Genealogy Chat

After reading the previous messages, you guys inspired me, so i've signed up to do some transcribing! Just waiting for my name to appear on the list, then i'll be there! Wonder if i'll get a page with my ancestors on it! Julie T:)

Hi Julie, I posted a message on the guest book but no one has replyed re- trancribing for Freecen the 1891 site. I had enquired form freecen as to why there is nothing for Durham and when would it be on the site,it seems they are having touble getting people to transcribe and asked if I am interested,I wondered if it was hard going? I know for freebmd it's ok as another kind person on GC mailed me to tell me so! Being an oldie you know anyway I think I'll give it a go! Ann,Darlington

Hi there Well done for volunteering! I transcribe for both Free BMD and Freecen! I find that sometimes I can do pages, and then I can't do anything for 2 or 3 weeks. I don't think it matters as long as you keep going! I find it quite enjoyable and its nice to feel that youa re putting something back.

Hi there. Maxine. I transcribe for FreeBMD too, and have wondered about Freecen. Is it done in a similar way to FreeBMD? Janet. Northamptonshire

Hi Janet I think with Freecen it very much depends on the area as to how it is done. They have their own software, like FeeeBMD do, but some of the areas do require you to have a micro fiche reader. Fortunately I have volunteered for North Staffs and they have 1861 on CDs which they post out to you, eliminating the need for Fiche machines. I think the thing to do is ask the person responsible for the area you are interested in, and see what they want you to do, if they can't offer you anything- try another area.I know Staffordshire would welcome you with open arms! Regards Maxine

Thanks for the info Maxine. I'll make some enquiries, and let you know how I get on. Janet. Northamptonshire

A couple of questions about transcribing. Can you do it if you live overseas. What's a microfishythingy, I wouldn't know one if it leapt up and bit me Do you transcribe on or off line as our local charge here to use the net is £1/hour during the day. Terry - Gibraltar

Maxine Can you tell me what WINCENS and SSCENS format is it sounds like a disease!! Terence Microfiche don't bite honest!! It's like/is microfilm --a small plasticcy square with all the info on it.Sorry can't help you with wether you can do it form overseas but if you want me to ask I will Ann,Darlington

Thanks Ann - and as long as I can do it off line Terry

Terry. I can't see any reason why you should need to be online to do any transcribing. You certainly don't need to be online when transcribing for FreeBMD. I haven't got access to a microfische, so I will make some more enquiries. See my message to Ann in the Guest Book. Janet. Northamptonshire

Hi Ann I'm afraid I have no idea what wincen or sscen is! For Terence, I don't have a microfiche reader , and have no intention of getting one! I only transcribe for people that use scans or CDs - It has to be simple - like me! Regards Maxine

Oh well if your all at it I'm going to see about transcribing for freebmd - I don't like to be left out! Couple of questions though. Can you choose the area to transcribe and does freebmd have any relation to the site Yorkshirebmd?

Jeanette You just assign yourself to a Syndicate that requires transcribers. I have done transcriptions from typed scans of births and deaths - different years - and in each case, the whole of the country is covered. The scans I get are in pages in alphabetical order. Hope this helps Janet Northamptonshire

Hi Janet Thanks for replying. Sounds quite simple. I've just had a quick look on freebmd and I see you can start your own syndicate. Does this involve a lot more than just joining one? I am a newcomer to this part of the site and as I said I don't like to be left out. So how come you've all got your names in big red letters and mine is in small black ones?! Jeanette

jeanette, i think think everyones name appears in little black letters to themselves IYSWIM i know mine does. and to those asking about microfiche- i personally can't use them as they make me sea-sick! (true!) Julie T:)

Jeanette. I suspect that it does involve a lot more work, and probably a fair bit of experience. I'd stick to the transcribing for an existing syndicate if I were you - at least for the start until you know what is involved. Perhaps someone else knows what is involved? I really enjoy transcribing. Once you get the hang of using the software, it's very relaxing - and very rewarding. Janet. Northamptonshire

I have voluntered to transcribe for freecens and it only took about a week before I recieved my fiche, I was very kindly given the area that I had requested (Seaham) and my co-ordinator for Durham is very helpful. However,,I have been unable to download the required software so far but Im determined to give my best shot

Claire I have just offered to do 1861 for an area of Durham the co-ordinator asked me which area and I said Darlington if possible if I need any help can I mail you as i am an oldie!!! apparently it's on CD so no fich reader needed?? Ann,Darlington

I've just taken a look at Freebmd. Maybe I'm doing sopmething wrong but it appears to me that they don't require any transcribers for fische and there's only one syndicate asking for transcribers not using fische. Terry

Hi all, Terrence, I've been transcribing for FreeBMD and I am in Australia. It's simple even for us Aussies!!! One thing, you have to get used to the county names, but after a couple of go's, you get used to it. Keep it up transcribers, you are doing a great job for us poor devils that rely on the net for research. Anyone wanna shout a poor Aussie a trip to the Mother Country for some research???? Cheers Jenny