Business Name Need Opinions

I need some advice on starting my own small side business. sm [2008-12-02]
First of all, I have worked for several nationals in the past few years, and equipment has always been provided. I currently have a f/t position with a national that I use my own personal computer for, they just put their software on it. I had what I needed already, as far as foot pedal, Expander program, etc. I have just been sort of rolling ideas around in my head about possibly starting up something small perhaps on a p.r.n. basis just to bring in a little extra income. As I am still just mulling this around in my mind, my questions are: How do I go about getting started? Do I try to purchase equipment first, or start out using tapes? I am worried about spending the money and not having any takers, so I am thinking, I should send out some sort of letters first; but, without having the equipment already, how do I tell them I plan on doing their transcription. Maybe mention tapes first, and tell them I have plans to go digital after I get up and running? These are all just things I wonder about. If anyone has any ideas, please feel free to email me with any advice. I have been an MT for 16+ years, but as I said, I have always had all of the stuff provided for me and just don't know how to start. Thanks in Advance!

Keyboard Opinions - Avant versus Kinesis [2008-11-18]
I am faced with a decision between these 2 keyboards, both with pros and cons. I would like to take a survey to see what everyone's opinion would be. I strongly prefer a programmable keyboard, as I would like to change some of the keys around to suit me, but will I regret not having an ergo keyboard in the long run? Will I like the IBM clicky type keys? KINESIS FREESTYLE KEYBOARD http://www.kinesis-ergo.com/images/freestyle-solo_690x375.jpghttp://www.kinesis-ergo.com/images/solo-v3-10-blk_690x306.jpghttp://www.kinesis-ergo.com/images/solo_us_legend.jpg It splits and tents.Delete key is on left side (which I love) All other function keys are in the wrong place for me.Quiet low-force tactile membrane switch10 function keys on left Keypad separate purchase2 year warranty60-day money back guaranteePrice: $124.15 with the options I chose AVANT STELLAR KEYBOARDhttp://www.lonestarkeyboards.com/Avant-Stellar-Programmable-Keyboard/productinfo/KB%2D00%2D1001/(click on additional images for close up)I actually went to the manufacturer website (http://www.cvtinc.com/products/keyboards/stellar.htm) but they didn’t have any large photos so I went to a reseller for larger images. Straight keyboard Can program any key to another function. Mechanical click/tactile key switches like the old IBM keyboards 12 function keys on left that can be reprogrammedKeypad built in2 year warranty30-day money back guarantee Price: $189.00Macro programming featuresPS/2 interface but can buy PS to USB cord (I find this a little odd)Programming software not compatible with Vista but can be programmed through the keyboard This is from the sales rep I spoke to this week:Have you ever heard of Northgate OmniKey keyboards? We purchased the rights to the keyboards when they went out of business. It is like typing on an old IBM keyboard. It is a loud click, you know when you hit a key. A lot of customers say they make fewer errors and I personally agree. I have had my Avant for a little over 10 years and I type all day long. I also have one at home. It might help for you to listen to this review on our website: http://www.cvtinc.com/products/keyboards/menu.htmClick on HEAR OUR INTERVIEW ON Lets talk Computers. Avant is VERY reliable. We sell to a lot of medical transcriptionists, writers, gamers, call center operators, etc. People that type 8 hours a day 5+ days per week. Our keyboards can really take a beating. What'cha think?

Business Cards [2008-11-16]
I am interested in picking up some new accounts and really want to design a nice business card --besides the usual info what else can I put on there to make a good impression? Thanks for your feedback -

Corruption does exist in this business. [2008-11-14]
I recall working for YOG. When it was purchased by MQ, my account suddenly became unrecognizable. It was apparent that one MT was getting the majority of the quick-money work, namely canned reports for a surgeon who did nothing else but. They are the cream of the crop and one day, they suddenly stopped coming to us. It was always the same MT who received them and then, it was clear the jobs were being assigned. Only one MT appeared to increase production and was making a ton of money comparatively speaking. The rumour of kick backs floated around, with the MT kicking back a portion of their income to the person assigned to job allocation. At the same time, MQ was tweaking the line count. We all watched our incomes decline except for this particular MT. It would be prudent if managers would observe income levels of individual MTs and if there is a sudden increase or decrease for any length of time that is out of the ordinary, an audit of the account take place by an objective staff member. Being paid by piece work leaves us all vulnerable to manipulation should the account managers have freedom from scrutiny. In this case we all were at the mercy of unscrupulous individuals as there was no oversight of the account manager.

