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.
    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
    MacBMD
    LinBMD
    Details are not available at the present time.
  3. You must transcribe the indexes from the scans exactly as shown. Do not interpret them in any way.
  4. 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
  5. Make sure you add the end +PAGE,nnnn entry as specified in Key Transcription Rules rule 5
  6. 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.

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