No I'm not making it harder. you shouldn't rely on the 'prompt to save' as your only def
Posted By: TheMacroDiva on 2008-08-26
In Reply to: You're making it much harder - than need be.
Unfortunately, some proprietary platforms seem to run two instances of MSword (as best as I can tell) which prevents you from saving your normal dot. My post was addressed specifically to those who are encountering that problem. An Autoclose/AutoExit macro should save the normal dot for you, and may be the ONLY way you can save it, even if you have selected the prompt for normal save on your options toolbar.
In any case, autoclose and/or autoexit macro that saves your normal dot will ensure that most, if not all of your recent autocorrect/autotext/macros present in your normal dot are saved, should you have an unexpected power failure or crash, or if you are using a template that is provided to you by an employer -- a template which may have been programmed in such a way as to prevent your normal dot from being when you exit word.
In any case, whether or not the "prompt to save normal template" is selected really shouldn't affect whether or not the normal is saved, the normal should automatically be saved as you exit MsWord. The fact that normal.dot doesn't always save is, or worse vanishes entirely, is just one of these weird idiosyncracies which sometimes makes word (which really is a pretty wonderful program) so frustrating to use. (Hint, back up your normal.dot -- frequently!)
In my experience, the only time that a template reliably does not save is if you are writing macros (as opposed to recording macros) and if you fail to manually save your changes inside your Editor before exiting word.
I have had the experience more than once of opening word to find that my newly programmed template is gone -- sometimes representing many hours of work -- and that is where "the prompt to save" toolbar option really can be useful.
In short, I am fully aware of the "prompt to save normal" in the options toolbar (and mine is selected to prompt) and if I had thought this was best solution for the professional medical transcriptionist, I would not have bothered posting this information in the first place.
So to make a long post short: The best solution to make absolutely sure your normal dot is saved is to use autoclose and/or autoexit macros that instruct word to save your normal template, and don't just depend on the "save normal prompt" on your toolbar. Regard it as an extra precaution, which is what it really is, don't depend on it, it can get unselected, and poof your normal.dot is gone!
For someone who just writes an occasional letter or term paper on with MSword the occasional loss of the normal.dot, albeit aggravating, probably isn't all that serious, but for the MT who depends on her paycheck to support her family, losing her normal dot and its 37,954 autocorrect entries is a real economic hardship. She just might appreciate knowing that there is something she can do to prevent this from happening, even though you happen to think it is "complicated."
Isn't this forum here to provide fellow MTs with useful information they can use or not as they please? Medical transcription after all, isn't a game or a hobby, it is real grown-up work, and it is prudent to take the time do real grown up things to maintain the tools of the trade.
Unlike some posts I have seen, particularly on the word-help forum that just make me want to scream, I will not post useless or wrong information -- even if it is "complicated" -- after all it's just information. Writing autoclose/autoexit macros to save your normal dot are not pointless or useless exercises; and in any case you can disregard my posts, or not, as you please.
Complete Discussion Below:  marks the location of current message within thread
The messages you are viewing
are archived/old.
To view latest messages and participate in discussions, select
the boards given in left menu
Other related messages found in our database
You're making it much harder
x
Haven't heard in years. Supposedly making it harder to get money
xx
Making sure that I can save all my autocorrect entries...
Hello all....My new computer is on its way, and I will be taking my Word 2003 off of the old computer and putting it on the new one. I am not the most computer savy person out there, so I am asking you to help me with making sure that my Autocorrect entries that I have stored in there will make the transition to a new computer. Do I have to do anything special to save them, or will they automatically just be there when I load Word to the new computer? Also, what is the best way to transfer files that I have saved on my desktop over to the new one? This is where I keep all my sample copies of doctor dictation, and templates.
Again, thank you for your help. It is MUCH appreciated! 
Basically, harder dictators and harder reports with a lot of formatting with tables, etc. SM
give you extra lines because of the time involved in doing those particular reports. Not so much you get paid more per line, you just get extra line credit. For example:
You have a 100 line report, but it is weighted because of a table that you have to input. Then you would maybe get credit for 130 lines for that report.
Actually if I were you, I would rely on
They also will accept new words, which I've never done. As far as the BOS, it's firewood in my eyes, but I guess it helps the newer MTs find a standard.
I also used to capitilize every drug while on-site and no one seemed to mind. It actually in my eyes made the drugs stand out from the rest of the report. Most physicians give a little, it is the QA process that doesn't like it; it gives them something to do.
If QA was consistent, then fine but most are not. QA will admit that they are learning just like the MT, so to me, they are basically another set of ears. Often, they don't know either, so it gets sent to the client with a blank or "made up word." It is ultimately the dictator who is responsible and should catch the errors.
Rely more on googling then (nm)
nm
Kinda sad that MTs have to rely on things like that ... (nm)
I DON'T rely on it, have simply used it and found that nm
not only does it help me save money on groceries (and who doesn't want to do that, regardless of their profession), but it makes me feel good that I'm also helping other families in my area that are in need with my purchase.
