Work at Home Grandmas

How to Become a Non-Medical Online Transcriber

2013-12-23T20:15:00.001-08:00

Non-Medical Online Transcription

Transcribing dictation is one of the many ways to work online at home. It can be a good alternative for someone who spent years as an assistant in a brick and mortar company, but can someone become an online transcriber without any experience?

Yes! While medical transcription often requires specialized training in medical terminology, non-medical transcription usually does not require any special training. Some companies may require experience, but with others you just need to be able to pass the test.

How do you pass a test to secure an online transcription job? The key is speed and accuracy. Many companies will list the minimum required typing speed on their application page. This hub will show you how to transcribe. Then your part is to increase your speed and accuracy, which means practice, practice practice.

Step 1: Learn to Type

The first skill an online transcribe needs is typing speed. The faster and more accurate, the better. If you already know how to type, all the better. If you do not, there are several ways to learn. Hunting and pecking will not cut it if you want to become an online transcriber. You will need to learn to type by touch with both hands on the keyboard and your eyes on the screen.

This is when the typing teachers of the past got their rulers out to smack the knuckles of any student who not typing properly. It gave typing teachers a stern reputation, but it is very important in order to built speed and accuracy. Do not establish bad habits that will later inhibit your speed and accuracy.

One popular and fun way to learn to type is Mavis Beacon. This program has been out for at least two decades, with a long proven record of success. Mavis takes a lot of the strain out of practicing because it makes it enjoyable. There are several games, challenges and tests. The program adjusts to you personally allowing you to focus on problem areas, such as particular keys that may slow you down or cause errors.

Increase Typing Speed and Accuracy with Mavis Beacon

There are also several websites that offer free online typing courses. Some are better than others, and I have yet to find one as enjoyable as Mavis Beacon, but here are two of the better ones I have seen:

Learn to Type Online

Learn to Type | Free Typing Tutor | Typing Course
Learn to type online for free. Get officially certified for your typing and 10 key skills.

FREE ONLINE TYPING COURSE
Free online typing course. Guided lessons to learn step-by-step from the beginning. Learn how to type correctly in just a few hours using all your fingers. Web-based course. No downloads required.

Step 2: Learn to Use a Foot Pedal

What does the foot pedal do? The foot pedal controls the audio, which is what you are transcribing into a typed document. There are controls for listen, rewind and fast forward. Newbies sometimes hesitate buying a foot pedal. Some believe they will learn to transcribe without one or they will find a job not requiring one.

While this is the world wide web, and there may be someone somewhere who has done it, I learned to transcribe three decades ago and can not imagine anyone building the necessary speed without a foot pedal. Most online transcription jobs pay by the word, page or length of audio. In other words, you speed even after you pass the test remains a critical factor in the size of your paycheck. Moreover, most online transcription jobs will require you to purchase one.

Scribie is the only exception I am aware of for a company to allow you to transcribe without a foot pedal. A few online transcription companies will also allow you to begin work, but require you to purchase a foot pedal within a certain length of time.

However, if you have never used a foot pedal, you need to purchase one anyway in order to master the use of one. It takes practice to coordinate your foot being on the foot pedal controlling the audio, while simultaneously typing what you are listening to on the audio. This also generally requires a headset.

Step 3: Build Speed Transcribing

Once you begin learning to type and have your foot pedal and headset, the next step is to practice. The key is to build your speed in order to pass the test to secure an online transcribers job.

First, you will need the software. Express Scribe is a popular, widely used transcription software that can be downloaded for free. This introductory video gives a brief overview of Express Scribe. For those just wanting to try transcribing to see if it is something you want to pursue, there are a couple of options.

Downloading Express Scribe, loading an audio file and typing it out will give you some idea.
Secondly, Scribe does not require a foot pedal or the downloading of any software. However, you will need to pass a test. The test is not difficult and Scribie does pay $1 for each 6 minute audio transcribed. That is $10 per audio hour transcribed, not $10 an hour. An hour worth of audio may take much more than an hour to transcribe.

Conclusion

This is everything you need to become an online transcriber working at home. To begin applying for jobs, see Top 10 Online Transcription Jobs. Remember, practice is the only way to increase your speed and accuracy. This is important for two reasons. First, transcription companies require speed and accuracy. Secondly, your speed and accuracy directly affects the amount of time you have to work to earn money transcribing.

Data Entry Jobs: Key for Cash, Dion Data Solutions and Others

2013-12-05T07:21:00.000-08:00

Online Data Entry Jobs

Making money online doing data entry is one of the most widely searched and sought after work at home opportunities. Online data entry has gotten a terrible reputation from the nearly endless scams seeking to cash in on that popularity.

The scams have been so prevalent that many will simply tell you there is no such thing as a legitimate make money online data entry job or company. It is understandable that some have come to that conclusion, but there is hope.

What is Data Entry?
First let's be clear about what data entry is - and what it is not. Dictionary.com defines data entry as, "the job of entering text or other data into a computer as by typing on a keyboard or scanning a document." That can be a misleading definition to someone without a lot of clerical experience because it could technically include jobs that are classified as typist positions or even transcription. However, those are not data entry jobs, but typist or transcriber jobs.

I think a clearer definition is that data entry generally does not involve entering complete sentences of text such as a typist or transcriber position likely does. Online data entry generally involves entering numbers, names and maybe even addresses from scanned material. Data entry also does not generally involve entering data from an audio recording like transcription does.

Online Data Entry Scams

Many of the make money online working at home data entry scams involve charging you a fee for the information or to work for the company. Of course, then the opportunity to make money never materializes and the whole experience has actually cost you money. Never, never, never pay someone for a supposed opportunity to work for them!

You would never pay a brick and mortar company to work for them, so do not pay an online one to either! The stacks of money, fancy cars and promises of making a fortune from three hours of work are all good indicators of scams.

Besides never paying to work for a company, checking the company out before giving any personal information is also a wise idea. I personally like RipoffReport.com and scam.com, as well as checking with the Better Business Bureau. Now for the Legitimate Data Entry Jobs. The following companies offer legitimate online data entry positions.

