| A BRIEF AND INCOMPLETE LIST OF THE ADVANTAGES/DISADVANTAGES OF SHORTHAND AS OPPOSED TO RECORDING DEVICES |
| Shorthand | Recording Devices |
| Human Factor versus Mechanics | The shorthand writer knows when he is failing to get something down. | If the recording device fails (whether due to dead batteries, mechanical problems, jammed tape, no tape/out of tape, speaker not loud enough), the dictator may not be aware of the problem until long after the dictation has ended. |
| Emergency Transcription | The shorthand writer can easily transcribe the fifth letter first, then the second one, etc. | It frequently took me longer to find the fifth letter than it would have to take all the dictation AND transcribe it. |
| What did you say? | The shorthand writer can stop the dictation if something isn't heard. | I had one dictator who ate cookies when he dictated to the machine. No, I could not understand him half the time. |
| Did that make sense? | The shorthand writer can supply synonyms or say when something doesn't make sense. | The machine simply records. If something doesn't make sense, it will be found during transcription--frequently when the dictator isn't readily available. |
| Editing | It was not uncommon for the dictator, upon read back, to make changes, sometimes extensive. | Changes can be dictated but must then be found in the transcript and adjusted. This process is extremely time consuming. |
| Personal Use | Shorthand writers can use their skill when taking phone messages, when attending meetings, etc. Such notes do not always require transcription. | Unless there's a tape recorder at the meeting, minutes must be done in longhand which may or may not work well. Phone messages and similar personal-use situations are out of the question. |
| Is that part of the notes? | If the phone rings or another interruption occurs, the shorthand writer can ask whether to wait. | I've had many a tape where I had to wade through a phone conversation--sometimes rather personal!-- for the dictation to continue because the machine wasn't turned off. I've had to listen to long pauses where papers were shuffled or thinking occurred. I also had the opposite where the dictator turned the machine on and off after each phrase--and the machine failed to get the first word(s) each time it was flicked on. |
| Oops | (no equivalent) | Tapes can be accidentally erased or recorded over before they are transcribed. |
| Out of the Office | The shorthand writer can't take dictation while away from the office. | The brilliant idea or perfect wording for the correspondence can be captured at 4 a.m., in the car on the trip home, and other times when a shorthand writer isn't readily available. |
| Time Factor | The shorthand writer must be present to take the dictation and can't be doing other things at the same time. | While the dictator talks into the machine, the shorthand writer can be doing other tasks. |
| Speed | Some dictation may be too fast for the shorthand writer, requiring a request to slow down (which may break the train of thought of the dictator). | The machine keeps up, no matter how fast. Some transcription units permit the slowing down of the tape so it can be better heard for transcription purposes. |
| Lost Skill | If not used, shorthand speed deteriorates. | Just remember to put in fresh batteries and the machine is ready to roll. |
| Out Sick | If the shorthand writer is out sick, chances are no one else can transcribe the notes from yesterday's emergency. | Someone else can take the tape and easily transcribe if required. |
| What's that word? | Every shorthand writer has written an outline or two (or more) which can't be read. | There are always words which can't be clearly heard on the tape. |