I usually just stick what I buy from them in the freezer and save it for the day I have NO plans for dinner and need something quick! It comes in real handy.
I did try to save the file first but it wouldn't even let me save it.
.
I agree with old time MT -- best to fix it when you see it and not rely totally on spellcheck. sm
In my old QA days, I found too many errors that were obviously the cause of word Expander errors, things not caught by spellcheck, etc. I doubt that it really slows you down that much. I have been doing it that way for so long, it is just second nature and quick to go up and fix something real fast, than wait until the end and hope that spellcheck catches it.
Good luck! 
Does paying your bills rely on offshore? No. Easy
asdf
Never, EVER rely on the grammar check from word. Very bad advice.
x
Unless you can rely on family to help, or maybe hire a young tween aged girl to occupy them
x
sure i was. i'm making fun of the people who are making a case for background checks, etc
to do medical transcription at home as if they may do something AWFUL with the info they receive. So if you want an invasion of privacy let's REALLY invade it and make sure fat chicks don't transcribe because they are so busy eating they can't get the work done, they mess up the keyboard with food and if they are provided health insurance they will raise the rates for the company sky high because their health risks are higher than others. Then there are the psychological issues overweight people bring to the table. After we eliminate fat people, we can go on to eliminate diabetic people who may have low blood sugar while typing and go into a spell and type the wrong thing. I could go on and on through the process of elimination. How about prescribed medications that may cloud your thinking? So you take Ambien to sleep but you have an Ambien groggy hangover when you are transcribing? Should they transcribe. How about your teens are on your last nerves and you take a Xanax? Should you be allowed to transcribe?
I would bet its harder now being a kid than
You almost have to be mean, because mean people get respect and heard. Nice people are easier to stomp on. While your teaching your kid please and thank you, other mommies are teaching theirs to be ruthless and cruel. Truly to the core nice genuine people are so hard to find these days.
It was harder for me when they were that age too - sm
They are 6 & 7 now....though when they are home sick my work goes in the toilet basically. When they were younger ( I started when then were 2 & 3) I basically just worked when they napped and at night, about all you can do. I still get up early a few days a week and work until 11 or so despite them being in school all day (though the last day is June 1, ahhgggg, way too early this year), and will have a more radical plan this summer (i.e. work 3 a.m. to noon is my goal) so I don't have to make sure they are occupied while I work all day and I can actually spend some time with them, granted I will have to take a cat nap at some point, amazing what a 20-minute rest can do for you.
I would definitely be harder but obviously
all of their clients. I would set up an 800 call-in dictation number or a TASP and then wherever the place you move to, look for new clients in that area while keeping the old ones when you move, dialing into the 800 # to dictate (or using a hand-held and uploading, but I personally have never done it that way). I think they feel more comfortable using a service that is local to them; that seems to be their first choice. And then they will go with a national service if there is nothing available locally. I think just concentrate on whatever area you are in, build a rapport with clients in that area and do a good job for them, and then when you move just continue to have them dictating long distance on the 800#. Of course, you will have to set up to send files back electronically and not by delivering because you can't deliver once you move - so just set it up where you send files back through an FTP site or encrypted email or whatever from the beginning.
I tell them it's harder than it looks!
Every one of my neighbor friends who has kids has asked me that question. They see me home all day, know I have a mortgage, car payment, etc, and think they can do it too. I always give them the example of a relative of mine who tried to teach a nurse how to transcribe. The nurse obviously had the terminology, but could not make the leap to hearing something and typing it on a keyboard. The last neighbor who asked (baby due in 2 weeks), I just said "Find yourself an account and I'll help you learn". This was 6 months ago when she first asked and, of course, didn't bother to do that. In other words, they don't want to go to school, don't want to get an account, don't want to do anything other than sit down, starting typing something and get a paycheck in 2 weeks. It seems to be one of the only professions that everyone thinks is easy (and we all know it's NOT!!!).
You realize by doing that they're making more money & you're making less? You should reconsid
We do work harder
Than most people at an office, I think. When I worked in an office environment, it was so easy to get caught up with talking to everyone and not really getting as much work done as I should have. Here at home, I HAVE to get my work done if I want to get paid! Most people don't realize that. I think that they believe we just around and eat bonbons all day! Ain't so!
You Know WHY They Work Harder?
Because they actually think they are making good money to "live in wonderful country that is free." They don't pay taxes, they don't pay for health insurance, etc. Not to mention, they don't do a good job, you could turn 'em in and have their butts back in their own country. Fear is a great motivator.
Cost of living keeps going up and wages don't. Why would ol' Joe America keep breaking his back working for peanuts when he KNOWS it's not going to pay the mortgage? There ARE hardworking Americans out there but they have to make a profit and shouldn't have to compete with people who aren't even in this country legally.
