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As long as they have decent internet service there, you should be fine and if you use your laptop no

Posted By: TravelerMT on 2007-05-29
In Reply to: Travelling and working...sm - AJS

my laptop because it uses a 9-pin foot pedal and I havent been able to get an adapter that works. Obviously, most all laptops these days have the USB on them. What I have had to do is bubble wrap my computer (I have a small desktop and flat screen) put it in the suitcase and off I go. Also, doublecheck on your time change. I take mine to Hawaii and have to remember there is a 4-hour difference so you'd have to factor that in if someone needed you to do something a certain time. Just check on your internet service before you go etc.. I travel all over with my computer. I cant afford to miss work. Best of both worlds..vacation and work..Nothing is nicer than sitting out on the lanai in Hawaii with that gorgeous view i.e. sunset and working away. I mean I could be home staring at the four walls..boring...


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Using the internet is fine if you
know your speciality.  How many MTs do we see who depend and rely on Google as their ultimate source?  They type a word in, see 10,000 hits and think it must be true.  BIG MISTAKE and bad advice.
My telephone service is VOIP, but it s through my cable service, along with my cable internet. .
We have had VOIP for about a year now and I love it. I really can't tell a difference in traditional service, except the price. One of the best calls of my life was to Bellsouth to cancel our service!
I can use internet with just fine with mine, (nm)
x
How long to make decent $$$??

This may seem like a stupid question to all of you "veterans" out there, but how long until a "newbie" can expect to make a decent wage in this business?  I have only been employed for about 5 mos, so I am trying to cut myself some slack, but minimum wage is hard to swallow.  I do reports from a pool of doctors so I can't seem to utilize the full benefits of expanders, and on my best day, I can type about 110-125 lph.  Again, I know I just started, but I can't keep making this kind of wage forever.  Are there tricks I am missing?  Any insight would really be appreciated!!  Thanks in advance!! 


VR decent but long way to go before replaces MT
I was present at a demo of Dictaphone's/Nuance Enterprise and HDI's VR systems. While both were fairly decent, Enterprise even took on one motormouth Ortho at about 50% accuracy, we were told the systems would never replace live people. The hospital I work for is now looking at Enterprise in the next fiscal budget.
No, you don't need their internet service, just
some internet service - cable type. I got all the equipment I needed from Vonage. Also their equipment is a Linksys - that's it. You just plug it into your cable modem, and my Vonage Linksys had ports allowing me to network all 6 of my computers at home. Prior to Vonage, I was only able to network 3 off of my cable modem. Its very, very easy to figure out. The only old down side used to be that you could not get all the usual features of 911 in an emergency. You would have to dial 911 and say your address. That has been rectified now in all areas, as far as I know. I also have a cell phone anyway, 24/7, so on the rare occasions that power has gone out, I use my cell phone if need be. I have never been so happy with a phone company - been with Vonage about a year now. I had tried them all, and been burned by all - Verizon, MCI, Sprint. I lasted with Verizon the longest, but again, I paid about $80 a month for their biggest plan - Freedom plan, with all unlimited LD, call waiting, voice mail - every bell and whistle one could get, and the bill always was $50 to $100 or more higher than promised. They would tack on all sorts of garbage every month. Finally got sick of them and switched to Vonage. It was scary at first, but so worth it. Again, when I work, they have a feature where you can set your phone to not even ring - just go to instant voice mail. You get an email that you have a new message, or your phone blinks and lets you know. You can go right in your email and look and see who the # is that called, so you know whether to listen to the message or leave for later. You also can access all your phone stuff thru Vonage.com. You can listen to your voice mail via your work headphones, or you can listen to the messages via your phone. Online, all your calls are saved permanently. I am just so pleased with them, though was very skeptical at first. They even have a new neat thing called a virtual phone or something, and its a screen you can bring up on your computer which is a big phone. You use your mouse to dial the numbers and just talk thru a computer microphone or headset. Its really cool. I don't need it, but it sounds like a fun toy!
Internet service
Was with Time Warner when brought out by ComCast. Internet service through cable fast but unreliable. Have been with AT%T for about a year now, a tad slower, but has NEVER gone down.
Internet service is not down.
They just switched to using a different cable for service and most service will be back up today. Since it happened at the end of their workday yesterday, it hasn't really affected too much.
How long does it take to make decent line count?
I am considering joining an outsourcing company. Can you tell me how long it took you, as an experienced transcriptionist, to get up to snuff that you were making a decent wage? And what is your average rate per hour when paid by the line of 65 cpl?
Is anyone using the new internet phone service through
your local cable company or Vonage or something like that.  How do you like it?  Any troubles we should be aware of?  Thanks for any info.
RE: Is anyone using the new internet phone service through
I have internet services and digital phone service through Time-Warner, and it is great!
Switching internet service
Cox just informed me that my monthly bill will be going up by $5 starting in October.  Does anyone use NetZero or can anyone recommend a reliable internet service at a decent rate?  My bill will go up to about $45/month. 
Reliable Internet Service
I also used Earthlink for a year with problems like yours, switched to Verizon DSL with worse problems, looked into Comcast, also in my area, which was highly recommended. I had to get rid of Verizon as I kept losing service, they actually blamed it on electrical appliances in my house (not true), so I switched to my town's local cable company, have no problems with that. I would try Comcast before Verizon DSL. It is really aggravating when you keep losing internet connections and after many calls they still cannot figure out why. Good luck.
Can you get Vonage w/out getting internet service? sm