Entering Data

Data Entry Clerk

Source: A1949123, Public Domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Dion Data Solutions

Another legitimate make money online working at home doing data entry job is Dion Data Solutions. Be warned, no one ever seems to leave this job once they get in! However, Dion Data is currently hiring highly skilled data entry operators in the United States only. If that changes, Dion Data Solutions will post it on their web page. Dion Data Solutions does not charge a fee to work for them.

Requirements:

Home desktop computer
Stable Internet access
Type an accurate 60 wpm
Basic computer skills, such as email, downloading and uploading files, etc.
Good communication skills
Able to work with minimal supervision

If you are highly skilled and have been looking for a legitimate opportunity to make money online doing data entry, check out Dion Data Solutions today!

Key for Cash

Key for Cash has been offering make money online doing data entry opportunities since 2001. There is no fee involved in working for Key for Cash. The pay does tend to fluctuate with the market, but it is generally between $.20 to $.60 per 1,000 keystrokes. I realize that is a pretty good size span, but as I mentioned the pay fluctuates with the market. The pay has been as high as $.80 and as low as $.20 per 1,000 keystrokes. Your results may vary depending on your speed and the pay rate at any given time, but a ballpark figure makes that in the range of $5.00 to $9.00 an hour.

There are three tests to take - one of the tests is numeric, one is letters only, one is dollars only. There are instructions regarding how to enter the data, so be sure to pay attention to the instructions for the tests before starting. The little scanned snippets appear in a box and you just need to enter the data as instructed. Key for Cash states of their web page that they review the scores every couple of weeks for hiring in accordance with their workload. Key for Cash hires according to the scores received on these three tests, so get the highest score you possibly can. You can even take the next every 24 hours until you are satisfied with your score. The score you receive is your speed and accuracy in comparison to others who have taken the tests.
Key for Cash pays their data entry independent contractors every two weeks. Key for Cash is not accredited by the BBB, nor are there any complaints against them on Ripoff Report.

Capital Typing

Capital Typing is one of the leading outsourcing companies in the U.S. providing a complete range of office support solutions, including Data Entry and Market Research Services. The company’s Data Entry Services and Market Research Department employs a large number of well-trained and rigorously tested work-at-home data entry clerks.

More Online Data Entry Jobs

Additional ways to search for legitimate make money online working at home data entry jobs is through sites such as elance.com. There are numerous similar sites available that offer free sign up. Sign up, search the jobs listings and find data entry opportunities. Most sites offering these kinds of assignments are paid by the customer, but the site pays you. Also check the site for specific details, because when this arrangement is offered it means you greatly increase, or in some cases depending on which sites you use, guarantee you will get paid.

Quality Rater: Search Engine Evaluator Work at Home Jobs

2013-12-04T17:03:00.000-08:00

© by G Meyers

It's easy to get discouraged looking for legitimate ways to make money online working at home because the scams seem to be everywhere! I spent a great deal of time researching my way through seemingly endless online scams when I decided to make money online.

As a result of all of that time and effort, when I finally found many legitimate companies, I created hubs and a website to hopefully save others all the time, effort, frustration and sometimes even money in their own search for legitimate online money making opportunities.

There are many legitimate companies offering work at home opportunities, but it can take a lot of time, effort and frustration to find them. Some of the companies I found I have worked for and I know they are legitimate. Others I researched on the Better Business Bureau web page, as well as on pages such as RipoffReport.com. I read reviews from others on legitimate work at home websites.

Here are three such companies who hire search engine evaluators, sometimes called quality raters, to work at home and make money online. For more legitimate work at home making money online opportunities, I have a total of five work at home online hubs by job title.

Good luck with your search! If you have experience with any of these companies, please share it with us in the comments section for everyone's benefit and insight.

Leapforce

Leapforce hires independent contractors to work from home making money online as search engine evaluators. The pay said to currently in the neighborhood of $14 an hour with the possibility of earnings in the neighborhood of $17 an hour with additional certification provided free of charge by Leapforce.

Leapforce generally pay once a month, but is offering pay every two weeks to those who earn certain additional certifications. Also, be prepared to work one month, turn in your time at the end of the month, then receive your pay within 30 days of that time.

You will need to meet the following requirements during the hiring process at Leapforce, as is the case with most search engine evaluator positions:

High speed internet access
A personal or laptop computer with Mozilla's Firefox web browser, version 3 or higher installed. Mozilla's Firefox can be downloaded for free on their webpage.
Up to date anti-virus and anti-spyware software
Good analytical and web research skills
Good written communication skills

Additionally, there is a two part test during the hiring process which involves applying guidelines to a sampling of webpages. You must pass the first part before you are invited to the second part.

This test was rather time consuming for me when I took the exam. There are about 125 pages of guidelines to review and apply. Some of the information was contradictory and not especially clear, but if it remains that way do not let that discourage you. Just do your best.

If you pass the test and you are hired, you can work as little or as much as you wish based on the available workload. The only requirement is that you do at least 200 reviews a month to remain active.
However, there is a speed requirement. Leapforce expects you to keep track of your time and has a minimum number of tasks that must be completed per hour. So having the ability to hit the ground running will really help.

Lionbridge Global

Lionbridge hires Internet Assessors to evaluate the appropriateness of web search results as related to the query input.

No need to be a computer whiz, but you do need to be able to read and write fluent English, be familiar with surfing the net and have a high speed Internet connection. So, check out Lionbridge today!

Work at Home with Butler Hill

In more than 40 countries Butler Hill offers freelance opportunities! These work at home opportunities include search relevance evaluator positions similar to the ones already discussed. So check out Butler Hill today!

Summary

As mentioned in the video, many people want to work at home without being on the telephone. Becoming a quality rater or webpage evaluator does not take any special equipment. You will need a home computer and a high speed internet connection.

Preparing for Your First Transcription Job

2013-12-02T11:23:00.001-08:00

Transcribing dictation with a Dictaphone wax cylinder dictation machine, in the early 1920s. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

© by G Meyers

Whether you are a beginner just learning to transcribe or an expert with years of experience, there are online transcription jobs available. You just need the right equipment, information and attitude to get started.

First, you will need the right equipment and skills. So you may need to assess your typing speed and accuracy. The faster and more accurate you are, the more opportunities you will qualify for. It is worth the investment of time and energy to increase both your speed and accuracy.