I have never seen a harder worker than
my husband and he can do 2500 tops. He used to QA between 4500 and 5000 daily - so he can really move through reports once he learns the doctor, their style of dictation, etc. I'm on my second VR account and I'm embarrassed to tell you what I can do - I think 600 yesterday? I am dead serious. It is a whole 'nother skill....
by doing the harder dictators you....
get valuable experience and when it comes down to it, YOU are the one who looks good and has more potential for raises and promotions because you can do those and do them well when no one else can. Also, you are the one that they'll see can ultimately do ANY type of report/dictator without hesitation or problems. So let them cherrypick. They're only hurting themselves in the long run. (that is, if you work for a company who actually appreciates it's employees!)
from what i've heard, its a lot harder
I know they could care less about us, we're just numbers/slaves to them, but why don't they get a little integrity for the business, make us happy for once, in turn improving quality and giving themselves a good name, and pay by the hour while we learn this technology at least. How can any company cut pay across the board like that and get away with it?
From what I have heard, harder to break into than
a
I can assure you that it is no harder to find
good MTs than it is to find a company who treats MTs with respect (you know, not calling somebody stupid because they don't know how to use offline messenger). I don't know how to use offline messenger, either, but I am smart enough to pick up the phone and call if my Internet connection is down for a significant length of time.
scared into trying harder or leaving?
 Why do some QA folks think they can really make you feel this way? It will eventually lead to leaving, I think. I have never QAed or feel qualified, but geez, leave the poor transcriber a little positive feedback to go on. Anyone else share this thought?
scared into trying harder or leaving
Well, it is simple things really, more style than anything. I am not a newbie, I have 5 years under my belt. Gosh, what co. do you work for?
scared into trying harder or leaving
I forgot to add: it is the way the make the feedback, like are you attempting to look anything up... or I can't believe you didn't hear what I heard....ugh!
and yes, the Velveeta is much harder to grate
xx
So sad how I work so much harder now doing the same thing...
x
at home - harder job than public
True, I make more money, but the anxiety is killer. I work harder now than I ever did in a public position. Yes, I am here for my children when they get home from school, but I could not imagine trying to do my job with a baby. Also, as others will probably agree, the money in this field is not what it used to be. Good luck.
I would think they would be lots harder than clinic but
years ago when working in a hospital setting I tried to bypass the ops, scared of them and took other things to be transcribed. My boss did me a favor- she noticed and put me exclusively on ops for months. I love them now, my favs but you would definitely not want to just jump into them if your salary depends on it. They are, I would think, some difficult than what you do now. I would ease gently into them. When I learned, was training and salary did not deviate from one thing to another so good learning experience then for me.
Maybe the are giving you the harder dictators
because they feel you can handle it? They obviously trust you to take on the harder ones. My advice, stick with it, it will get better with time.
An IC working smarter, not harder, does not
x
The harder I try, the more mistakes I make...
Go over report twice.
The CD is WAY harder than the actual test.
No sweat.
Melena or hematochezia. This is harder than you thought, huh? nm
x
You can work those machines harder than a lot of people do
x
Meat cooking is harder, IMHO
Remebering my childhood as an animal eater, I think it is harder cooking for meat eaters and way more expensive than vegetarian foods.
Anyone on this forum working Smarter and not Harder?
I have been in this profession 28 years now; turned 50 this December. Back in the day, I could sit down and type nonstop and be done with my work in 6 to 6.5 hours at 2000 lines. Now it is all I can do to get 1200 lines, and I am working from sun up to sun down. I work a full time employee position and part time IC position. Full time consistently running out of work, so first of year, I will be subcontracting full-time, but will also keep the part time IC position- just so I don't have all my eggs in one basket. What is the key to working less and making more?
had my expander on meant can not, and smarter not harder
I love this job.....
It's getting harder to pick. I'm afraid maybe Elliott but
hoping it's Katharine (although the second song she did last night was WONDERFUL). Elliott should NEVER have sang "I want to go home," that could stick in the minds of people when voting.
Along with this, is anyone having parties during all of the this. My DH is doing Pampered Chef and we've been invited to an AI party to do PC. The party will start at 6 and it should be lots of fun.
really? i thought flat screens were harder
on the eyes -- boy, that is good to know otherwise...
Working at home is harder than in office
Because we are our own housekeeping, tech support, errand runner, no cafeteria, ect. I have no idea why they are passing around this WAHM myth. I don't understand the savings idea either because our utility bills are higher. In an office you get paid 15 min breaks 2x a shift too. You are also paid for all the stuff you deal with that you have to deal with to work. Like talking to supervisor, sending an email, reporting a problem, ect.
To me they are harder than Indians, Spanish or anything else. Strange.
nm
People (& animals, too) will work harder to get
nm
They assign harder ESLs to slow you down.
consuming to type very difficult dictators. In the long run you're make less money per hour. What the poster means, I think, is they want the work done and don't care if you struggle for hours or all day on ESLs.
OPs are harder, and apparently only us 'oldies' love them.
;)
I'm going to write my own letter. Harder to ignore if
thousands of letters, all written differently, still say the same thing. That way they know it's not just a form-letter (like the kind they always send to US.)
I think they will see these newbies run faster and harder than we ever did if something doesnt suit.
:
|
