Quite often, it becomes difficult to tell a myth and the truth apart. As a prospective client, chances are that you have heard about transcription services from your friends or from other business associates but you may also have a few questions to ask or doubts to clear. In this article, we talk about a few such myths or beliefs that are associated with transcription itself:
Myth No 1: Who needs a transcriptionist or a transcription agency when you have free dictation or transcription software available on the Internet? The truth is that if such software and other applications were that successful and effective, there wouldn’t really be a need for agencies like ours or even for freelance transcriptionists. Although there is plenty of great software out there, you would have to try them at your own risk. Plus, don’t be surprised if your free software has trouble discerning accents or doesn’t play certain file types. Such hiccups and more are effectively erased when you hire a professional transcription services provider.
- Myth No 2: Transcription, data entry and typing are all the same thing. So it makes sense to hire one person who can do all three well. The truth is that transcription requires listening carefully to audio files and then typing out each word that is heard in a format such as MS Word or Notepad. Data entry requires working with number crunching and other data which involves the use of spreadsheets, records and other databases. Typing refers to any general activity which involves the use of one’s fingers and a keyboard. So, yes all three job profiles are definitely not the same although they may appear similar.
- Myth No 3: Anybody who can type fast can become a great transcriptionist. Sound typing skills are of course a wonderful skill for any transcriptionist to have, but that trait alone doesn’t make one a great transcriptionist. A professional and experienced transcriptionist would also be required to review the transcript thoroughly, proof-read and edit where necessary as well as have some familiarity with the subject matter too. Basic knowledge goes a long way in enabling one to make corrections as and where necessary. Most importantly, one also needs the patience and ability to listen in context which requires great concentration.
- Myth No 4: We have the best anti-virus software installed on all our office computers. Our data is 100% safe so we don’t need any of our files to be transcribed at all. Let’s be honest. In this age of technology, is any data that’s on a computer really ‘safe’? If a virus attack seems like a distant possibility, what about the chances of the servers crashing one day or a few important audio files getting deleted by mistake? These are just two examples of minor issues that do crop up in all organisations and which can seriously hamper smooth workflow. Why take a risk of this nature at all? It make sense to just stay safe by having ready to use transcripts of all your audio files instead. After all, you don’t have to worry about technology related concerns with an actual transcript copy.