Once you have your equipment, speed and accuracy, you are ready to start looking for the right online transcription job for you. First, you will want to know about transcription job pay rates and confidentiality agreements you may be asked to sign. Then you will be ready to look for a job with the Top 10 Online Transcription Jobs 2014: Non-Medical post.

Equipment: The Importance of a Foot Pedal

At a minimum you will need a home computer, headset and foot pedal. Experienced transcribers know the importance of a foot pedal, but many newbies hesitate buying a foot pedal.

Some do not understand the importance of a foot pedal and others are hoping they will find a transcriber job that does not require one. Some companies may allow you to begin without one, but If you are serious about making money online doing transcription, you will need a transcription foot pedal.

A foot pedal allows you to use your foot to start, stop or rewind the audio as you are transcribing it to text. When you do not have a foot pedal, you will have to use your hands to control the audio while also trying to type.

As you can imagine this distraction can greatly reduce your speed. So while transcribing without a foot pedal can technically be done, a foot pedal is considered basic equipment or a tool of the trade.

Transcription Pay Rates

Many transcription companies do not openly disclose their pay rates upfront. This may or may not be because they consider their pay rates privileged information. Some companies are more forthright with the information, while others may require as part of the hiring process that you not disclose your pay rate.

This notion is sometimes included in a confidentiality or other agreement as a condition for employment. So if you have searched and searched attempting to discover the pay rate for a certain opportunity, consider the possibility that the transcribers may be bound by such a written agreement and unable to disclose this information.

What seems like a very simple, straightforward question really is not that simple. The pay rates for various opportunities can sometimes vary greatly. There are many factors that can be involved in determining pay rates, such as length of dictation, which company you are working with, experience, seniority, type of project. number of speakers or other factors.

Your speed and accuracy will always be key factors. Several entertaining and enjoyable typing tutorial and game options are provided to assist you with increasing your speed and accuracy in order to increase your income.

Confidentiality Agreements

Top 10 Online Transcription Jobs was originally published in 2011 and quickly became one of my most popular hubs. Several times the question arose concerning confidentiality agreements. Therefore, confidentiality agreements are covered in this section of this expanded and updated 2013 version.

Some expressed concern about signing confidentiality agreements as part of the hiring process when becoming an independent contractor transcribed position. Of course, you always want to be sure to read and thoroughly understand any legal agreement prior to execution. However, you also want to understand general confidentiality agreements are often standard operating procedure when you may be listening to privileged, confidential information during the course of your employment.

Transcribers as Independent Contractors

Many online transcriber positions hire transcriptionists as independent contractors. This is different than being hired as a employee. One of the more noticeable distinctions is there can be tax ramifications. So be sure to do your research and visit the Internal Revenue Service regarding this topic if you are located in the United States or consult a qualified accountant.

Free Online Typing Tutorials and Games

Learn to Type | Free Typing Tutor | Typing CourseLearn to type online for free. Get officially certified for your typing and 10 key skills.
Learn how to type and play free typing games | free online typing testLearn how to type with free typing games online and practice typing. Read our free typing tutorials and play free typing game.
Free Online Typing CourseFree online typing course. Guided lessons to learn step-by-step from the beginning. Learn how to type correctly in just a few hours using all your fingers. Web-based course. No downloads required.

Whether you are a beginner just starting out or a seasoned pro, there are legitimate online transcriptionist job opportunities for you. It is worth the time and effort to increase your typing speed and accuracy, which are directly related to your income. The faster and more accurate you can type and transcribe, the more opportunities you will qualify for. Good luck in your job search!

Photo: Transcribing dictation with a Dictaphone wax cylinder dictation machine, in the early 1920s. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

User Testing Jobs: Make Money Online Testing Websites

2013-11-28T14:48:00.002-08:00

Source: No sheep, Attribution Only, via SXC

© by G Meyers

What is User Testing?

If you are looking for ways to make money online, user testing could be what you have been looking for. User testing generally takes less than 15 minutes per project, so you do not need to have huge periods of uninterrupted time to devote to each project.

Most projects are simple and easy to perform because they are looking for your feedback and opinion on their webpage. To the best of my knowledge, the projects average about $10 each for 15 minutes of your time. Some pay more and some pay less. In either case, that certainly beats a lot of the online money making jobs.

Application Process for Testers

Sign up with name and address
Register with your email address
Provide software for download to record your screen as you test webpage projects
Most require a sample test to familiarize you with their software and to ensure your audio is clear
Receive project notifications through your email account

Payment for Testers

Testers are paid through their PayPal accounts. If you do not already have a PayPal account sign up for one.

User Testing

In my humble opinion, Usertesting.com is one of the best user testing webpages around. Spend about 15 minutes making $10 for each website tested for User Testing and $15 for each mobile testing project.
You will need a PC or Mac with a fast internet connection, as well as a headset with microphone. Each assignment includes a scenario to follow on a client's webpage. For example, pretend you are searching for a particular item on their webpage.

User Testing's software records everything happening on your screen as you verbalize your thoughts going through the process. You will need to download their software to your computer prior to beginning your first project.

Be sure to sign up for email notifications so you will know when projects are available. You may not qualify for every project as some clients request certain demographics, age groups, etc. Respond to the emails are quickly as possible as it is on a first come, first serve basis.

I have tested webpages for User Testing. The staff is easy to work with and cooperative. The pay has always been on time and reliable. Also, once you have completed a few projects you become more comfortable so you enjoy it more.

There is a rating system provided to give feedback on your completed projects. Be sure to follow the tips listed in this hub to keep your ratings high. Be sure to always speak clearly and go above and beyond what is asked of you. It will work in your favor in the long run.

See the following two videos discussing the testing process for computer and mobile testing with User Testing. These videos will give you an overview of what webpage user testing is, as well as mobile testing.

Try My UI

The sign up process with Try My UI is similar to the other user testing companies. You will need to provide your name, some demographic information and a valid email address. The demographic information may vary from one company to the next but is required for some projects. For example, a webpage selling women's purses may not be as interested in what teenage boys think of their site.

