The Court Reporter (that’s you) and the Scopist (I hope that’s me) ideally operate as a  team.  To do so, it is imperative that I know what you want, the idiosyncrasies of your format, the nuances of your punctuation and your preferences of  style.  I need to take on your characteristics, so to speak.  This is an evolving process and usually does not happen overnight.  It requires candid constructive feedback.  I expect that to occur.

How do I learn how you want certain things?  I like to begin with a small sample of what you’ve already done.  This allows me to understand your format and adjust my computer to accommodate your style.

I have developed a preference sheet.  It helps me identify whether you like to have a comma after the month and year (i.e. November, 2002,) or not (i.e. November 2002).  There are many more “correct” or “acceptable” ways to do things now than when I was in school.  It is helpful if you complete as much of that preference sheet as you can.

You may also wish to have me scope five to ten pages of a job you are currently working on as a sample of my work.  I’m happy to do that for you at no cost.

The more I become familiar with your work and your preferences, the more comfortable you will be working with me as your scopist—your right hand that frees you to do more reporting, more time at the beach or in the mountains with your family.

I look forward to working with you.