Checklist for REMOTE notes
Formatting
Correct template used with Header & Footer in correct format. File name should be in the footer aligned to the left with the page number aligned to the right. Both of these should be on the same line and in Calibri size 12, non bold. File name box in bold Title Case text, matching the audio name exactly, minus your name or file length, should they appear in it. Transcriber Comments filled in. Note the number & gender of moderators/respondents. Always note the quality of audio. Respondents correctly identified by gender. If there is more than one moderator, has this been noted and have you formatted their speech correctly and as per the guidelines? Text justified and in Times New Roman, size 12 throughout. Respondents in regular text, moderator in bold. Paragraphs should never run over 15 lines. Adverts/ scripts read out formatted correctly and as per the guidelines
Timecodes
Starter timecode on a line of its own in regular text reflecting the exact time you started transcribing. Ten minute timecodes in the correct format (TC: HH:MM:SS) and in the correct places throughout file. Remember these can be a few seconds out in remote notes as long as the timecode shows this and it reflects what is being said at the time.
Spelling
All names and brands researched correctly on official sites. File has been spellchecked and ALL red lines eliminated once you are sure all words, names, brands, etc. are correct. Correct use of capital letters at starts of sentences, for names, brands, titles of books, songs, TV programmes, etc. the letter I and at the start of a direct quote. Show Desktop.scf Digits used for all numbers and consistent throughout. No chopping and changing between text and digits. Money formatted with currency sign and amount in digits (or digits and text if over a million), eg. 4, 3,000, 2 million Times of day formatted correctly, eg. 4:00pm, seven o clock
Grammar
Apostrophes used correctly to indicate possession (not plural!) and used correctly to take the place of missing letters, eg. its / its Use of And/But/Because at the start of a sentence should be omitted or sentence restructured to avoid this. Check use of youre/your and theyre/their/there, etc. to ensure you have used the correct word.
Punctuation
Every sentence punctuated at the end. No lengthy sentences. Notes should be fairly punchy and to the point Correct use of -, You should really be able to avoid many uses of this in notes files Avoid use of colons and semi colons. NO dashes or ellipses. Watch out for excessive use of exclamation marks Direct quotes and inverted commas formatted correctly and as per guidelines
Inaudibles/ph guesses
Minimal, if at all Correct format used for inaudible/ph guesses, eg. 4 digits before the hour, 6 after. (? 00.47) (ph 01.06.12) Decent attempts made at phonetic guesses rather than multiple inaudibles. All inaudibles must be justifiable and not easily deciphered at this end. They are ALL checked!
Accuracy (MOST IMPORTANT!)
Make sure that what you have written makes sense to a reader. Page count should be 9-12 pages per hour of audio. This may increase slightly in focus groups.
At the end
Go back over inaudibles and ph guesses while proofreading your file for errors. Google all brands and names, etc. ensuring you have spelt them correctly.
One final spellcheck. Save file with .doc (not .docx) extension. Return file to transcripts@takenotetyping.com before your deadline. Include the link to the audio file in the body of the email and use the file name only as the subject.