in youtube. Search hum do humare do comedy and enjoy your life.

    ReplyDelete
  22. so I just wanted to give a quick shout out and say I genuinely enjoy reading your articles. Your blog provided us useful information. You have done an outstanding job
    Sattamatka Guessing

    ReplyDelete
  23. Wow, story share looks like a cool application,I got some additional information from your website.
    Also, read blogs posted by Andrew
    HP Boot Device not found 3f0

    ReplyDelete
  24. I really happy found this website eventually. Really informative and inoperative, Thanks for the post and effort! Please keep sharing more such blog.
    Visit website: Google Ads Campaign | Google Ads First Position | Google AdWords

    ReplyDelete
  25. it is really a great and helpful piece of info. I am glad that you shared this helpful information with us. Please keep us informed like this. Thank you for sharing.spiritual quotes
    wisdom quotes
    love quotes

    ReplyDelete
  26. I have read your article, it is really interesting and has lots of useful information. I also recommend it to friends so they can read it and they see the same thing.
    Website satta matka

    ReplyDelete
  27. Get exciting deals on Book A Flight With Emirates Airlines with us and save great amount while travelling to your favourite destinations

    ReplyDelete
  28. KUBET được cộng đồng cá cược đánh giá là nhà cái số 1 Châu Á trong năm 2019 hiện tại. Với nhiều trò chơi hấp dẫn, tỷ lệ cược cực cao, trải nghiệm mượt mà mang tới cơ hội kiếm tiền cho anh em. KUBET.IO là trang web cung cấp link đăng ký, đăng nhập KU BET - KU CASINO chính thức, hướng dẫn hội viên tham gia các trò cá cược trên nhà cái, cũng như cách nạp tiền, rút tiền.



    Từ khóa: #ku, #kubet, #kucasino, #kubetio, #ku777, #ku888, #ku999, #casino, #thienhabet, #kubetcasino



    Mạng xã hội KUBET chính thức:


    https://infogram.com/dang-ky-kubet-cach-tao-lap-tai-khoan-ku-bet-don-gian-1h8j4xglr0od6mv

    https://trello.com/kubet

    https://block-x.co/dang-ky-kubet/

    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyPQbqZIZKV60Q7njSmKe3A


    https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/S5X7VBD


    Website: Kubet.io

    ReplyDelete
  29. TOPSoiCau - Chuyên trang SOI CẦU MB, MT, MN VIP 24h tốt nhất Việt Nam 247 cho anh em tham khảo, lấy số đẹp. Dự đoán kết quả xổ số 3 miền Bắc, Trung, Nam nhanh nhất hàng ngày.

    Xem thêm: #topsoicau, #soicau, #soicauxsmb, #soicauxsmt, #soicauxsmn, #dudoanxsmb, #dudoanxsmt, #dudoanxsmn, #soicaurongbachkim, #soicauviet, #soicaulotto, #soicaulovip, #soicau3mien, #soicau7777, #soicau247, #soicau555, #soicau366, #soicauwap, #soicau568, #soicau24h, #soicau888, #soicau666, #soicauwin2888, #soicaukubet, #soicaukhongtu


    https://www.domestika.org/en/topsoicaucom

    https://sketchfab.com/topsoicau

    https://stocktwits.com/topsoicau

    https://vimeo.com/topsoicau/about

    https://band.us/@soicauasia



    Website: TOPSoiCau.com


    ReplyDelete
  30. Putlocker allows anyone to watch online movies and TV shows without any account registration and advertisements.

    Putlocker - Putlockerc new site 2020 - Putlockers new site | Putlocker new | Putlockerc.to where you can watch free movies online in HD quality.

    #putlocker
    #putlockers
    #pulockerc
    #putlockerproxy
    #putlockers2
    #putlockerreddit
    #putlockerc.to
    #putlockerswebsite




    Putlocker

    Putlockers

    Putlockers

    Putlocker Putlockerc.to

    Putlockers Putlockerc.to



    Website: Putlockerc.to

    ReplyDelete
  31. It’s a really very awazing post. I really like it very much. Thanks for sharing.
    artificial jewellery wholesale

    ReplyDelete
  32. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  33. Thanks for sharing this matter it's very important for us.if u want knowledge about garmin express for mac please visit our website.garmin express for mac
    also visit=Automotive Maps Garmin.
    Garmin Software Issues

    ReplyDelete
  34. SEAPOOLVN Xây hồ bơi Trọn Gói Tại Hà Nội. Đảm Bảo Tiến Độ - Chất Lượng. Báo Giá Đầy Đủ Chi Tiết - Giá Cả Cạnh Tranh - Bảo Hành Dài Hạn. Làm việc trách nhiệm. Vật liệu chuẩn.https://sites.google.com/view/seapoolvnhoboi

    ReplyDelete
  35. Acadecraft has a skilled team of typesetting professionals delivering manual typesetting services for over a decade. They possess the ability to quickly identify and fix the errors concerning uneven tone in images, style, variations in artwork in relation to the source file, topography, hyperlinking, formatting, etc. The professionals make use of various platforms to verify codes and check the final output.
    book typesetting services
    curriculum development in education

    ReplyDelete
  36. Amazing post dear, I really like it. Astroswamig can provide all information about your life and also helping you about your problems. Interesting person can visit Online Astrology Consultation

    ReplyDelete

  37. Thank you so much for sharing this article. I really love it. This is a very nice one and gives in-depth information. I am really happy with the quality and presentation of the article. I’d really like to appreciate the efforts you get with writing this post. Thanks for sharing.

    website: Matka Result

    ReplyDelete
  38. Compare assignments to draw each person’s interest, Establish and clarify the precise arrangement or possessions of all college homework. Grab the difficulties that return up in mere however chosen subject. Illustrate however problems could also be at the school assignment and supply a remedy to beat all those problems. Notice connections between those writers. Online assignment help canada composing writing will presumably be efficient suggests that to get an amazing mission.