Try My UI also pays $10 per test or project performed. They generally pay twice per week after your project is accepted by the client. So they note that your payment could be immediately upon acceptance by the client or it could be three days later. However, they state it should never be more than one week after performing a test. Try My UI states you can realistically expect to be able to perform a couple of test per week.

Try My UI gives a good description of what a usability test or what has previously been referred to in this hub as a project. It is a video of your computer screen or a screencast recorded as you use a target webpage. The video is the final product provided to the client and contains your thoughts and impressions as you complete the requested tasks. You are instructed to go to a webpage containing a Java Applet that allows you to start and stop recording your voice and screen.

What Users Do

Another company that will allow you to earn some extra cash testing websites is WhatUsersDo.com. You will need:

a computer,
a broadband connection
a microphone

Simple follow the instructions for the task and record your thoughts as you navigate the page. An example of a project might be trying to locate a certain product or products on a client's webpage while you speak your thoughts out loud to be recorded for the client.

What Users Do provides their software to record your thoughts and actions. This helps webmasters learn how user friendly their webpages are for various users.

The application process only takes about five minutes. Once you are an approved tester you are on your way to earning money online. Pay depends on the type of test and it will tell you prior to each test, but it is generally about $8 for 20 minutes of work.

User Feel

To apply with User Feel you will need to register with your name and email address. There is also a sample test. Expect a response between 7 days and 2 months after applying.
User Feel is looking for testers to provide the following information to their clients:

Speak his or her thoughts on the microphone.
Tell us what confuses him, and what attracts his attention.
Explain what and why she does what she does on the site.
Propose something that would help him perform the required task.
Provide useful comments.
Perform the required tasks according to the test scenario.
Speak loudly and clearly on the microphone.
Thoroughly answer the questions in writing, at the end of the test.

User Feel pays $10 per test or project. They pay via PayPal at the end of each week. User Feel states a good tester can expect to make $100 to $200 per month depending on availability.

User Lytics

To sign up for User Lytics you will need to provide your full name and email address. An email will be sent to your at the address you provide. Open the email and click the link to register. You then have the option of completing a profile providing demographic information.
As previously discussed, this demographic information is requested to be serve the needs of the clients. Sometimes client request a gender, age or location test their webpage because that is their target group the webpage is designed to attract.
To be a tester for User Lytics you will need:

webcam
microphone
Windows 7/XP/Vista or Mac OS Leopard 10.6 or newer

User Lytics pays $10 per test or more depending on the complexity. Payments are made once a week on Friday via PayPal.

Summary

Remote user testing may not provide a full time income unless your salary requirements are low, but it can certainly provide some nice pocket money or extra money for bills. User testing is also enjoyable, especially after you get the first couple of tests under your belt and rated well.
Remember these tips in order to keep your ratings high:

Invest in a good headset with a microphone
Carefully read and follow all instructions for the project
Speak clearly
Give more information rather than less
Go over and above the minimum in time, tasks and answers
Write clear, concise answers when filling out any required written reports of your experience on the tested webpage

Copyrighted material

Source: Jessica.chavezt, CC-BY-SA-3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Top 10 Online Transcription Jobs for 2014: Non-Medical

2013-10-18T17:00:00.000-07:00

© by G Meyers

Whether you are an expert transcriber with decades of experience or preparing for your first online transcription job, you can earn money online transcribing dictation. Speed and accuracy are key in determining how much one can reasonably expect to earn. As it is with many skills, beginners earn less while gaining experience and expertise.

The good news is many work at home transcription opportunities do not require any formal training. However, a high speed Internet connection, headset and a transcription foot pedal are usually required.

Some newbies hesitate buying a foot pedal, perhaps hoping they will find a transcription job that does not require one. Some companies may allow you to begin without one, but If you are serious about making money online doing transcription, you will need a transcription foot pedal.

Scribie

Scribie hires newbies with no experience! Scribie also does not require the use of a foot pedal. I learned transcription straight out of high school more than 30 years ago and I personally can not imagine trying to transcribe without a foot pedal. However, it can be done at Scribie. While this will allow someone to begin transcribing without purchasing a foot pedal, it is not providing practice or building speed using a foot pedal. Speed and accuracy are key factors in securing better opportunities.

To get started at Scribie you will need to take their test. Once you are approved simply choose an assignment and begin transcribing. The workload varies and is on a first come first serve basis. The transcription assignments are in six minute increments and pay $1 for each six minute recording transcribed.

Once you have transcribed your first 10 assignments, and as long as your rating is above a 3, you can then have access to proofreading. This option only becomes available on your screen after your first 10 assignments. At this point the option becomes available for you to proofread the transcripts of other typists. These also pay $1 for each six minute segment, but you can complete them faster since proofreading is generally faster than transcribing.

Withdrawals of $30 or more are free. Withdrawals under $30 are charged a 2% fee. Withdrawals can only be made to verified PayPal accounts, generally within one business day. Applications are accepted by anyone in countries where PayPal is available. Scribie offers a transcription referral program paying 5%, as well as an affiliate program paying 20% commission.

Verbal Ink

Verbal Ink is always happy to hear from high skilled transcribers and translators. Verbal Ink is 100% U.S. based so this opportunity is only available in the United States. Verbal Ink offers transcription in 25 different languages and includes academic, conference, focus groups, interviews, legal, market research, medical, sermon, video and podcast.

Verbal Ink's application page asks prospective candidates to ask themselves the following six questions when determining whether they will a great transcriber:

Do you love learning?
Can you tell the difference between similar sounding voices?
Do you understand people who speak with heavy accents while airplanes are taking off?
Do you finish your work before it's due?
Do you have a strong command of English grammar?
Are you computer savvy?

A working knowledge of email and Microsoft Word is required, as well as specialized transcription software and a foot pedal. QuickTime Player or Windows Media Player for video playback is highly recommended. A typing speed of at least 65 wpm is also required.

Call 1-877-9-APPLY or email your updated resume and cover letter to the email address on the application page. Verbal Ink wants you to tell them why you will be a great addition to their team in your cover letter. Submissions without a cover letter will not be accepted.

Landmark Associates

As of the date of publication, Landmark Associates, Inc., is hiring experienced transcribers. Landmark offers legal, academic and insurance transcription. However, a majority of their projects consist of interviews, panel discussions and focus group transcripts. A foot pedal is required.

