Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with shorthand

Help me find a typing game with a particular feature.

TigerCrane — Sat, 30 May 2009 17:30:44 -0800

Help me find a typing game that requires you to hit "enter" I'm looking for a typing game with a particular requirement.

I'm a student of court reporting, and I want to use a typing game to practice.

This is the problem:

Most typing games treat each keystroke as a separate event. Thus, if the game requires you to type "CAT" you will hit C-A-T and the game fires on each letter.

I need a game that would allow me to type the word and THEN hit "Enter" to fire the word. In other words, I want to fire words and phrases, not letters.

The problem is that machine shorthand types syllables, not letters. So, if you wanted to write "Catty" you would hit the keyboard twice Once for "KAT" and then for "TI". This confuses the typing games.

I hope that made sense.

It would be especially helpful if the game allowed you to customize your own words.

Does anyone know shorthand?

sweetmarie — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 14:19:01 -0800

I'm working on a historical postcard exhibition and one of our postcards has some type of shorthand as the message. I was wondering if anyone could translate it? I don't know what type of shorthand it might be written in. Here's a link to a picture: http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3046/3046872988_aaecc48b29_b.jpg

Thanks!

Can shorthand be read as quickly as other forms of writing?

ggruschow — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 08:28:24 -0800

Can shorthand be read as quickly as other forms of writing? I'm considering learning to write my notes in (Gregg) shorthand. I've found plenty of information on how fast one can expect to learn to write and how much practice that takes. However, I read my notes more than I write them, so I'm concerned with whether I'll be able to read them at least as quickly as my normal half-block letters / half-longhand.

If anyone's got absolute numbers (words-per-minute), relative to any other form of writing, or even a subjective impression (e.g. about the same to read through, but harder to skim).. I'd really appreciate it. Thanks!

How do I learn shorthand?

reenum — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 06:46:01 -0800

What are the best ways to learn shorthand? I've been meaning to learn shorthand for a while. Are there any particularly good books, tips, resources, or sites that can speed up the process.

Plus, if there are different techniques, I'd like to know which is best. I know next to nothing about the topic, except that it would be awesome to learn.

If it makes a difference, I'm a lawyer. It would be a big help in client conferences.

The last thread was helpful, but there was a dearth of responses.

How do I physically write faster?

ajp — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 07:38:57 -0800

How do I physically write faster? Does anyone have any tips for how to physically write faster? So far I've been advised to try using soft pencils on good paper, but I'd be interested in other suggestions. I'd also like to reduce my chances of developing tendon irritation from all the repetitive movement of writing. I sit exams regularly, and need to write continuously and legibly for between 1 and 2 hours. This is currently killing my thumb.

I've trawled the net of course, but all my search terms seem to hit pages more targetted at approaches to creative writing.

* Are there any guidelines for how to write clearly and avoid strain injury?

* What is the perfect writing implement, given the requirements of speed and pain-avoidance? Oh, and relatively low cost :-)

* Hand-writing guides. Is there an optimum style? I suspect that "cursive" or "Nelson" handwriting is best. Are there any figures to back this up? I'm willing to put in the time required to adapt my writing style if it will pay off.

Things I am not concerned about:

* Creativity, style, etc. This is about the physical aspects of writing, not the cerebral.

* Being more concise in my essay responses. Good advice, but already taken. I'm aiming for maximum output with minimal physical effort.

* Shorthand. The writing has to be easily and clearly comprehensible by any English speaker.

Other salient points:

* I'm considering asking for extra time in the exams so I can minimise the pain.

* Exams have to be written in ink, and anything that smudges easily is likely to be out. I'd like to try a fountain pen, since I believe the nib would morph with age to complement my writing style; but I think the smudge factor rules them out.

* Anecdote is great, evidence is better!

Much obliged.

How to Learn Teeline?

sholdens12 — Thu, 16 Mar 2006 06:45:38 -0800

What do you know about Teeline shorthand and about training in the U.S.? It seems to be more popular in the U.K. I would like to use it for taking notes and doing interviews.

How do I learn shorthand?

gottabefunky — Fri, 12 Mar 2004 17:26:44 -0800

I'd like to learn shorthand, to help take notes quicker and more efficiently. (Ideally, teach myself.) Any suggestions?