Need opinions QA job [2008-11-04]
I would love to make that type of salary as QA. I am working 1 FT job as QA, 1 PT job QA as well as just started transcribing PT to boost my income. Money is good but I would like to just work one job, even 10 hours a day for that money rather than the way I'm working now. I say go for it and let us know the company or how you found such a job once you accept the position (or not). Good luck! Work so much cuz....2 kids in college. I feel fortunate to work in an industry where I can make as much as I possibly can and take on extra if need be.

Need opinions Please sm [2008-10-31]
Employee salaried position, 52K year, at home with benefits for QA specialist doing full edits, feedback and monthly QA audits. Do you think this is a reasonable salary? This is salaried, not hourly! Thank you in advance for all opinions!

Instant Text opinions [2008-10-29]
I know everyone has their favorite, but I ordered IT and found it really difficult to use. I am coming off a VR job and am looking for ways to help increase my speed. With IT, I feel like I am spending more time looking at the bottom of my screen instead of the report, and I really would like to start working on editingand proofing as I type. Is IT really worth itor would it be better to work on increasing my ShortHand commands? Thanks!

I find it unlikely this company will be in business much longer... [2008-10-07]
that is just horrible.

As a business owner, you set the rates. [2008-10-07]
The doctor has a choice to pay those rates or not. If he has someone that will do the same job for 2 cents less, why should he pay you more? If he won't pay what you think you deserve, then it is time to find new clients that will pay the rates you desire. Good luck though. I find more and more MTs are willing to work for less just for the opportunity to work at home and that drives down the wages for all of us.

All opinions are welcome on this board. (SM) [2008-10-05]
We realize that many people have different opinions and are tolerant to this. Civility is encouraged; however, just because you do not care for a poster's tone or content does not mean it shouldn't be here. Moderator

People are just telling their experiences, stating their opinions. [2008-10-04]
It's only normal.

Sounds like maybe you need to get out of the MT business... [2008-09-25]
nm

Opinions on software [2008-09-25]
Hi all, I am in the process of setting up my own home office and was wondering about transcription software. I have heard about the free ones such as DSS Lite and Express Scribe. I did not like the Express Scribe at all, but only used it at one place, so I'm not sure if it was just THEIR audio, or if it is the ES? When I tried to slow the dictation down just a tiny bit, it got all distorted and whistly. Also, who knows about Gear Player? It's about $80 but worth it if the quality is better? Thanks.

Anyone here with their own business? [2008-09-24]
I am looking to start up on my own and need any info. Basically I already have a doc to work for, but he doesn't know much about digital, just like I don't. First, what is the simplest setup that I can buy? As far as software, encription, etc. The cheapest setup from Transcription Gear was not that cheap. I don't mind spending the money if it is necessary, but I also don't want to buy something just because they are trying to sell it as the best. Any info appreciated, thanks.

Even with a salary you're kind of a small business owner! [2008-09-24]
Even if you're paid a salary you are your own agent, so to speak. Why not hire a part-time helper and pay them a subcontractor rate. That's what a service owner does. You are no hero for not getting some help. MTs who have their own accounts have responsibility for 7 days a week coverage, but not all of us type 7 days a week. Put an ad in the job seekers board and pay someone to take up the overflow. You will burn out and not be able to work at all eventually. Good luck to you.

Yep...when you own your own business...sm [2008-09-22]
you're always working. I may not actually type a lot on the weekends, but I do some. I use the weekends to do paperwork, organize, and get my bearings for the next week, So, yes, I work every day. Even holidays. Diana

Anyone here have their own business? [2008-09-19]
I could use some help. I have an opportunity to do some work for a doctor in CT, but I live in Maine. I have heard that there are encrypted e-mail programs that may allow me to get sound files but I do not know of any. I have also heard that FTP programs might work. Can anyone help me with some ideas of how I could get the sound files across the internet? Thanks, Gale

Posted on the Gab Board about name suggestions for my cookie business if anyone would like to help [2008-09-16]
I'm not sure how busy the Gab Board is compared to this board, so I thought I'd post here as an fyi. Thanks for any help :)