If I can remember correctly, I was once told that you needed their internet service - which I do not need nor want - just want to get rid of my expensive land line.


 


Thanks!


Question for those who use internet fax service (sm)

I am looking into this and didn't realize how many different companies are out there.  Who do you use, and are you happy with the service? Thanks!  LLHS


Internet service question

I am going to be moving to an area where high speed broadband and DSL are not available - and the company I work for, as well as most other companies that I have seen on the jobseekers forum require one of these types of internet service - does anyone have any idea of how I can either get around this or of any companies that do not require these - and perhaps can use satellite or some other type where a "receiver" is placed on your roof that picks up a radio transmission.  That is the only type service available there.  I have heard from one Transcriptionist that said AT&T could perhaps install a "pole" in my yard for around $400 in order to get their DSL and I am going to check on that - but otherwise - I need help with this - and my options are running out.  I have been an MT for 15 years and worked at home for most of those years - I cannot imagine doing anything else - but this move is for my husband's business - so I'm stuck as far as where I can move.  Any information would be appreciated - either emailed or on this board.  thanks


 


kat


How long would you say it takes to get a decent grip on them. I do have samples already I have read
over and they arent hard but I havent heard the voices yet.
Broadband/Internet Telephone Service
Does anyone use a broadband/internet telephone service for transcription, such as Vonage, Covad, Lingo, SpeakEasy? I have a local long distance account and am looking into this type of service for a monthly flat fee for unlimited minute usage. Otherwise, the long distance fees would eat me alive. Any info on any company, good or bad, would help me tremendously in making my decision. I am researching several via the internet, but once again, any info would help.

Have a save and sane 4th of July!
Lillian
Searching for Internet satellite service
This company looks they offer good service in our area according to their add but I have never heard of them before.  Any news would be appreciated.
How long was the in-house training period? I'd be willing to travel for a few days for a decent
nm
Internet service without land-line phone

I recently looked into this subject myself.  If you have Verizon available in your area, you can purchase a plan at about $55.00 per month with a two-year contract.  You will receive a card that you can insert into your laptop, which will provide you with unlimited Internet access at the speed of DSL.  As far as I know, there are no other cell service providers that have come up with this type of card yet, but I'm sure it's bound to happen in the future.  Another option is to purchase a satellite telephone and phone cards as you go along, but the cards are really outrageous in price.  One last thing that I would suggest is that you phone cell providers in your area to see if they have any technical gadgets you could attach to the cell phone for Internet access.  Many of the satellite phone companies have separate packages you can buy, which can be attached to laptops or PDAs.  I also have a TracPhone, so I know it does not come with hardware that will do the trick.


 


Good luck to you in setting everything up.  With the way that technology is moving, I'm sure there must be a way to accomplish what you want. 


Reliable Internet Service? Currently using Earthlink and very unhappy.
I've been using Earthlink as my ISP but this past year the service has gone downhill.  I've been without service at least four times this year for anywhere between a few hours to a day.  Plus all tech support is out of the country so you spend more time than necessary asking the tech to repeat the instructions.  I'm looking at Verizon right now.  Comcast is not recommended.  Thanks
Does anyone know why some companies won't hire you if you have satellite internet service? TIA
x
Have had Hughes for 5 years (used to be Direcway) great internet service sm
but truly hate if I have any kind of problem and have to call in. Luckily that is rate to nonexistent.
Norton Internet Security 2009 and Service Pack 2 or 3??
I am having a heck of a time! I have Windows XP and just purchased Norton Internet Security 2009 for my antivirus, as my previous version is just about to expire. Upon installing it it says I have to install Service Pack 2 or higher for it to work. I never installed SP2 because I read that many, many had problems with it. Should I go ahead and download SP3? Is there anything I need to do before installing it? I'm thinking of taking the computer to a professional and having them download SP3 and install it for me because it makes me really nervous! Anyone have any experience with this? What should I do?

