[shorthandworld] New to the shorthand world - intro/suggestions

[Kevin Monceaux]

Shorthand Fans,

First, is this list still alive? I joined it hoping it is. Most of the
recent posts in the list's archives appear to be, well, unrelated to
shorthand.

While searching for things to help with taking minutes at monthly meetings I
started exploring the world of shorthand. I quickly became fascinated, and
bewildered.

I'm having trouble picking a system. Since I'm in the US I figured that
Gregg would be the logical choice since it was the most popular here.
Working through a Diamond Jubilee book when it started introducing the
consonant blends many of them looked like plain consonants to me. I'm sure
with practice that would improve. I started searching the 'net for tips,
etc., and started coming across info saying that Gregg shorthand was meant
to be transcribed soon after it was taken, which suggested that there was
quite a bit of ambiguity in Gregg shorthand. My brain doesn't deal well
with ambiguity. I would prefer a system that can be accurately transcribed
even if a bit of time has passed since the dictation was taken. I realize
that due to the nature of shorthand there will be some ambiguity involved,
but I started searching to see if I could find a less ambiguous system.

I've looked at a few systems including Gregg, Teeline, Pitman, and Thomas
Natural, and acquired a few books in the process. I haven't gotten too deep
into any of them yet. At the moment I think I'm leaning towards Pitman.
Would it be accurate to say that it's less ambiguous than some of the other
systems? The info I've seen on it so far suggests that it is, such as this
web page:

http://www.shorthand.mkz.com/LearningPitman.html

which part way down shows the outline for dreading and says that it's not
some abbreviation, but dreading plain as day. I like that, and the
explanation makes sense to me which is a plus. If I go with Pitman, does
anyone have any suggestions on the best version to start with. And/or
suggestions for other shorthand systems would be welcomed.



--

Kevin
http://www.RawFedDogs.net
http://www.WacoAgilityGroup.org
Bruceville, TX

What's the definition of a legacy system? One that works!
Si hoc legere scis nimium eruditionis habes.
Longum iter est per praecepta, breve et efficax per exempla!!!

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Shorthand World" group.
To post to this group, send an email to shortha...@googlegroups.com.
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to shorthandworl...@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/shorthandworld?hl=en-GB.