Opinions. Chances of me getting my old job back. [2008-09-14]
I just learned that my old employer is in trouble. They demanded overtime from everyone but did not compensate for it. Anyway, lawyers were involved and they are going to back pay us for the last 2 years. I have not worked there in about 6 months. My friend told me she knows for sure I have something coming to because she saw the envelope and the supe said oh there's mine. I don't know exactly how much I will be getting back. If I only get $10, I think it is a riot because not only did they rook us out of OT pay, but they rooked me and a few others out of our so-called incentive plan. That makes me a bad parson for enjoying this news. Despite all this, they do have much better pay then what any company I have applied for. They pay 10 for standard transcription and 8 for SR. When I was there I only paid $75 a month for family insurance. My kids got immunizations free. I got free annuals. I asked my friend if since now they know they have to pay OT, if they were swamped and would they need another MTs. She said no because since they got SR they are keeping up. I am just wondering if I should ask anyway. My friend would not tell me who turned them in. I have an inkling of a suspicion. I think it would be a hoot if it were one of their pets. BTW, this is a hospital not an MTSO.

More opinions please.... [2008-09-07]
Thanks.

Any opinions on All N One Wave Transcriber? [2008-09-03]
I am looking for a new transcriber software kit. The All N One Wave Transcriber by Martel Electronics looks good but they don't have a free trial download. I don't want to buy without knowing anything about it. I need something that I can see all the files that have been downloaded to me and that I can listen to and name file by file.I have a doctor that many times does not complete the dictationin one sitting - may continue it days later. I need to be able tosearch through files tosee ifI have the continuations or not. Most, from what I have found, don't have this option. I haveSony's Digital Voice Editor and love it but reallydislike thepedal so am trying to find something similar in another software.Does anyone out there have experience with this software and pedal (All N One)? Thanks in advance for any advice.

opinions, please [2008-08-25]
Do the majority here think that our supervisors and managers are out of touch? Before you laugh, this is a serious question. As we type all these crappy soundfiles, static, ESLs, Christmas carols in August, and on and on, do you think that our managers who were MTs xyears ago would really be able to produce as much as they expect us to do day in and day out? What they did in the past isn't an apples-to-apples comparison any more than if we do that. This is a today survey of sorts. The main reason I ask this is naturally as above (the out of touch/too far removed thing), but beyond that,now thatwehave all the perks of the digital age, why do we still have all these audio problems and everything else we endure on a daily basis? Why have those problems yet to be resolved, seriously? I thought about this over the weekend as I had an entire shift of one doc, who always uses a horrible phone or something. The end result is always leaving quite a few blanks--and that's after QA goes over it. This isn't a diss session. It's more a fact-finding one. Thanks for reading this and adding comments.

Filed complaint with Better Business Bureau against MTSO [2008-08-18]
for nonpayment after 90 days. Requested payment multiple times to no avail. Nothing but empty promises. Has anyone ever been successful getting paid after going through the BBB?

I did that once, and put my non-paying MTSO outta business! [2008-08-18]
;p

starting business/ go to convention [2008-08-15]
Need some advice, please. I am starting a small company and I want to market myself to be able to take overflow work from larger companies (or hospitals/clinics/medical centers) to give and send out to my group of MTs and QAs. I do not want the hassle of trying to approach the large hospitals, clinics, medical centers, themselves and I do not have the capital to purchase my own dictation system or program. I was thinking of going to the MT conventions and networking there but was not sure who/what companies attend these conventions. Does anyone have any ideas or can anyone point me in the right direction? I would appreciate any advice anyone could give to me. TIA Maria Maz

So you get a flash drive with voice files on it you are suppose to transcribe? [2008-12-03]
I'm trying to understand. Do you save the transcribed reports on the same jump drive? If that is the protocol, then wouldn't the MT before you typed any reports, then wouldn't they be saved to the flash drive? If so, then you could open up the flash drive and if there are any Word files or text files, you open those up and see what they are. If they are transcribed reports, write the patient's name down and don't transcribe those notes. Whatever the case may be, I would absolutely tell the office manager or whoever you are meeting with that you will type everything on the flash drive and that you expect to be paid for everything you type. You gave them freebies the last time and you're in this business to make money.

