Read This as a New Transcriber

Please read these key instructions before you start to transcribe your first page.

 

  1. You first need to download and install the program you wish to use to transcribe the scans. Four options are available:
    WinBMD: A Windows based program that is used by the majority of transcribers
    SpeedBMD: A Dos program that can be used on a Windows M/C. This is generally only used by transcribers who have been using computers for a long time.
    MacBMD: A program designed for the Mac computer.
    LinBMD: A program designed for the Linux platform.
  2. Having installed the program make sure that you enter the header information in your transcription program of choice Using the links below:
    WinBMD
    SpeedBMD
    MacBMD
    LinBMD     Details are not available at the present time.
    Pay particular attention to the information added to the 'Page' box. You need to check the special instructions, links for which are on the scan access web page.

  3. If using WinBMD, make sure that you have selected the option SpeedBMD Filenames as specified in section 3.2 of the main index, item 14, BEFORE you start adding data.
  4. You must transcribe the indexes from the scans exactly as shown. Do not interpret them in any way.
  5. If you are unable to read the index with certainty use the the 'Uncertain Character Format' listed in the main instructions as Key Transcription Rules rule 2
  6. Make sure you add the end +PAGE,nnnn entry as specified in Key Transcription Rules rule 5
  7. All scans pre 1938 must be transcribed using the SpeedBMD filename format. Post 1937 scans must use the WinBMD filename format; this means that the SpeedBMD program cannot be used.
  8. Access to the scans is available here.

If you follow the above you will not have too many problems. I check each file when you send it to me so many errors will be detected. The ones I cannot check easily relate to items 1 and 2 above so please follow these instructions carefully. It is much easier to get the transcription correct first time than to make a lot of corrections.

In addition to the above, two other links will be found useful:
1.  Hints and Help For Beginners at: http://www.freebmd.org.uk/beginhelp.shtml 

2.  Transcribers' Knowledge Base (TKB) at: http://www.freebmd.org.uk/vol_faq.html

B M Smart

Updated 06-08-2010