To apply you simply take the test on their page by clicking on the link provided above. Landmark Associates, Inc. provides links to their test materials, template and test audio file. When you finish and proofread the test, attach your resume and the transcript to an email. Send all required material to Landmark at the email address listed on their application page.

Rather than list the required equipment, Landmark Associates asks that you send in a list of the equipment you use to transcribe. Landmark Associates pays twice monthly, apparently by check. Some sources report Landmark requires six months experience and a minimum typing speed of 70 wpm, but that is not indicated on their application page.

Way With Words

Way With Words does not require in-depth expertise, but you must type 50 wpm and be able to transcribe an hour of audio in four hours or less. Way With Words accepts applications for residents of Australia, Canada, India, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, the United Kingdom, the United States and possibly other countries as there is an "Other" option.

The hiring process involves passing a two-part test. The first of the test assesses your knowledge of the English language. According to their site, only 2-5% of applicants pass this test. If you pass part one, you will be invited to take part two. Part two is approximately a 30 minute transcription test. Way With Words also asks that you be able to dedicate at least 20 hours a week to transcribing, preferably more.

Once you are hired, you are not likely to be bored. The transcription includes television and radio, board meetings, legal and medical records, focus groups, police interviews, disciplinary hearings, etc. You will need a computer, internet access, a foot pedal and Microsoft Word.

The pay rate is $33 to $57 per audio hour, which is different than $33 to $57 an hour. That means you will earn $33 to $57 per audio hour of dictation you transcribe. Payments are made directly to your bank account by direct deposit.

QuickTate and IDictate

QuickTate offer transcribers the opportunity to work at home and it is my understand they hire beginners. A test is required and QuickTate hires transcribers as independent contractors. So you will need fill out an I-9 for tax purposes if you make more than $600 in a year. QuickTate also requires a confidentiality agreement, which is standard practice when a position requires someone to potentially be listening to confidential business or personal information.

Once you have worked with QuickTate long enough for your work to be evaluated, you may be considered for iDictate. iDictate pays better than QuickTate, but only those working for QuickTate are said to be considered for iDictate opportunities. The hours are flexible and workers are generally allowed to work as much or as little as desired.

The most current pay rate information available lists $.0025 per word or one cent per ever four words for QuickTate general transcription and $.0050 per word for QuickTate medical and iDictate general transcription. So, for example, if you type 50 wpm at $.0025 for one hour that would equal $7.50 per hour. ($.0025 X 50 wpm X 60 minutes/hour = $7.50) Payments are made weekly through PayPal.

Much of the transcription is said to be various forms of short voice mails and audio notes. However, QuickTate and iDictate are also said to offer longer dictation. Most the transcription is said to be in English and Spanish. However, the company also seeks transcribers with skills in French, Italian, German, Chinese, Farsi, Portuguese and Japanese for iDictate projects.

*QuickTate and iDictate have precious little information available on their webpage, so much of the information for this company has been derived from various third party sources.

Cambridge Transcriptions

Cambridge Transcriptions state they are always looking for highly skilled legal transcribers. You need to have a good grasp on the English language, be detail oriented and have at least one year of proven legal transcription or court reporting experience. Experience with legal, medical or technical documents is especially helpful.

SpeakWrite

SpeakWrite encourages you to submit your resume for future reference whether they are currently hiring or not. They do not train typists and a minimum typing speed of 65 wpm is required.

Testing is required and it is a somewhat difficult test. However, once you are hired they pay by direct deposit twice a month. SpeakWrite pays per word, which works out to be about $12 to $15 an hour for a good typist. Full time typists tend to make considerably more per hour than those who sign up for more limited amounts of work.

TigerFish

TigerFish does not require experience, but there is a test. So beginners are welcome as long as they are able to pass the test. The test consists of three 5 minute segments representative of their typical transcription.
This opportunity is only open to those who are U.S. citizens or legal residents. A computer with a Windows operating system, high speed internet connection, and a copy of Express Scribe are also required. The requirement for a foot pedal is not explicitly stated.

Pay rates are not stated on the application page, but a member of WAHM claims she make $15 a typing hour or $60 an audio hour. I have been unable to confirm or dismiss this pay rate from any other source. So if you are familiar with TigerFish please let us know in the comments!

AccuTran Global

AccuTran Global hires beginners and focuses on medical, financial and other areas. AccuTran Global is currently hiring transcribers with a minimum typing speed of 70 wpm. AccuTran Global pays by the word with a range from $.005 per word to $.0066 per word. The range is from beginners for basic transcription to the best rate for foreign or difficult audio by senior transcribers. To apply download the audio and questionnaire on the application page, fill it out, then send it in to the email address listed.

All work is paid on a calendar month basis on the 15th of the following month by check or through PayPal. For additional information, see AccuTran Global's Contractor Information page.

Freelancer Transcription

Freelancer.com offer transcription jobs and contests. There are currently 9.5 million users and more than 5 million projects. So I wanted to include a different type of option, one that is available essentially at anytime to anyone. At the time of this writing there are currently 20 transcription projects available.

The sign up process is easy, then you simply search available projects. Freelancer pays weekly via PayPal, Moneybookers, Freelancer.com Debit Mastercard and wire transfers.

Express Scribe Transcription Free Software Download

Download Express Scribe for free, a popular foot pedal controlled digital transcription audio player.

Photo: Transcription using an early wax cylinder phonograph.

Source: Drawing is signed, 'Electrical World, N.Y.', Public Domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Work at Home Jobs

2013-08-05T19:58:00.001-07:00

Work at Home Mom via Microsoft

I recently read this extensive 20 page list of work at home jobs and want to bring it to your attention. I have not researched these work at home job opportunities, so keep that in mind. Remember, never pay someone to start working for them! The list can be found at Work at Home Jobs.

How to Write Online

2013-08-01T15:43:00.000-07:00

Writing Online via Microsoft

There have been quite a few people recently who want to begin writing online, but they are not sure where to start. So this is just a quick post with some of the best tips I have on where to get started for someone wanting to begin writing online. Often, the most difficult thing to do is publish your first post, hub or article. It can feel overwhelming.

