Help:Getting Started: Difference between revisions

From SGUTranscripts

Revision as of 16:40, 23 April 2012

Thanks for your interest in helping out with the SGU transcription project.

As you probably know, there are over 350 full episodes of the SGU, and over 100 5x5 episodes, so we appreciate any and all of the help we get.

We want to make it clear that we welcome all contributions, regardless of whether you can tell the difference between Jay and Bob, just don't want to do all the formatting and mark-up for a full wiki page, or can only contribute parts of episodes.

We encourage everyone to contribute just as much or as little as they wish

Here, we cover some of the basics of setting up a page and editing. For more detailed help, see the list of [links] below.

Getting started

First things first, if you'd like to just try your hand at transcribing, start with an SGU 5x5 as these are much shorter.

Find an episode that you want to transcribe, make sure it isn't already listed on the Main Page, and create a page for it. ???what about marking episodes with section work only???

Creating new episode pages

It's best to create a page before you start any of the work in order to make sure that no-one else is working on the same episode.
You don't want to put in all that effort only to find out someone submitted the same transcript just before you did!

It's easy to create a page:

Type the name of the page you want to create in the search bar, for example:
or
Click 'Go' or 'Search' (it doesn't matter which)
- If someone has already created this page, then it will appear in the search results, and you should find another episode to transcribe.
If no-one has created a page for that episode, then the search results page will say:
Click on the red link to the new page to create it, this takes you to the editing section for that page.
Type ''page in progress'' in the editing window, and click 'save page' at the bottom left of the screen.

This creates a new page for your episode that notifies people viewing it that someone is working on it.

Adding new pages to the Main Page

Now, before you run off to start your transcription, you should add your new page to the Main Page. This makes it extra clear to other contributors that you've called dibs on this episode.

⊗ If you would like someone to do this step for you, or if you have any questions/suggestions, just put a note in the SGUTranscripts:Community_portal, and someone will be happy to help out.???link to section on portal???

Head back to the Main Page and find the section that your episode should be entered into.
- e.g The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe Transcripts, 2012 or The Skeptics' Guide 5x5 Transcripts, 2008
You can edit sections of a page separately by clicking on the 'edit' link to the right of that section, opening that section's editing box directly.
Alternatively, you can open the editing box for the whole page and find the relevant section within it using the 'edit' tab at the top of the page - whatever you find easiest.
Enter the link to your page, the date and mark it as incomplete. If you are transcribing a 5X5 episode, also include the episode name , for example:
or
- You can remove the (incomplete) once you've finished your submission.
Preview and save the page

Right, now you're ready to go ahead with the fun part!

Tips for Transcription

You should use whatever method of transcription you find suits you best.

So far, we don't know of any speech recognition software available to do the task for us, so the following is for manual transcription only. Here's some quick info on what we've found useful so far.

Please let us know if you have any suggestions to add.

Audio software

(copied)My method of transcription is to use VLC media player, and dial down the speed until I can type comfortably. A quick alt-tab, then shift-left a couple of times will skip back a few seconds if you missed something.

ExpressScribe is a free program that allows you a lot of control over the audio playback, whilst using the text editor of your choice. You can assign hot-keys to actions such as play, pause, speed up, skip back etc. that are system-wide (i.e. they work no matter what other program you're in at the time).
You can find an overview of ExpressScribe functions in this article

Text editing software

Ultimately, it doesn't matter what program you use for writing your transcription, but some have their advantage and disadvantages.

Here are some things you might want to consider:

spell-checking
automatic correction of common typos (e.g. with MS Word)
???preferences for format/saving file type

Posting Transcription

So, now you've done all the hard work, and it's time to show the world.

Go to the episode page you created and click on the 'edit' tab at the top
Paste your text into the editing box
Click on the 'show preview' button at the bottom of the page to show what your current edit looks like.
- It's generally best to check the preview before saving a page in order to avoid excessive numbers of editing entries in the Recent changes log.
  - ???This log shows all the changes made to the entire website, and is handy for checking for new additions, such as messages in the community portal.
If you're happy with the preview, or want to save your progress and come back to it later, click 'save page', which will show your new page in all it's glory.

Wiki mark-up

If you would like someone to mark up your page for you, or if you have any questions/suggestions, just put a note in the SGUTranscripts:Community_portal, and someone will be happy to help out.