    ReplyDelete

  39. My name is Thomas Adam. And I am an assignment writer in the UK, we need to ensure our studies and personal satisfaction with the help of the best online assignment UK. Save your time with the help of assignments in all possible subjects! Original, high quality assignments from top quality authors. do my assignment online Assignment support services are provided by 24x7. Assignment Support believes in providing value to the customer, which means that you can get the best quality service at affordable prices and be 100% free from plagiarism. Contact Allassignmenthelp for top quality assignment expert uk

    ReplyDelete
  40. Englishtivi.com is a free website for English learners. You can improve your English story, vocabulary words, grammar, sentences, speaking, writing, idioms …. Thousands of English videos and lessons are waiting for you.
    That's why, this website was founded with a simple vision: To become your go-to resource to Improve Your English Skills | Help You Change Your Life!
    Official website: englishtivi.com
    https://sites.google.com/view/englishtivi
    https://trello.com/englishtivi
    #Englishtivi
    #Englishtv
    #englishtiviyoutube
    #englishtivionline
    #englishtivilevel3
    #englishtivilevel1
    #learnenglishthroughstory
    #learnenglishthroughstories

    ReplyDelete
  41. Englishtivi.com is a free website for English learners. You can improve your English story, vocabulary words, grammar, sentences, speaking, writing, idioms …. Thousands of English videos and lessons are waiting for you.
    That's why, this website was founded with a simple vision: To become your go-to resource to Improve Your English Skills | Help You Change Your Life!
    Official website: englishtivi.com


    https://englishtivi.wixsite.com/learnenglish
    https://profile.ameba.jp/ameba/200995/
    #Englishtivi
    #Englishtv
    #englishtiviyoutube
    #englishtivionline
    #englishtivilevel3
    #englishtivilevel1
    #learnenglishthroughstory
    #learnenglishthroughstories

    ReplyDelete
  42. PetAddict.net - The best place where you can find everything about your pet!Name: Pet Addict \r\n Email: petaddict.net@gmail.com \r\n https://petaddict.doodlekit.com/home# \r\n https://www.stem.org.uk/users/petaddict \r\n Hastag: #PetAddict, #PetAddictnet, #DogPetAddict, #CatPetAddict, #RabbitPetAddict, #FishPetAddict, #BirdPetAddict, #ReptilePetAddict, #SmallPetPetAddict, #OtherPetPetAddict, /m/068hy, /m/0bt9lr, /m/01yrx, /m/06mf6, /m/0ch_cf, /m/015p6, /m/06bt6, /m/06dmvr, /m/0jbk

    ReplyDelete
  43. Pretty section of content. I just stumbled upon your web blog and in accession capital to assert that I get actually enjoyed account your blog posts. Any way I will be subscribing to your feeds and even I achievement you access consistently quickly.야설

    ReplyDelete
  44. Its like you learn my thoughts! You appear to understand so much about this, like you wrote the book in it or something. I believe that you could do with some % to pressure the message house a little bit, but instead of that, this is magnificent blog. A fantastic read. I will certainly be back. Feel free to visit my website; 바카라사이트

    ReplyDelete
  45. Lillestrøm lung clinic is the only specialist center with a public operating
    visit here : - Lungeklinikken i Lillestrøm

    ReplyDelete

  46. This is very interesting, You are a very skilled blogger
    Web - world777 official

    ReplyDelete
  47. nice Your information is good and friendly this article very helpful for me. to see this - rishikesh rafting packages

    ReplyDelete
  48. เกม UFA Wallet 777 เป็นเครื่องบินในกลุ่มของสายการบินไทยแอร์เอเชีย (Thai Airways International) PG SLOT งเป็นเครื่องบินโดยสารขนาดใหญ่ที่มีความจุสูงสุดถึง 364 ที่นั่ง มีระยะทางบินได้ถึง

    ReplyDelete
  49. สล็อต เล่นง่ายเข้าง่าย ปากทางเข้า สะสมเกมสล็อตพีจีออนไลน์ไว้อย่างยัดเยียดแล้วหลังจากนั้นก็เป็นเว็บที่มาแรงที่สุดของยุคนี้ PG SLOT เว็บตรงไม่ผ่านเอเย่นต์ แจ็กพอเพียงตแตกเยอะมาก

    ReplyDelete
  50. Satta Matka involves the selection of numbers and cards matka

    ReplyDelete
  51. Despite its widespread popularity Satta Matka has not been without its share of controversies satta matka

    ReplyDelete