Whether you are starting your own blog or wanting to become an online author on a site like HubPages, there is a lot to learn. A great place to start is the HubPages Learning Center. They provide very helpful, usually step-by-step articles every step of the way - from choosing a title to picking out photos.

As an added bonus, there is a great community of writers on HubPages. Many of the writers support and encourage one another. For those with a competitive edge, there are contests as well as accolades writers can earn. I have been on HubPages for nearly two years now and it has been a positive experience for me. I never stop learning from this community of writers.

It can be a great place to learn to write, then take those skills with you. Even if you decide not to write on HubPages, you might want to check out one of the hubbers. He is better known as billybuc, who is very active in the community, also focuses his efforts on teaching others to write online. Whether you are just learning to write online, want to improve your skills or just need some motivation - this is the place to find it.

Bill also lists contests and publishing opportunities. One of his latest publishing opportunities he shared is submitting your story to Chicken Soup for the Soul.

Bill has many hubs on numerous aspects of online writing. He not only teaches hubbers how to write better hubs, but also focuses on writing magazine articles and books. So take a look around his hubs or join him on his blog at Artistry with Words.

These are my best recommendations for a new writer to start learning how to write online. I am still learning all the time. If you have a great resource, please feel free to share it in the comments.

Update August 13, 2013:

I finally made a decision to move my own writing from the site. I just lost all trust in the management from a combination of seemingly endless questionable policy changes and other things I have noticed. Other things I noticed about the site is the management does not really seem to care about the authors, the staff has at times been ridiculously immature, and there seems to be a lot favoritism.

I am currently in the process of checking out some of the other writer sites, such as Wizzley and InfoBarrel. I will report back about my experience. In the meantime, for those interested in writing on HubPages, here is a review by an experienced hubber. Is HubPages a Scam?

About Work at Home Grandmas

2013-07-27T09:20:00.000-07:00

Work at Home Grandma via Microsoft

We searched the internet for months investigating work at home opportunities, especially for stay at home mothers or grandmothers wanting to earn money at home. In the process, we found many legitimate ways to make money online. It took months because for every legitimate company, we found about ten scams. None of these are schemes, but companies that pay employees or independent contractors for their work.

The creation of this blog is the result of those efforts. If it took us that long to find the legitimate work online companies, it is probably taking others that long too. It would certainly be easy to just throw your hands up and decide there are no legitimate online jobs.

While we can make no guarantees about the companies we have listed, we do feel comfortable enough to list them. Some we have personal experience with, some we have read of others who have experience and still others we checked out with the Better Business Bureau and RipOff Report.

We hope you find this information helpful to get you started in the right direction rather than becoming frustrated with endless online scams. We still have quite a few opportunities to post as time allows in our busy schedules.

by Gail Meyers
Work at Home Grandmas

How To Start Your Own Blog

2013-07-27T08:58:00.000-07:00

by Gail Meyers

Many people ask how do you start your own blog? Whether the intention is to make money, support your business or to share pictures or recipes with family and friends, many people are interested in starting their own blogs. There are several platforms that allow you to start your own blog, but we are going to focus on the most popular free blogging platforms. Both are pretty simple and there is no need to be a computer whiz or even know HTML. Wordpress and Blogger are the two most popular. This post will focus on creating your own blog on Blogger.

So here is how to start your own blog. Go to Blogger.com and enter the name you have chosen. Then, click on the link below the box that says, "check availability." There are so many blogs that even if you think you have a cute and unique name, you may have to keep trying to find an available name. Once you have found an available name, simply push "create blog." Presto, you now have your own blog.

You can choose your design and format, which Blogger makes super easy under the "Design" tab. You can add gadgets with the "add a gadget" box while in the design mode to browse the many options of what you can add to your blog. You can do it at your own pace, so you do not have to figure it all out at one time. You can also change it anytime you like.

Now under the "posting" tab, click on "new post." Type a title and the content of your first post, then push "publish." If it is just a personal blog or to share family recipes or pictures, then that is truly all there is to it. If you choose to monetize your blog, which means to place ads on your blog to earn money and support your efforts, Blogger even makes that easy with Google AdSense.

You will need to apply for a Google AdSense account, which I believe most people do after there is already content on their site. Just go to Adsense.com and Google will guide you through the process. Once you are approved, click on the "monetize" tab of your new blog. It will guide you through choosing and adding your ads.

It's that simple to create your own blog, but there is a lot more to it if you are wanting to create a blog to make money online. No one simply types a couple of articles or posts, joins AdSense and immediately starts making $5,000 a month. There are plenty of people who do make a living with their blogs, but they have put in a lot of time and effort. So it is in no way a "get rich quick" scheme. You will have to learn about SEO, keywords, Google ranking, etc., if you intend to make money with your blog. A Google search for any of those terms will bring up tons of results to choose from in order to get started.

Writing Jobs Online that Pay $10 Per Article

2013-07-21T12:20:00.001-07:00

Writing Jobs Online that Pay $10 Per Article

I just found this article listing a number of work at home online jobs and want to share it. I have not verified these companies, so keep that in mind as you looking through them.

eCopywriters

2013-03-21T16:00:00.000-07:00

eCopywriters is a site comparable to Textbroker in that writers are paid to write articles for a set fee after passing the application process. Payments are made twice a month via PayPal.

When you sign up for eCopywriters you submit a writing sample that is reviewed and your level is assigned. This process is generally completed within one week and you receive an email. Level 1 pays .008 per word and level 5 pays 5 cents per word. There is also a level 6 and level 7 that I can only assume is reserved for professional writers.

When I lasted reviewed Textbroker paid 1.4 cents per word at a level 4, with their level 5 also being reserved for professional level writers. This originally appears to be good news. However, experience demonstrated at couple of things that are purely the author's opinion.

First, there seems to be much more work available at Textbroker. eCopywriters has been less reliable with available assignments fluctuating between feast or famine. Secondly, Textbroker seems much less fussy about revisions. So it may actually be realistic to make more with Textbroker per hour of time spent than with eCopywriters.

This is simply based on one writer's opinion. However, eCopywriter has been working to improve their site. So you may want to give eCopywriters a try and see what you think for yourself.

