Use of transcription apps and charging Thread poster: languagelunatic
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Hello. Sorry if I put this in the wrong section as I couldn't see a section for transcription. Anyway, I mainly do translation work but recently, I accepted a job where I would transcribe 30 minute audio files. At first, I did it completely manually (listening to the files as I typed) but my brother recently told me about apps that can transcribe for you and you can edit it. I'm considering downloading one but have some doubts:
1. Wouldn't it be unethical/cheating especially since... See more Hello. Sorry if I put this in the wrong section as I couldn't see a section for transcription. Anyway, I mainly do translation work but recently, I accepted a job where I would transcribe 30 minute audio files. At first, I did it completely manually (listening to the files as I typed) but my brother recently told me about apps that can transcribe for you and you can edit it. I'm considering downloading one but have some doubts:
1. Wouldn't it be unethical/cheating especially since I'm charging per word?
2. Would that mean I would have to charge per minute as opposed to per word?
I'd appreciate any advice you have. Thank you.
[Edited at 2016-02-15 02:56 GMT] ▲ Collapse
| | | | | Not quite sure of your question but..... | Feb 15, 2016 |
If you are doing transcription work you might consider updating your software if you haven't already done so. I use Express Scribe (transcription software) with a foot pedal to control the play/stop functions. This makes the whole process a lot easier.
Furthermore, using software that automatically listens to your source file and transcribes it into a Word document is available. However, the quality of the output is very much dependent on the sound quality of the original source fi... See more If you are doing transcription work you might consider updating your software if you haven't already done so. I use Express Scribe (transcription software) with a foot pedal to control the play/stop functions. This makes the whole process a lot easier.
Furthermore, using software that automatically listens to your source file and transcribes it into a Word document is available. However, the quality of the output is very much dependent on the sound quality of the original source file. Sometimes the quality is so bad that it takes twice as long to edit a file. If that is the case, I would suggest voice input. Find some voice recognition software and train it to your own voice. Then, while listening to the original audio file, use a microphone to input with your own voice what you hear.
James ▲ Collapse
| | | | | Per word or per minute | Feb 15, 2016 |
What I meant is would it be unethical for me to use automatic transcription software as you suggested, but based on your answer, it looks like it isn't, so I could get that worry out of the way. The problem is that I am charging my client (this is my first transcription job) per word. Since, I could use automatic transcription software and then edit it, would that mean that I would have to further lower my rate (which is already pretty low, though I'd rather not say) or should I charge per minut... See more What I meant is would it be unethical for me to use automatic transcription software as you suggested, but based on your answer, it looks like it isn't, so I could get that worry out of the way. The problem is that I am charging my client (this is my first transcription job) per word. Since, I could use automatic transcription software and then edit it, would that mean that I would have to further lower my rate (which is already pretty low, though I'd rather not say) or should I charge per minute (of the audio) instead? ▲ Collapse
| | | | | I would recommend per minute of audio | Feb 15, 2016 |
Based on personal experience, I would recommend that you charge by the minute rather than the word. It would probably make it a lot easier for everybody. A lot easier for you to calculate and a lot easier for the client to budget. It would help avoid any confusion or shock for the client.
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Sheila Wilson 
Spain
Local time: 02:32
Member (2007)
English
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| Why does it make any diffrence? | Feb 15, 2016 |
I always charge per audio minute but per word is also possible. In the end, my aim is to make my normal amount of income per hour of my time. In any case, I don't see why the method of work you choose has to make any difference. If it doubles your speed, and you're in danger of losing your client to a cheaper supplier, you could reduce your rate a little. If it makes the work go more slowly why would you persist?
Surely, the word-count will be the same, however the words get to be ... See more I always charge per audio minute but per word is also possible. In the end, my aim is to make my normal amount of income per hour of my time. In any case, I don't see why the method of work you choose has to make any difference. If it doubles your speed, and you're in danger of losing your client to a cheaper supplier, you could reduce your rate a little. If it makes the work go more slowly why would you persist?
Surely, the word-count will be the same, however the words get to be put down on paper. I certainly wouldn't do a transcription job without using Express Scribe, (although I don't do much so haven't yet invested in a pedal), as that definitely speeds things up. But I hate to think what speech recognition software would do with most of the audio I deal with. Typing what you hear can be a very rapid and flowing job (boredom being the main problem for me); editing is always a very fiddly job.
But whatever method you choose is your own decision and doesn't involve your client UNLESS there are confidentiality concerns e.g. you subcontract to an audio-typist. ▲ Collapse
| | | | | Thanks for the advice guys. | Feb 15, 2016 |
You have been a big help..
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