Mark's Response to July 2011 JCR Anti-Brief Article Part 6

[magnumsteno]

Thanks, Anita, for your input. I do think that since short writing confers such huge advantages, that it should be encouraged at all times. I believe that whoever believes that, and wants, to, CAN do it. As to your suggestion that I have ever implied or said that people should try to be speed or realtime champion, I have not. Rather, as someone who has achieved the highest levels in court reporting, I believe I can and should share my methods so that all may benefit to the extent they wish.:)

[magnumsteno]

@magnumsteno I have nothing but admiration, Anita, for your reputation and your success in helping people become better at realtime. I have gathered that you are, like I am, the kind of person who tells people, YOU CAN DO WHATEVER YOU PUT YOUR MIND TO, without reservation. I believe this applies as much to writing short as it does to anything else in realtime.

[Anitajohnston]

Final comment: Not everyone can be "Miss America" or wants to be (translation - speed or RT champion). There is room in the world for the thousands of others that are doing great things in our profession with different writing styles.

[Anitajohnston]

Mark, I happen to be a huge brief and short writer; always was. I think where we differ is that my teachings are addressed to the thousands of reporters existing from Phoenix, Sten Ed, Stenograph, etc. theories. Not everyone was raised on shortcuts. Also, I know you feel everyone can master a "shorter writing" theory. My experience has revealed not EVERYONE can. I believe in supporting reporters where they are NOW and assisting them in taking baby steps toward improvement.

[CatLadyandProud]

yes, i believe he now holds the record.

[CatLadyandProud]

its like you are trying to explain that it is faster to go diagonally across a square than it is to go around the four sides of it . its that simple. i agree that they just have never tried briefing and therefore reject it. it works for me as i like letters and my mind just plays with them automatically forming briefs. one of my school's graduates last december graduated in 8 months and swears that he strokes everything out.oh well, as they say, to each his own. thanks for everything, judy

[magnumsteno]

@CatLadyandProud Thanks, Judy! 8 months is the best I've ever heard! Keep up the briefing! Just no hesitating! ;)