Scribie Review

2012-09-14T09:24:00.002-07:00

Scribie is an online transcription site I wanted to try before posting on it. Scribie is a legitimate make money online working at home site. They hire newbies without experience, so that's a real plus if you do not have experience. Also, there is no need to purchase a foot pedal, because their software includes a play, stop, rewind, etc., feature. It's always good to be able to see how you like the work before having to invest in any extras. There is no minimum payout. You sign up, test, get your results back, then you are free to take one assignment at a time for as many times as you wish. There always seems to be plenty of work available, more good news. The assignments are in six minute segments, so you accept one six minute recording at a time that needs to be finished within two hours of accepting it. The pay is $10 per hour of tape, which is different than $10 an hour. You would need to complete 10 six minute recordings to make $10, which means you actually make $1 per six minute recording. That's really low in my opinion, but once you are approved as a reviewer you can also review transcription for $10 per audio hour.

I would recommend Scribie if you are a beginner. It could be a way to gain experience and speed while getting paid something for your efforts. Then when you have gained some experience and speed you can apply for the transcribing positions with other companies that require experience.

InteliChek Review

2012-05-09T16:26:00.001-07:00

InteliChek is a legitimate work at home opportunity on the telephone. It may be perfect for stay at home moms because they actually prefer background noise! It's mystery shopping on the telephone. You need internet access and unlimited long distance on a land line. You log in and a call is loaded into your queue with the questions listed. You ask the questions, type in the answers and move to the next call. I am certain InteliCheck is legitimate. The girls are very friendly and helpful. InteliChek always pays on time via paper check mailed to your address.

Working Solutions

2011-11-26T08:13:00.000-08:00

Working Solutions provides opportunities to make money online working at home on the phone. Working Solutions looks for "skilled, educated, and motivated people" to assist customers with sales, service and technical support transactions. You will need an up-to-date computer, a high speed internet connection and a land line telephone. Each project pays differently, ranging from $7.50 to $30.00 an hour. Agents are paid every other week by direct deposit or a check in the mail. The apply, fill out the application on their page. The application process also includes a two part test.

More Sites Like Fiverr

2011-11-21T18:19:00.000-08:00

Here are nine more sites like Fiverr. So you do not have to limit yourself to only Fiverr or only $5 tasks with or without the upsell. Fiverr is a good choice, but these sites allow you to sell services for anywhere from $3 to up to $100. If you already offer a great gig, you can earn more by adding it to more sites. If you do not already have a great gig, then do some brainstorming as you browse these sites and come up with one!

FittyTown.com - On this site the gigs go for $50, paid via PayPal.

TwentyVille.com -Everything goes for $20, paid via PayPal.

JustaFive.com - Choose between $5 or $10 or $20.

GigBucks.com - Post your gigs for $5 to $100, paid via PayPal.

GigHour.com - Post gigs for $3, $5, $7 and $10, paid via PayPal.

GigMe5.com - Another site like Fiverr with $5 gigs.

TaskArmy.com - Gigs go for $19, $49 and $99.

TenBux.com - More $5 or $10 gigs.

Tenrr.com - You can offer gigs for up to $10.

Fiverr

2011-11-21T17:48:00.000-08:00

Make money online with Fiverr. Fiverr is becoming a very popular site where you post what you will do for $5. What some do not realize is there is an upsell feature. So when you present a gig for $5, you can include additional options for say $10. Think of it like reverse freelancing, where you state what you will do then the client chooses the jobs he or she wants to buy - instead of the other way around. You can sign up and add a job, which is called a gig, in just a minute or two. What may take some time is thinking of something creative that is in demand. Some examples of gigs offered is bookmarking sites, mailing a child a letter from Santa and many, many others. Some of the gigs are quite comical and browsing through them can give you some good ideas. The key is coming up with the right idea that you can perform quickly and receive many orders. So do some brainstorming and see what you can come up with to make money with Fiverr.

TDEC

2011-11-18T17:56:00.000-08:00

TDEC is another work at home making money online doing data entry opportunity. TDEC has governmental and business clients. You will need a broadband internet connection, a PC with Windows, at least a l.5 Ghz processor, and at least 512 MB RAM. The application process involves filling out and submitting the paperwork on their page. TDEC only responds to successful applicants who are then interviewed and given a short keying text. TDEC provides training via a toll free conference call.

There are no complaints again TDEC on Ripoff Report.

Purple Shark Transcription

2011-11-16T12:32:00.000-08:00

Purple Shark Transcription is another work at home making money online transcription opportunity. Purple Shark has been in business since 1995 and there are no complaints on RipOff Report against them. Purple Shark provides transcription for corporations, authors, journalists, doctoral students and others. The transcription consists of interviews, speeches, dictation, audio conferences, webinars, etc.

I have heard a lot about Purple Shark, and I believe they are legitimate even though I have never worked for them. I understand there is test and a minimum typing speed requirement, but I am unable to verify that on their webpage. I am also unable to verify their pay scale and the employment process! I am making you aware of this opportunity, even though there is not much information.

We Scribe It

2011-11-13T13:07:00.000-08:00

We Scribe It offers general, legal and medical transcription for experienced transcribers who are U.S. residents. Here are the requirements:

The general requirements are six months of experience in the last two years, a typing speed of 55 wpm and knowledge of the correct formats of various documents. For legal you need one year of legal transcription experience in the last two years, a typing speed of 55 wpm and knowledge of the formats of relevant documents. For medical one year of medical transcription experience in the last two years is required, as well as a minimum typing speed of 55 wpm and knowledge of the formats of the relevant documents. In all cases you must also be able to follow instructions and be detail oriented.

The pay scale starts at one-half cent per word ($0.005) for general and legal work and three-quarter cents per word ($0.0075) for medical. I believe they pay twice a month, but I have not been able to verify that.

There is an application on their webpage at the above link, to fill out and submit. The test will then be mailed to you. If you do well on the test and We Scribe It is hiring, then you will hear back from them. So you could hear back quickly or not for quite some time depending on your score and their workload.

