I while ago, I had a small desire to work at a transcription company here in town to supplement my income.  This company listens to recordings of court proceedings, medical stuff, etc etc etc.  So, I sent in a resume, and never heard back.  I was a little annoyed and upset at the time, as I think I'm a pretty good listener and typist.

I no longer have such foolish notions about myself, nor about my desire for that job.

The Super at the jail has asked me to listen to some hearings he Chaired, and to transcribe them.  He said there was "a long one and a short one".  The first one, which was only 7 minutes long, took me a solid 2 hours.  Afterwards, my brain hurt, and was tired.  I seriously had to go outside and sit down to clear my head.

I then said to him "please tell me that the 7 minute one is the long one...?"  He laughed and gave me #2.  35 minutes.  Wow.  I'm on day 3 (8 hours each!), and I have 10 minutes left to listen to...  ~cries~

So, here's my advice to any relevant person reading this:  If you are recording yourself, or are in a meeting where a recording is taking place, and you later wish it to be transcribed... be kind!  Speak slowly.  Speak only one person at a time.  Make a concious effort to finish a sentence that you start, and not switch halfway through.  Don't get distracted.  And for the love of God, PLEASE stop using "um" and "uh" and all those sounds you make while thinking!  Transcript means transcript. Verbatim!

BAH!