Here, we describe the most commonly used wikitext markup and html tags for pages on this site. For more detail, see [[1]]

Line breaks and paragraphs

Description	What it looks like	What you type
Starting a new line in the editing window does not show on the final page as a line break	This is my first lineThis is my second line	`This is my first line This is my second line`
To start a new line, use the `<br>` tag You can use this on the same line, or on a new line	This is my first line This is my second line	`This is my first line <br>This is my second line`
To start a new paragraph leave an empty line between text in the editing window	This is my first line This is my second line	`This is my first line This is my second line`

Headers

Headers are used to mark the different podcast segments, and are automatically incorporated into a table of contents that appears at the top of the page.

Headings are made by using 2 or more 'equals' signs:

What it looks like	What you type
Podcast segment	`==Podcast segment==`
Segment subsection	`===Segment subsection===`

??? We also include the time at which that section starts in a small font using the <small> tag, for example:

=== News Item 2 <small>(24:32)</small>===

is displayed as:

News Item 2 (24:32)

Community Portal

To post a message in the SGUTranscripts:Community_portal:

Click on the 'edit' tab on the portal page and enter your note at the bottom of the editing box
Sign the post using 4 tildas ("~~~~")
- This automatically inserts your user name and the time of the post.
Don't forget to hit 'save page' when you're finished.

