Transcription Rates

[deckardcanine]

I used to do freelance transcription.
I haven’t in many a year,
But sometimes I dwell on it fondly.
There’s one thing I’d like to make clear:

Transcriptionists vary in methods
For charging a rate for their work.
Be mindful of this, as some systems
Are fit to be gamed by a jerk.

Let’s start with the one we see elsewhere:
They’re paid for the time that is spent—
Sounds fair but provides an incentive
For slowness you might just resent.

A payment per page may be fairer,
But first you should work out a size
Of font to be used, plus the spacing,
To dodge an unpleasant surprise.

A payment per word strikes me better,
Because there’s less room for dispute.
Just specify whether the stammers
And backtracks are fine to include.

My personal preference: charging
For time that the audio runs.
I find it the fairest; both parties
Can know what the price is at once.

Of course, some apply other factors
That might cost you quite a few bucks.
Let’s say that you want it done promptly
Or the audio quality sucks.

Perhaps the discussion is highbrow
Or somebody’s accent is thick.
A novice may take a bit longer,
Not least if a speaker’s too quick.

An app can transcribe fully gratis,
But mumbles still get in the way.
I’d sooner put trust in a human.
That’s all that I’m going to say.