Quality Gal

2011-11-13T12:45:00.000-08:00

Quality Gal is another way for even a beginner to make money online by writing quality content. While no experience or even a resume is required, all writers are held to the same standards. There is an application process and a test assignment. Quality Gal pays an average of $18 per article, with a range of $12 to $30. Quality Gal pays every Friday via PayPal or by check. Depending on your situation and goals, receiving earnings that quickly can be a huge plus over waiting a month or more for payment or revenue sharing.

Writers are given writing assignments with instructions, which must be completed and submitted by the deadline. So you will not be choosing your own specific topic, but part of the application process is asking you what topics are of interest to you. I have not worked for Quality Gal, but those who have often give rave reviews of the great staff and positive environment.

Textbroker

2011-11-10T21:57:00.000-08:00

After my experience with Textbroker in the last week, I am updating and expanding my original review. Many times I have seen Textbroker suggested as a way to make money online writing. I had previously considered checking it out personally, but I guess I never took the time to actually sign up. I knew Textbroker was legitimate prior to my original review, but now I have personal experience to share with you.

I am quite impressed with Textbroker so far. I have some experience with HubPages and Squidoo, which are revenue sharing sites where you can pretty much write about whatever you want. Textbroker is different in that it is not revenue sharing, but you are paid a set price upon acceptance of your article. Secondly, you choose from the available topics. So, you can choose within the available topics, but you are writing according to the directions of the assignments. None of these sites require you to be a professional writer to participate.

For HubPages and Squidoo, you just sign up and start publishing within the guidelines. You apply at Textbrokers, but you only need to submit a 120 word writing sample. You will then receive an email with a rating of level 2, 3 or 4. There is a level 5, but that is for professional writers. I finally decided to try this last week. I submitted a writing sample based on the one of the four suggested topics. I received a rating of 4 in an email the next day. I was pleasantly surprised with the rating! I am not an English major or a professional writer, so that should be encouraging to anyone considering Textbrokers.

Once you receive your rating, you will have access to choose assignments at your level and lower. For example, a level 4 can accept assignments for levels 2, 3 and 4, but not level 5. So I signed in after receiving my rating and began searching for the first assignment. I chose one that gave me a full 24 hours to finish. I wrote it and submitted the article.

A couple of hours later the client accepted my article and the funds were immediately credited to my account. In my earning money online experience, that is a fast payday! Many online jobs pay once a month or even once a month for work done the previous month. That can leave you waiting for several weeks or even a couple of months for a paycheck.

Two things are required to transfer your funds from your Textbroker account. First, you must have a PayPal account and enter your PayPal email. Secondly, no funds will be released until Textbroker receives your W-9 by fax or snail mail. So you may want to take care of those two things as quickly as possible. While Textbroker previously paid on the 5th and the 20th, they now pay every Friday. You must submit your request for payment on Thursday. So, see their guidelines to make sure you meet the deadline.

I am impressed with Textbroker even in this short amount of time. There have been several hundred assignments available each time I have logged in. The format is easy to follow and the payment process is fast. There is also a note on the page indicating once you establish yourself much higher paying assignments become available to you. At this point most of the assignments are for a few hundred words and pay up to $15.00. If you can knock several of those out in a day, then you should be able to make money fairly quickly. I have seen a couple of assignments paying more than that, but it is by the word so those required larger word counts. I would highly recommend Textbroker if you enjoy writing and you are looking for "upfront" payment. UPDATE: Several months later I have nothing but good to say about Textbroker! There is always work available, the staff is friendly and supportive, and they always pay on time.

Landmark Associates

2011-11-08T21:59:00.000-08:00

Landmark Associates is currently hiring experienced transcribers. This work at home opportunity offers academic, legal and insurance transcription. The instructions and test are right on the application page. Once you complete the test, send your completed transcript and resume to Landmark Associates via the email address listed. I did not find the pay rate listed on their page, but from what I can gather from around the web, it is $0.85 - $0.90 per audio minute (or $51.00 - $54.00 an audio hour).

Landmark Associates, Inc., was founded in 1987 in Tempe, Arizona. There are no complaints on Ripoff Report, nor do I find the company registered with the Better Business Bureau with the Tempe address.

Associated Content

2011-11-08T18:35:00.000-08:00

Associated Content welcomes writers from beginners to professionals to make money online writing. Submissions are reviewed by editors. You choose between upfront payment and/or revenue sharing options, with upfront payments generally ranging from $1.50 to $15.00. Associated Content pays the second Wednesday of each month via PayPal for work from the previous month. This opportunity is available worldwide, but make sure that PayPal is available in your country.

Demand Studios

2011-11-08T17:55:00.000-08:00

Demand Studios is a popular site to make money online writing if you have an intermediate skill level. Demand Studios pays on Tuesday and Friday each week, paying between $7.00 to $40.00 an article. This opportunity is open for those in the United States and Canada. To apply, fill out the application and attach your resume.

Work at Home Grandmas

How to Become a Non-Medical Online Transcriber

Non-Medical Online Transcription

Step 1: Learn to Type

Increase Typing Speed and Accuracy with Mavis Beacon

Learn to Type Online

Step 2: Learn to Use a Foot Pedal

Step 3: Build Speed Transcribing

Conclusion

Data Entry Jobs: Key for Cash, Dion Data Solutions and Others

Online Data Entry Jobs

Online Data Entry Scams

Entering Data

Dion Data Solutions

Key for Cash

Capital Typing

More Online Data Entry Jobs

Quality Rater: Search Engine Evaluator Work at Home Jobs

© by G Meyers

Leapforce

Lionbridge Global

Work at Home with Butler Hill

Summary

Preparing for Your First Transcription Job

Equipment: The Importance of a Foot Pedal

Transcription Pay Rates

Confidentiality Agreements

Transcribers as Independent Contractors

Free Online Typing Tutorials and Games

Related articles

User Testing Jobs: Make Money Online Testing Websites

© by G Meyers

What is User Testing?

Application Process for Testers

Payment for Testers

User Testing

Try My UI

What Users Do

User Feel

User Lytics

Summary

Top 10 Online Transcription Jobs for 2014: Non-Medical

© by G Meyers

Scribie

Verbal Ink

Landmark Associates

Way With Words

QuickTate and IDictate

Cambridge Transcriptions

SpeakWrite

TigerFish

AccuTran Global

Freelancer Transcription

Express Scribe Transcription Free Software Download

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