Thanks!
Does anyone use laptop & cell phone/Internet Card for work?

I am not real computer literate but am wondering if I couldn't get unlimited Internet with a cell phone plan and use that for my on-line job/Internet connection exclusively. I have found plans for around $70/month.


If so, I was thinking too I could possibly give up my land line phone, Callwave, my dial-up ISP (as that is all we have available where live) and actually save a little money by doing so. I don't make/receive a lot of land line calls and I have a TracFone cell phone that I don't use much now. I get excellent reception with that where I live. We have a huge tower within walking distance of where I live but we live out in the "sticks". :D I know my connection would be dependent on the reception where I live and the cell phone service I would use. I am not sure which one truly has the best coverage and/or who may be using the tower by our home but TracFone apparently does. :)


TIA. 


Most employers are fine as long as you tell ...sm
them when you're interviewing the dates you'll be unavailable.  When it usually becomes a problem is when someone says something like 2 days before Christmas "oh by the way I need the next week off...." and they wonder why you tell them no!
Thanks.. we love Vegas..get our rooms free and now you can pay like $10 for 24-hour internet service
Gotta love it..  Have fun on your trips too..
hairy is fine as long as its not on their backs

I just got a laptop and I can't believe I waited so long to get one!
If your account only uses WAV files and you don't need a phone line, you can work anywhere! I've already taken two out of town trips and was able to work at both places. this summer, I totally intend to be outside watching my kids swim and play while I'm working. Everybody should have a laptop!
Unlimited long distance service? sm
What is a good unlimited long distance company?  Has anyone used Chatterbug? Pros, cons?
Anyone use Cox Communications for unlimited long distance? Just wondering how their service is.
There aren't too many reasonable choices here in the Midwest, unless you know of some out there.  Thanks for the input!
What college or internet class is only 4 months long?!! nm
s
Oh for Pete's sake! Had Internet access long?
sheesh
I was told I would dial directly into the system/Will I need to get dial up internet service?

All I want for Christmas is a decent job, a decent job, a decent job.

One that's not 95% ESLs, steady workload, steady accounts, good communication, office staff who aren't rude buckpassers, decent line rate, no offshoring, direct deposit, flexible schedule, not having to do 50+ 30-second reports per day, and a platform conducive to speed.  I know it's not possible, but a girl can dream, can't she?  This is, after all, my Christmas wish list.  I never get what I want for Christmas.  Why is that too much to ask for?  It doesn't even matter anyways.  After Christmas, I QUIT MT!!!!  Burger King is just down the street, and they give food discounts.


One year and you make decent money? What is decent money to you?
k
We have decided to add this to our current service not have a new service. It will be easier to sm

keep track of and will just be a different department. 


It looks like we will work out details over the next 6 months, talking with community college program directors as well as a few of the distance-learning course leaders to work on the recruiting end.


We will train current staff to mentor if they would like to do so and want to work in the office.


We are still working on production requirements, goals to set, pay, benefits and other fine details but we have 6 months to get it all in place with three months to pull it together after that with a tentative start date of 09/01/06.  We need to build the building as well, although that is already at the blueprint stage in a spot next to our current office. 


We did not want to cause flames and bashing by listing the company name as there are always so many negative people on this site, but we are national with over 200 transcriptionists, located outside of Chicago (40 miles west) and have the best team of transcriptionists around!


We will have an "official" announcement after the first of the new year. 


Thank you for all of your feedback and suggestions!


