Transcription Transition

This week I began transcribing an interview with Sonya Hollins, she is a rather remarkable woman who has won many journalism awards in Michigan and has written her own book. I met her last semester when I was in my internship coordinator's class. I thought this would be rather easy, considering I sat in on the interview.

Cut to this past Monday when I go in to start working. The Office of Area Studies' office assistant help me set up the transcription machine (which uses tapes, this might as well have been an a-track) in Professor Tucker's office. We decided that I wouldn't be disturbed here. So, I sit down with my laptop and the machine on my right with the operation pedals at my feet. To my left, the directions sit open. The office assistant gave me the number to call her if I ran in trouble...

Ten minutes later, I've already forgotten the number and for the life of me I can't get the tape to play. I'm sad to say I spent time considering whether A or B side matter on the tape. By accident, my feet hit the pedal and the machine starts to work correctly! Apparently, I just couldn't make that connection. I don't even have the excuse that it was early.

Cut to 1 hour and some odd minutes later. I've got the hang of transcribing. Type. Tap. Rewind. Tap. Type. This rhythm goes on and on and I soon realize that this is indeed a tedious task. I’ve made a great deal of progress though this week. I have ten pages (single spaced) of transcribed interview material and this actually helps me consider my follow up questions for the second interview. I hope to start setting that up within the next week or so ( I think I’m being incredibly optimistic about finishing this transcription).

My immediate goal is to finish the transcription and begin writing up my follow up interview questions for the article. In addition, I will begin research the publications my coordinator wants to submit to. And I have a small side writing project. I have to write a biography blurb for the website and perhaps update the projects I’ve taken on.