This account is sounding like both old MT sm [2008-12-03]
and the office staff are extremely disorganized. Other than making a list of the patients you transcribed, I would not get involved in any pre-transcription listmaking. That's the office's job. What should be happening is that they give you 1 jump drive for every 1 or 2 days' dictation ALONG WITH PATIENT LISTS FOR THOSE TWO DAYS. They have patient schedules in the office or a sign-in sheet, I am sure. They can at least provide you with those. As far as duplicates, state very firmly that due to the state of the records prior to you doing their transcription, they are probably going to have some duplicates and that you expect to be paid for everything you type. This is simply a cost of doing business the way they have been doing it in the past (or associating themselves with) and they are going to have to eat that cost. It's not your problem. If they give you any trouble with any of this, I would drop the account immediately and let them find a sucker to do free typing for them.

Instant Text and Shorthand (Reposting) [2008-12-02]
Is there a way to convert my ShortHand to Instant Text or merge the two so that I can use all my Shorthand entries on a new platform that only uses Instant Text? (Platform is Medrite.) Any help appreciated. Any opinions about Instant Text also appreciated. I've used Shorthand my entire career and am really nervous about not being able to use it and having to use IT.

Read further into his proposals and you will not be happy. sm [2008-12-01]
It will hurt any business owner to be in business in the U.S. If you have employees in India or anywhere else, you do not pay taxes, unemployment, health insurance, benefits, etc. I think that it is going to be more cost effective to not have U.S. employees and have to decide if I will close my doors or join in the offshore hoopla. I do know that they work hard and do not call in and will work all holidays. With 48 employees, I had no one that would work the holiday or the holiday weekend and I had to pull four 18-hour shifts in a row.

That's 1 reason why I voted for Obama - [2008-12-01]
stay in this business is if the tax breaks are ended and the loopholes closed for companies that outsource what used to be good American jobs. Ending offshoring entirely would be nice, but I doubt it'll happen. But it should cost less for companies to hire American workers at a decent, livable wage, than it does to send it offshore. Offshoring should be something they do in a pinch, not as a standard practice. Yeah, so what if they're making more money the way they're doing it now. Doesn't make it right. They're greedy and they're un-American when they put thousands of hard-working American MT's in the poorhouse, or out of a job.

By your post I can see why [2008-12-01]
you did not have anyone help you out. 1. You have no respect for US MTs. 2. You gave MTs the day off and did not schedule properly (bad business managing)and then blame the MTs. 3. You probably pay next to nothing. I would rather spend the day with my family than with a computer for a lousy wage. 4. If you are the owner of the business, you should expect to work 18-hour shifts. 5. Value your employees and pay them well. I guarantee you would never have to do an 18-hour shift again. I was quite shocked by your post - it validates what we complain about.

Looking for TX Platform like Bayscribe, Etc. with Low Cost [2008-12-01]
Hi, Starting up a TX business here. Want to be able to offer clients a platform like Bayscribe or Vianeta, etc. However, I am looking for one with low cost, I love Bayscribe, but if you are low volume, which we would be starting out, their per line rate is very high. Does anybody know of a good platform with a low per line rate and no or very low startup cost? Thank you, David

At least they asked you how you wanted to handle it. SM [2008-12-01]
They could have just not paid you for those dictations or they could have just called you up and told you they weren't going to pay you for that those dictations. As it is, they attempted to be diplomatic, I guess. I would, in a friendly way, say something like I wish I would have known which ones had already been typed before I started typing. I could have skipped over the ones already done. And then ask with the next group of dictations, if any have been transcribed that they provide you with a list up front. But I agree with everyone else, I would let them have this one since they are probably scrambling to try to figure out the mess that the former girl left.But if it happens again, I would put my foot down and let them know you're not in the business of typing for free.

You do as you like, but I can tell you [2008-12-01]
that disorganization does not always come from the old MT that you've replaced. You can type for free all you want. That's your business. If this person wasn't smart enough to know that there were dictations already transcribed and just handed it over to you on a holiday weekend to sort out the mess, and now doesn't want to pay, that's a bad first impression of the person handling the work that is supposed to have a handle on things. I guess she should have checked, but then again maybe she was in a rush to get to her holiday and not worry about it. I'm sure they'll pass the word all around that Lisa works for free; try her out! What would it cost for them in all honesty to just pay you for the trouble since it was their mistake and not yours? Honestly? But, hey, if you like working for free, that's your business. Good luck with that account! Why not ask the office how the old MT handled this situation? See what answer they give ya? You are all assuming the old MT was the bad one, when in fact it is probably the office; I think it's horrible to have this girl type on a holiday weekend and then come back with well we don't want to pay you know. Horrible! No, I'm not a doormat. It is actually MTs that type for free that give us all a bad name! Gee, I wish I could afford to type for free, but I can't, so I won't. Do you think a patient goes into thisphysician's office and says I've heard this all before from another doctor, so I'm not going to pay you? Doubt it!