To all of you Escriptionist out there...Laptop question. Have any of you found a laptop that you can
thing. I tried one of those adapter that goes from the 9-pin to the USB but when I plugged in the USB my foot pedal did not work right. I know supposedly there is a help section on the escription website that says the adapter may work and how to make them compatible etc but it never worked for me. Has any of you find a solution or a laptop that this foot pedal with work with. I'd like to work while traveling and get a laptop but it never worked on my old one. Ideas??
Internet based transcription - need advice on how to go internet
Can anyone offer any help/advice on how go about becoming internet based from a call in system, or how to keep the call in system for the docs and put transcriptionists on the internet?  Not sure where to start to get information on how to go about doing this. Any help will be appreciated.  Thanks.
If you want to work on the internet from home, take an internet course
But only from Andrews School or M-TEC. Many companies will waive the 2-years' experience requirement and will test and hire you if you go to either of those schools. Do NOT bother with At Home Professions, Penn Foster, US Career Institute, or ESPECIALLY Trans-Am, which is also known as Trans-SCAM and is a total ripoff. You will have a VERY difficult time getting hired without experience unless you choose Andrews School or M-TEC. Yes, they cost more, but that's because they are excellent training programs, not "correspondence courses."
I am not asking for a service, I AM the service looking for recorders
nm
Decent MT job
Good luck in finding one any more. I have checked on several and they are all as bad as or even worse than MQ. That's why for the time being, I am staying with them. Everybody wants us to work for peanuts nowadays, thinks we can just jump from one account to another with 100% QA, understanding totally strange doctors who don't speak English, etc. The people in charge don't have a clue just how difficult this job really is. I wish I could retire!
I hate Instant Text. It is expensive, long long learning
curve, and too much distraction for me.
I was responding actually to DECENT MT
...rather than EXCELLENT MT.

:)

Nice attide, though.

I don't know companies that charge 18 to 20 CPL!!! The most I've heard of is 13. Who charges 18-20 CPL, please? And who are they sleeping with??? :)

I lie... I forgot that in mentioning sleeping with..... There was a surgical group whose director's wife started a service and charged her husband and his partners 18 CPL.

They now offshore to India, however.
Where is there a decent company???
I would like to know exactly WHERE to apply to a decent company that is not the same as or worse than MQ? I have checked into several and they all leave a lot to be desired. I have lots of experience, have 99% QA reports, and would like to be paid for it. I have not found anybody who is willing to pay me any more than I am making at MQ, plus they have a lot of rules about strict schedules, etc. that were a lot worse than MQ. I would love to quit MQ, but where is there a better place???? Let's hear some POSITIVE answers for a change----.
How does asking someone which companies are decent

equate into having them do your resume and work for you?  That's a stretch.  Word of mouth is all we have here because the people doing the hiring are naturally going to make their company sound like the best one out there.


Personally, I am sick and tired of searching for a decent MT job.  I've been looking for over month now with no luck.  It's not for lack of experience or effort.  I'm not unqualified or a lousy worker either.  I get really tired of being put on the most difficult accounts right off the bat or being bounced from one account to another for coverage.  I want a decent platform that doesn't require you to jump to four different places just to find the header demographics information.  Time is money.  It's gotten to the point that I don't even know what I want any more.  Everyone wants full-time, odd shifts, Tu-Sa, or a C-phone.  I've seriously been thinking about going back to selling stuff on ebay because I'm so frustrated.  I give up.


That would be the decent thing to do
deleting posts where it is mentioned. It seems very juvenile and shady for them to just delete the posts without any sort of response.  If you take a stance on something, you should be willing to truly stand behind your decision.  They are acting like they are ashamed of the position they have decided to take on this matter.
That's a decent salary.
.
Then, I would say 9 cpl to 10 cpl would be a decent offer.
Go for it! 
Decent money is out there
Most of you know me from this board and I just want to share this with you guys.  One of my gals that I met through a nephew's baseball team -- he and her son played together and we go to the same church.  She had two terms  of medical terminology/some transcription underneath her belt, many years in the law field as a paralegal, etc.   She wanted to work at home, make some extra money, etc.  I took her in and started her on my psych accounts and the onto some IM accounts.  She got the psych accounts quite well but had trouble with the IM.  We butted heads several times over scheduling, etc.  She did not understand the 24 TAT and so on.  But we perservered together.  She finally got a job in an attorney's office part-time doing some medical review, etc. and quit me.   On good terms.  Then last November I helped her land a GYN account that we started off together and I just handed off to her as it was not worth my while to drive 25 miles for what dictation was there.   It was my business name and years in experience that landed the job.  She took it over and tonight she informed me that she is so glad that I kept at her and perservered with her as she is now making $42 to $45 an hour typing for them.  She is like me charges only .12 cpl but because of auto corrects, macro's and shortcuts that I helped her with, she is making good money.  If fact in Sept when they add another doctor she is going to quit her legal job completely because she makes more with this account with less hours or if she keeps the legal job she is going to do what I did and mentor and help someone else break into the field.  Again these are tape accounts, with pick up and delivery and the little accounts no one else wants but they provide us with a good living. Again, I don't look at the cpl but at my hourly rate and that is what keeps me happpy.  She just wanted to thank me for helping her out and I am really happy for her.   Yea we spoil our accounts but they reciprocate with decent money.  So for those that want your own accounts, keep at it, takes time and patience but you can get there.  I had most profitable year ever this year and less hours.