Everand Logo

Welcome to Everand!

  • Who Do You Think You Are?

    Letters

    Jun 02, 2020 6 minutes

    Email wdytyaeditorial@immediate.co.uk

    Write to WDYTYA? Magazine, Eagle House, Colston Avenue, Bristol BS1 4ST

    THE CHALLENGES OF TRANSCRIPTION

    I’ve been a very active family historian for over 20 years, and obviously fully understand the importance of an accurately transcribed document. So many times I’ve looked at a document and thought “That’s not right”, taken a closer look and realised that an error was made during the transcription.

    I’ve often thought that I could do a better job, so when I first read about Transcription Tuesday I made a mental note to sign up and join in when I had some time. Lockdown due to Covid-19 has definitely given me that time, so a few weeks ago I got going on my first transcription.

    Oh my goodness. Just as I have a newfound respect for teachers (our two daughters of secondary-school age are distance-learning at home), I have a newfound respect for transcribers! Let your mind wander for a second and Samuel Smyth becomes Samuel Smith, or 1896 becomes 1869 – eek! I

    You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

    More from Who Do You Think You Are?

    Who Do You Think You Are?3 min read
    Post Office Pension And Gratuity Records
    The Post Office was one of the largest employers in the UK in the 19th and early 20th centuries, and the pension and gratuity records of former staff, covering 1686– 1970, can be a treasure trove of information for family history. The records are hel
    Who Do You Think You Are?1 min read
    Resources
    Dating Twentieth Century Photographs Robert Pols Federation of Family History Societies, 2005 Pols’ book can help you identify the relations who are depicted in family photos. Tracing Your Twentieth Century Ancestors Karen Bali Pen & Sword, 2016 Bali
    Who Do You Think You Are?2 min read
    Was My Uncle A Motorcycle Messenger In WW1?
    Q This is a photograph of my uncle, Joseph Henry Ward, born in Hull in 1899. He told me he was a motorcycle messenger in the war – is this true? Reg Brown A This soldier has been in the Army for at least two years, and appears fully trained. Without

    Related Books & Audiobooks