So you want to be a transcriber?
Transcribing Via Google Docs
Transcribing via Google Docs is going to be the primary way that Mods catmiint and Rebel transcribe, as we dedicate large chunks of our time to this project.
You can find the list of episodes and the links to the transcriptions [here].
In the list of episodes, you can also check out catmiint’s pet project of dividing the podcast into easy to understand “Books” and “Chapters”. A “Book” represents a certain arc or quest while “Chapters” break up each quest into smaller arcs—e.g. Book 1 is “The Adventure Begins” and follows the introductions of our heroes and their first job from Crim. Chapter 1 “Mortimer Crim” contains the first four episodes during which we meet the player characters and they work towards being picked up as troubleshooters by Crim. Chapter 2 “Paying the Rent” is the bulk of Book 1 because it follows the actual mission they are given by Crim to pay his rent. Chapter 3 “Night Terrors” is our first introduction at what waits in the night for our heroes and ties up lose ends of the arc.
From the [list of episodes], you can navigate to an episode of your choice if it is hyperlinked with the appropriate google doc. If there is an episode that you want to start transcribing, but it does not have a linked google doc then contact @catmiint by messaging this blog or through their personal blog. They will get back to you as soon as they can with a link to a new google doc for that episode.
As you begin to transcribe on the google doc, add your name/pseudonym to the list under “With special thanks to...” so that it is in alphabetical order. This will ensure that you are credited as someone who has dedicated their time to help us out!
You can find the style guide with information on transcribing tips and formatting rules [here].
Now, with your audio and google doc ready begin to transcribe! Mod catmiint personally uses the iPhone Podcasts app to make use of the half speed and back 15 seconds features, but you can also simply utilize the audio that the PW crew provides on their website.
At this stage try not to worry about formatting, just denote who is speaking, where there is cross talk, and maybe if they are talking in a certain inflection. If you can’t make out what someone is saying, write down the time stamp in braces {} and move on.
You can transcribe as much or as little audio as you like, and catmiint and Rebel find fun in transcribing together! If you want to be up to date on when other people are transcribing to partner up with someone then look at @imaginarysorcerers‘s info on the [PW Discord Server]
After transcribing audio to raw text, you can either proceed to formatting or leave it for someone else. If you chose not to format, take care to make it clear in the google doc where the unformatted transcription begins and ends. This way formatters can easily find passages they need to work on.
If you want to format the text you or another transcribed, be sure you are consulting the [Style Guide]. If you are unsure of how something is formatted, check complete episodes for reference, make a comment (highlight text and press command+option+m or the comment icon that hovers on the right of the doc), or message @catmiint on their personal blog or through this blog.
In summary:
Navigate to the [Episode Hub]
Navigate to your desired episode.
Add your name to the list of transcribers.
Transcribe raw audio to text, not worrying about formatting.
Go back and format, or mark where the unformatted transcription starts/stops and allow someone else to format. Utilize the [Style Guide] while formatting.
Transcribing Via Podscripts
Podscripts is an in-progress tool that, when released, will help open up transcribing opportunities to those that might not be able to dedicate a lot of time to it. Instead of sitting down with the full audio file for an episode, fans can access the Podscripts website and transcribe a short chunk of audio—useful to anyone that has a small amount of time to burn and wants to do something productive.
This post will be updated with more info when Mod Hoopy completes and publishes the tool.