It is 10 reports transcribed for free. [2008-12-01]
The OP states the account goes through transcriptionists. I wonder why? The OP states later on in the thread they go through transcriptionists. I'm trying to protect Lisa from getting abused from the get-go. All she has to say is my charge is and go from there. Too bad if they were already transcribed. Does that mean Lisa should take the loss? NO. Absolutely not. Again, read above where the OP states they can't seem to keep a transcriptionist. To the OP: Charge them! You won't regret it. If you are an IC, you have every right to charge them. Plus, look at rockinMT's post. She bent over backwards for an account and what happened? It turns out she was spending more time than it was worth. These are all my opinions, and I am trying to give my opinion on what the OP should do in regards to reports that she transcribed and should, yes, be paid for since she was not aware ahead of time and especially because it is a new account. What do I know? Ya know? I mean really? Just looking out for the best interest of the OP, but hey, that's just me.

Transcription vs.coding [2008-11-28]
Coding is definitely a plus when billing or transcribing. I would recommend that you take an Anatomy and Physiology class before moving onto the coding or transcription. Go to a good school, such as a community college. Do not get caught in the business college trap. Been there, done that. Coding and transcription training can lead to other things besides just being a coder or transcriber.

How about forgetting about other people and thinking [2008-11-28]
I started doing that years ago. We have the ability to just tune in our our headphones and tune out the garbage. Take attitudes for what they are. Here is something once I heard I always try to remember when someone in the field, either a coworker or boss, etc. is nasty: Always be kind as possible, everyone is also fighting some kind of battle. This means we don't have to get in other people's heads and figure out why they are out to get us. Don't waste the time. Chances are whatever it is has nothing to do with us. If QA is instructional fine, take from the mistake and learn and consider that learning experience a blessing. Conversely, besides the money which I also need to feed my family, think about that patient you are serving silently from home, and how you are in service. There is no job greater than to be in silent service to others. So, 2 things we can learn about our unique situation in this job: 1. Be thankful we can work quietly and remain quiet even through the storms of others. 2. Remain quiet while serving in a noble manner those who are at a time in their lives when they need you most, the sick and dying. A lot of the way we are treated is drawn by the way we look at the world. Change your outlook and things will change. That of course is just my 2 cents. I am not in control of anyone else, not this business, not the other posters, not the docs, not the people in the industry alongside me. I can only sit quietly and appreciate the fact that I am an MT and that is where I should be and I enjoy that fact every single day, even for 26 years I have served thus far. Happy Thanksgiving.

Fighting Fractured English [2008-11-28]
Blanks are not your problem. Poor dictators are. It has become a standard in the industry to make the problems of an ineffective dictator and make it an MT problem. This is not and was never an MT problem. We are required to transcribe in English, and the oral work coming in needs to meet an acceptable English standard. I've been in the business for 15 years, and frankly I am sick of it. Having exhausted every other resource to resolve this problem it is now time to fight back and sue these companies and the facilities who have made this our problem. We are TRANSCRIPTIONSTS, not TRANSLATORS OR LINGUISTS. If we are required to translate, they need to cough up the average salary of an interpretter which by the way is $200,000 a year. I dare say none of us are making that as MTs. The time has passed when someone else's disability directly impacts our paycheck when it is not our skill in question. Enough is enough. If you or anyone else is interested in pursuing this stand up with me and make your voices heard. Send me an email. I will keep your information confidential. The industry will never change as long as we continue to allow them to abuse us. NO MORE SWEAT SHOP LABOR. THEFREE RIDE IS OVER.IF THESE COMPANIES AND HOSPITALSWANT IT TRANSCRIBED IN ENGLISH, GIVE USA MINIMALLY ACCEPTEDORAL ENGLISH TO TRANSCRIBE.

