At present, anyone can (and is encouraged to) click on the guideline links
found on the transcribers' information page. These are complete sets of the
formatting rules taught in the training course. If you find any situations not
covered, PLEASE let us know.
http://www.rootsweb.com/~kygenweb/kvrp/sup/dctranscriber.html
Meanwhile, I've found that there are sometimes very predictable areas of
error shown by people taking the training course. I've put together a short list
of items that can be printed out to keep handy while transcribing. I've tried
to keep it to one page, but a good enough tip would be worth the exception.
I'm throwing this out to the group for comment. I'd also like to know if you
think it should be posted on the transcription page, as part of the training
instructions, or somewhere else?
Thanks,
Janice
SHORT TIP LIST
Always type as shown here, including any periods
Abt.
unknown infant
Rev.
Dr.
Sr.
Jr.
III
IV
Using "unknown" in a name
The deceased is the only person who can be called unknown unknown. Neither
word is capitalized.
Only use unknown in a mother or father's name if part of that name already
exists. Example: unknown SYKES or Matilda unknown
If you don't have any part of a parent's name, leave their space blank.
Abbreviating Given Names
If the document shows a period after an abbreviated given name, so do we. If
it doesn't show a period, neither do we.
Using "unknown" in place of a month
Use if you do have both a day and a year, but no month.
Use if you have a day but no month or year. (29 unknown is OK,
29 unknown unknown is not.)
Using a zero
YES for dates, as in 03 Sep 1954
NO for an age under 10
Abbreviating States
Use 2-letter cap abbreviations for states only: example TN or KY
Foreign Countries
Germany - spell out the entire word if shown that way
Ger. - abbreviate only if shown that way
Place modifiers
YES - use descriptive phrases like "near the home of" which gives
information.
NO - do not include phrases such as "some place in" NC, which adds no
information to NC.