BASIC THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW

These typing instructions are very general and should apply to most lists. However, they may not apply to lists of passengers arriving after 1897. If you are working on a list with 10-33 columns of information, you should check with your "Buddy" for more information or write to the mailing list for help. There are excellent examples for you to follow which are posted in a non public place on our website.

Some of our volunteers have years of computer expertise and others are just starting out. It is for this reason that the following instructions are written as simply and clearly as possible.

Most of the time we transcribe from scans of the original document. The scan will be posted on the web site, located at a private url, and you will be able to ask for help from any of our volunteers as they will be able to see it also.

If you receive your list from Patty or Beverly: Before you begin any work, please, note the cost of postage on the envelope. Count the number of pages and partial pages and multiply by $.35 (or the current rate) and add that to the postage. Send that amount to the person who provided you with the printed copy, the name and address is on the envelope you just received. Please pay for each ship as it is received and note the ship's complete filename in the memo area of the check, somewhere on the money order or in a note if you are sending cash.

PLEASE DO NOT SEND ADVANCE PAYMENTS FOR FUTURE LISTS...unless you are dealing with international funds. YOU ARE ALWAYS FREE TO ADD MORE THAN YOUR COST AS A CONTRIBUTION TO THE GUILD AND IT IS VERY MUCH APPRECIATED.

Prompt payment is very important, this is what keeps us running.

In reading the following you may think some of the instructions are silly, or that you have a better idea etc. Believe me, this has been reworked many times. Again, due to the wide range of computers, software and expertise, we have settled on the following instructions. ANYTHING you type which is NOT on the list, including periods after the numbers & dashes to indicate that the column didn't originally list any information, will have to be remove before the list is formatted. This is very time consuming and slows down the process of getting your ship on the site. It is always best to type only what you see.

PLEASE adhere to the rules. As you read the following instructions and tips, this may seem overwhelming. This is very easy, and whether you're new to the computer or an expert, it makes no difference. If you are unclear or uncertain about ANYTHING, don't hesitate to ask our private email list, NOT Patty. There are no "dumb" questions. We have a very friendly, "no flame" list. We were all new at one time, and have probably had many of the same questions you might have.

If you work from a printed copy, it will help a great deal to have a magnifying glass. There are many kinds on the market. Some attach to a table, swing about easily and have a light. The best place to find these are at Staples, Office Max, Clothworld or a similar store in your vicinity. This is not a requirement - it will make things easier for you. Some use backlighting, or enlarging a specific area, by scanning or xeroxing.

A few of the lists you will be working on came from microfilm which we have in our office. You can request a scan of a difficult area and it will be placed on the website so that other transcribers can help you decipher it.

An atlas is invaluable - the older the better.

Page 2 Tips for transcribing
Page 3 More Tips and Transcriber's Notes
Page 4 Typing your list
Page 5 Proofing and spacing your list
Page 6 Surname list revisions 11/18/02