SELF-EMPLOYMENT FANTASY [2008-11-25]
Am I living in a dream world thinking that I can actually find clients that will allow me to establish the rules by which I will run MY business? Or, does being successfully self-employed in this industrymeanthat I must allow the clients to walk all over me? I am flexible to a degree, but just want to be able to set limits while still being able to make a living. Maybe I should find some other industry?

VR using EXText -- is it productive? SM [2008-11-23]
Getting ready to start doing VR through EXText. I watched a demonstration of the VR editing process and it looks horrible! From what I saw, it is not as simple as listening to the report, taking your foot of the pedal, and making a change. There is a process of alt+s and then highlight the word to correct, etc... It just looked very VERY tedious and unproductive. I currently transcribe using EXText and have used EXText since it was first marketed, so I'm very familiary with it. The VR portion of it is very new to me and seems like more of a burden than anything. Then I was told that iChart will make the VR process much simplier and I'm wondering if this is true? I have experience with VR using Escription and with the FutureNet program and both are so simple to use. The Dictaphone software just looks completely complicated and I can't see making any money using it. Anybody who has experience with iChart, Dictaphone VR and EXText and would like to share their opinions and give me some more info, would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

somebody help!!!! [2008-11-23]
Ok I have been transcribing for 10yrs for a hospital. The hospital is being bought out by some company I am scared to death of being outsourced:( I know it seems like outsourcing is really putting a damper on the transcription career making it miserable for alot of people out there that went into this field. Sooooo does anybody know how would I go about starting my own transcription business??? I am sure I would have to be licensed insured or whatever but will somebody PLEASE explain to me in detail the whole procedure in going about this if it is worth the headache?????

DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO [2008-11-21]
I don't usually post anything on the internet but I was hoping to maybe get some positive feedback. I started as an MT in 1990. I worked for Kaiser in So CA for 15 years. I transcribed all work types and all specialties for hundreds of doctors.I took pride in my work and found it challenging on how to find ways to get the reportsdone faster. I had a very good job -$22.00per hour when I left - (they are union.) Ihad to leave because I had to have asubacromial decompression for impingement syndrome on my right and left shoulder. I still have flare-ups from pain. It was due to my job, and they could not honor my work restrictions when it was time to go back (I could only work 4 hurs a day)so I had to leave. That was okay with me - I had been commuting 100 miles round trip for years and I was burned out.I started a small transcription business of my own and had a few accounts - (I did them all myself.) I also have worked for a few transcription services throughout the years. I am not bragging by any means but I was always told that I did a very good job and I had very particular doctors. About a year ago my husbandcontracting businesstook off and he told me I did not have to work anymore. That was fine with me. Only now, due to theeconomy, the contractingbusiness is down. Anyway, I have to go back to transcribing as we have no money. I mean NO money, and we owe a lot. I have never been in this situation in my life and I am very scared. My point being - asyou all know when you stop transcribing hospital transcription for a time you lose a lot of your skillsI guess you would say. My confidence is way down. I have failed a few tests. I am 51 years old and I am scared to death. I have to find a job. Why can I am so down and I thought maybe some of you had been through this before. I did not mean to tell my life story, but when I explain to my husband or my friends they don Anyway thanks for listening....

see inside... [2008-11-18]
Hey cj....Not sure about being incorporated, but I am an IC and my husband and I formed a partnership in our state (MT), and we deduct everything that we can for the business each year. I don't know much else, as my husband does all our financial stuff, and we do use a CPA also... But the only tax we pay is 15% social security. You might want to see if that is better than incorporating in your state. Hope that helps some....

