Transcription trends

Guess what just got a makeover? It is the good old transcripts! The Smithsonian institute, the attic of America, was recently in the news for crowdsourcing transcripts. Thousands of digitized documents that offer a glimpse into American history have been handed over to transcription volunteers.

This is quite possibly the most widely spoken about crowdsourced transcription project in recent times.

Who doesn’t like a free ride?

One major reason why crowdsourcing transcripts get the thumbs up is because they are free. There are also several sites and platforms that offer crowdsourcing services. The major downside is that most users complain that they hardly get a response, transcripts are of awful quality. And there is no hope in hell that they can get their transcripts on time.

“It is just a roll of the dice. Not something that I’d recommend if you are looking for professional transcribing support” opines Jason who works with a marketing research company.

What are die-hard fans for…?

Though fans transcribing their favorite shows and programs is nothing new, there is been a recent upsurge. If the number of transcripts available for the popular American podcast Night Vale is anything to go by, fans are certainly serious about their transcripts. Several fan created transcripts are available for podcasts and popular movies. And nope they are not “created in a rush” transcripts that make little sense.

Most fan created transcripts are speaker identified and include audio descriptions. Several fans send across a recording of their favorite episodes to professional transcribers, and post them on the net. What was once considered to be a boring desk job for cash strapped house wives has suddenly morphed into being the in-thing!

The highs of people hitting the Like button!

Everybody loves being liked, especially if it is over the internet. “I get a rush when people share a transcript I’ve created” gushes, a teen, who, is, addicted to The Hobbit. With web videos circulating the net and the SEO benefits that a transcript provides, transcribing video content is definitely a healthy trend.

Reaching a wider audience!

Fans, who, create transcripts, and yes, those who crowdsource, do so in the hope of reaching a wider audience.  “I am just a fan. These transcripts are meant for the hard of hearing or those who otherwise prefer to read. Please support the podcast”. These are the lines an ardent fan of the Night Vale series put up.

With the slant being on and heightened awareness about more inclusive societies posting transcripts, has a deeper meaning and connect.