Getting Started

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This page is intended to give users a very brief introduction to using Transcribe Bentham, and is not a comprehensive guide. Once you are more familiar with using the site, you should use the more detailed Transcription Guidelines as a reference resource for your transcriptions.

Video Tutorial: Getting Started

This page provides advice on some of the basic skills that are required in order to use Transcribe Bentham. To begin, please watch the the short video opposite, which demonstrates the major features of the transcription process.

To view a full-screen version of the video, click on the video while it is playing to open it in YouTube, and then click the 'Full Screen' button at the bottom right of the video window.

If the video does not load, reset the cache.

Video Tutorial: Encoding Your Transcripts

This video has been designed to introduce users to the basic principles of encoding transcripts, and assist anyone who might be having trouble with this aspect of transcription . It takes the user through the step-by-step process of adding markup to a single transcript (JB/027/036/003), and is accompanied by two images which should ideally be downloaded before beginning to watch the video and can be used to follow more closely where the markup tags are added.

You can download the two images from here and here. Clicking on the images will zoom in.

To view a full-screen version of the video, click on the video while it is playing to open it in YouTube, and then click the 'Full Screen' button at the bottom right of the video window.

Using Transcribe Bentham: Step-by-Step

1. You will first need to create an account in order to transcribe manuscripts.

2. Choose a manuscript to transcribe from this page. There are a number of categories from which to choose, though beginners may wish to start with an easy manuscript.

3. Click 'Edit' in the toolbar of the chosen manuscript to begin transcribing.

4. Use the magnifier to view the manuscript more clearly. Magnification can be increased and decreased by using the slider at the bottom of the image; drag the image within the image window to re-position it.

5. Type your transcription in the transcription box opposite.

6. Use the toolbar above the transcription box to add markup to your transcription: there are tips on using this toolbar in the video above.

7. Preview your transcription by clicking 'Show Preview' below the transcription box. If your transcription is incomplete, save it by clicking 'Save Page' below the transcription box.

8. If your transcription is complete and ready for review, click the 'send a message to the Editors' link. This will open an email form in a new window: hit 'Send' at the bottom of the email, then return to your original window and save your transcript, as normal, by clicking 'Save Page'.

User Account Features

Further details about using the following User Account Features can be seen on this page.

Click your username on the toolbar at the top of the page to access your User Page. Here you will find your user profile where you can add personal information, upload an avatar, and link with other transcribers.
My Preferences allows you to change your personal details, determine how you receive notifications, and various other features.
By Clicking 'Watch' on a page that you have edited, My Watchlist can notify you when any further changes have been made to the page.
Keep track of all of the edits and transcriptions you have made on the My Contributions page.
Post your questions and thoughts about the site, transcription, or Bentham's ideas on the Discussion Forum.

Transcription Toolbar

The transcription toolbar is used to add markup that identifies certain features of the manuscripts. Here is a table that illustrates the function of each of the buttons, and how the marked up text is rendered when the transcription is saved. When transcribing, you can hover over the toolbar buttons with your cursor to discover their function.

Button