Keyboard Opinions - Avant versus Kinesis [2008-11-18]
I am faced with a decision between these 2 keyboards, both with pros and cons. I would like to take a survey to see what everyone's opinion would be. I strongly prefer a programmable keyboard, as I would like to change some of the keys around to suit me, but will I regret not having an ergo keyboard in the long run? Will I like the IBM clicky type keys? KINESIS FREESTYLE KEYBOARD http://www.kinesis-ergo.com/images/freestyle-solo_690x375.jpghttp://www.kinesis-ergo.com/images/solo-v3-10-blk_690x306.jpghttp://www.kinesis-ergo.com/images/solo_us_legend.jpg It splits and tents.Delete key is on left side (which I love) All other function keys are in the wrong place for me.Quiet low-force tactile membrane switch10 function keys on left Keypad separate purchase2 year warranty60-day money back guaranteePrice: $124.15 with the options I chose AVANT STELLAR KEYBOARDhttp://www.lonestarkeyboards.com/Avant-Stellar-Programmable-Keyboard/productinfo/KB%2D00%2D1001/(click on additional images for close up)I actually went to the manufacturer website (http://www.cvtinc.com/products/keyboards/stellar.htm) but they didn’t have any large photos so I went to a reseller for larger images. Straight keyboard Can program any key to another function. Mechanical click/tactile key switches like the old IBM keyboards 12 function keys on left that can be reprogrammedKeypad built in2 year warranty30-day money back guarantee Price: $189.00Macro programming featuresPS/2 interface but can buy PS to USB cord (I find this a little odd)Programming software not compatible with Vista but can be programmed through the keyboard This is from the sales rep I spoke to this week:Have you ever heard of Northgate OmniKey keyboards? We purchased the rights to the keyboards when they went out of business. It is like typing on an old IBM keyboard. It is a loud click, you know when you hit a key. A lot of customers say they make fewer errors and I personally agree. I have had my Avant for a little over 10 years and I type all day long. I also have one at home. It might help for you to listen to this review on our website: http://www.cvtinc.com/products/keyboards/menu.htmClick on HEAR OUR INTERVIEW ON Lets talk Computers. Avant is VERY reliable. We sell to a lot of medical transcriptionists, writers, gamers, call center operators, etc. People that type 8 hours a day 5+ days per week. Our keyboards can really take a beating. What'cha think?

Services [2008-11-18]
Services Provided as Key Activity of the Business If a worker provides services that are a key aspect of the business, it is more likely that the business will have the right to direct and control his or her activities. For example, if a law firm hires an attorney, it is likely that it will present the attorney’s work as its own and would have the right to control or direct that work. This would indicate an employer-employee relationship. Does this mean I am not an IC because my company presents my work as its own and they tell me what platform I have to use?

Has anybody here incorporated? sm [2008-11-18]
I'm told it would give me a tax break.I'm currently working as an IC. Is this expensive to do?Do you need a business name to do this? Can this be done online? Any info would be greatly appreciated.

WARNING: TOTH TRANSCRIPTION [2008-11-18]
Hello! It's been a while since I have been on this board. I'm still receiving e-mails from MTs telling me that they have been taken advantage of by Toth Transcription. From what I understand, Toth is now advertising on www.craigslist.comfor new MTs to apply with them. Every time I receive an e-mail from another MT, she tells me how she has not been receiving her paychecks, and how after many attempts at contacting the Toths, she hasnot received any replies to her e-mails or return phone calls. It's no less than criminal what they are doing to people, and the more people that come forward with their experiences, the better our chances are at putting them out of business. I can't stress enough how underhanded and manipulative their hiring process is, and how abusive they are to their MTs. If you don't want to see them get away with this anymore, you have to act on this, and warn anybody and everybody about TOTH TRANSCRIPTION in Wexford, PA. They prey on newbies fresh out of school, and out-of-state applicants, because they know that as long as you are out of state, you have no recourse to go after them to get your money. ****** I am in touch with other MTs who have been put through the wringer by Toth, and they are fighting back tooth and nail. Don't feel hopeless and helpless, that is what they are counting on. Stand up for yourself and get fighting mad. ******* DISCLAIMER *****************Postings of this nature are the poster's personal opinion should not be considered as substantiated by MTStars. Under no circumstances will MTStars be liable for any loss or damage caused by a user’s reliance on information obtained from this message. MTStars.com cannot effectively monitor validity of material/information posted on its Message Boards and, therefore, makes no representation and warranty with respect thereto. Any discussions regarding this situation should be handled via email. Contact/Reply OP (original poster) using the Reply by Email link below. MTStars Team

To everyone their own...sm [2008-11-17]
If you don't want to read it that is your business. Some people don't like long posts. I don't mind them myself because I am one who likes to read. If I am short on work I come on here and read the posts. If I am busy I won't read the long ones. Just pass them up if you don't like them. No biggie. :)

a lot lately, which is why [2008-11-17]
I'm on my way out. I work part-time while I'm rebuilding my photography business. This is me, see link below:

Business Cards [2008-11-16]
I am interested in picking up some new accounts and really want to design a nice business card --besides the usual info what else can I put on there to make a good impression? Thanks for your feedback -