@@ Line 7: / Line 7: @@
 We encourage everyone to contribute just as much or as little as they wish
-Here, we cover some of the basics of setting up a page and ...
+Here, we cover some of the basics of setting up a page and editing. For more detailed help, see the list of [links] below.
@@ Line 14: / Line 14: @@
 First things first, if you'd like to just try your hand at transcribing, start with an SGU 5x5 as these are much shorter.
-Find an episode that you want to transcribe, make sure it isn't already listed on the [[Main Page]], and create  a page for it.
+Find an episode that you want to transcribe, make sure it isn't already listed on the [[Main Page]], and create a page for it.
-???those marked for section work only???
+???what about marking episodes with section work only???
 === Creating new episode pages ===
-It's best to create a page ''before'' you start any of the work to make sure that no-one else is working on the same episode.
+It's best to create a page ''before'' you start any of the work in order to make sure that no-one else is working on the same episode.
-You don't want to put in all that effort only to find out someone submitted the same transcript just before you did!
+<br>You don't want to put in all that effort only to find out someone submitted the same transcript just before you did!
-It's very simple to create a page, just type the name of the page you want to create in the search bar, for example:
+It's easy to create a page:
-"SGU Episode ###",
+#Type the name of the page you want to create in the search bar, for example:<!--
-or "5X5 Episode ##"
+--><ul>"SGU Episode ###"</ul><!--
-and click 'Go' or 'Search' (it doesn't matter which).
+-->''or'' <!--
+--><ul>"5X5 Episode ##"</ul>
-If someone has already created this page, then it will appear in the search results, and you should find another episode to transcribe.???
+#Click 'Go' or 'Search' (it doesn't matter which)
-If no-one has created a page for that episode, then the search results page will say:
+#*If someone has already created this page, then it will appear in the search results, and you should find another episode to transcribe.
-There were no results matching the query.
+#If no-one has created a page for that episode, then the search results page will say:<!--
-Create the page "SGU Episode ###" on this wiki!
+--><ul>There were no results matching the query.<!--
-click on the red link to the new page to create it, this takes you to the editing section for that page
+--><p>'''Create the page "<span style="color:#FF0000">SGU Episode ###</span>" on this wiki!'''</p></ul>
-Type " ''page in progress'' " in the editing window, and click 'save page' at the bottom left of the screen.
+#Click on the red link to the new page to create it, this takes you to the editing section for that page.
+#Type <code><nowiki>''page in progress''</nowiki></code> in the editing window, and click 'save page' at the bottom left of the screen.
 This creates a new page for your episode that notifies people viewing it that someone is working on it.
 === Adding new pages to the Main Page ===
-Now, before you run off to start your transcription, you should add the new page to the [[Main Page]].
+Now, before you run off to start your transcription, you should add your new page to the [[Main Page]]. This makes it extra clear to other contributors that you've called dibs on this episode.
-This makes it extra clear to other contributors that you've called dibs on this episode.
-- If you would like someone to do this step for you, or if you have any questions/suggestions, just put a note in the [[Community_portal]], and someone will be happy to help out.-
+&otimes;  If you would like someone to do this step for you, or if you have any questions/suggestions, just put a note in the [[SGUTranscripts:Community_portal]], and someone will be happy to help out.???link to section on portal???
-Head back to the [[Main Page]] and find the section that your episode should be entered into, for example [ The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe Transcripts, 2012] or [The Skeptics' Guide 5x5 Transcripts, 2008].
+#Head back to the [[Main Page]] and find the section that your episode should be entered into.
-You can edit sections of a page separately by clicking on the 'edit' link to the right of that section, opening that section's editing page that section.
+#*e.g The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe Transcripts, 2012 or The Skeptics' Guide 5x5 Transcripts, 2008
-Alternatively, you can open the editing page for the whole page and find the relevant section within it, whatever you find easiest.
+#You can edit sections of a page separately by clicking on the 'edit' link to the right of that section, opening that section's editing box directly. <!--
-Enter the link to your page, the date and mark it as incomplete. If you are transcribing a 5X5 episode, also include the episode name , for example:
+--><br>Alternatively, you can open the editing box for the whole page and find the relevant section within it using the 'edit' tab at the top of the page - whatever you find easiest.
-[[SGU Episode 352]], Apr 14 2012 (incomplete)
+#Enter the link to your page, the date and mark it as incomplete. If you are transcribing a 5X5 episode, also include the episode name , for example:<!--
-or
+--><ul><code><nowiki>[[SGU Episode 352]], Apr 14 2012 (incomplete)</nowiki></code></ul><!--
-[[5X5 Episode 110]], Apr 11 2012, Naturalistic Fallacy (incomplete)
+-->or<!--
-You can remove the "(incomplete)" once you've finished your submission
+--><ul><code><nowiki>[[5X5 Episode 110]], Apr 11 2012, Naturalistic Fallacy (incomplete)</nowiki></code></ul>
-Right, now you're ready to go ahead with the fun part.
+#*You can remove the <code>(incomplete)</code> once you've finished your submission.
+#Preview and save the page
+Right, now you're ready to go ahead with the fun part!
 == Tips for Transcription ==
 You should use whatever method of transcription you find suits you best.
-Here, we've put together some quick info on what we've found useful, please let us know if you have any suggestions to add.
+So far, we don't know of any speech recognition software available to do the task for us, so the following is for manual transcription only. Here's some quick info on what we've found useful so far.
+Please let us know if you have any suggestions to add.
 === Audio software ===
-My method of transcription is to use VLC media player, and dial down the speed until I can type comfortably. A quick alt-tab, then shift-left a couple of times will skip back a few seconds if you missed something.
+(copied)My method of transcription is to use VLC media player, and dial down the speed until I can type comfortably. A quick alt-tab, then shift-left a couple of times will skip back a few seconds if you missed something.
-ExpressScribe is a free program that allows you a lot of control over the audio playback, whilst using the text editor of your choice. You can assign hot-keys to actions such as play, pause, speed up, skip back etc. that are system-wide (i.e. they work no matter what other program you're in at the time).
+[http://www.nch.com.au/scribe/index.html ExpressScribe] is a free program that allows you a lot of control over the audio playback, whilst using the text editor of your choice. You can assign hot-keys to actions such as play, pause, speed up, skip back etc. that are system-wide (i.e. they work no matter what other program you're in at the time).
+<br>You can find an overview of ExpressScribe functions in [http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/transcribe-audio-video-files-text-express-scribe/ this article]
 === Text editing software ===
 Ultimately, it doesn't matter what program you use for writing your transcription, but some have their advantage and disadvantages.
-Microsoft Word
-Advantages: Spell-checker; Corrects common typos automatically
-Disadvantages: sometimes auto-corrects when you don't want it to; uses ???apostrophes that aren't recognised for formatting in Wiki (see ???)
 Here are some things you might want to consider:
-spell-checking
+*spell-checking
-automatic correction of common typos (e.g. with MS Word)
+*automatic correction of common typos (e.g. with MS Word)
-saving preferences
+*???preferences for format/saving file type
+<!--???Microsoft Word
+Advantages: Spell-checker; Corrects common typos automatically
+Disadvantages: sometimes auto-corrects when you don't want it to; uses ???apostrophes that aren't recognised for formatting in Wiki (see ???)-->
 == Posting Transcription ==
 So, now you've done all the hard work, and it's time to show the world.
-Go to the 'edit' section??? of the episode page you created and paste in your text.
+#Go to the episode page you created and click on the 'edit' tab at the top
-Click on the 'show preview' button at the bottom of the page to show what your current edit looks like.
+#Paste your text into the editing box
-It's generally best to check the preview before saving a page in order to avoid excessive numbers of editing entries in the [[Recent changes]] log.
+#Click on the 'show preview' button at the bottom of the page to show what your current edit looks like.
-This log shows all the changes made to the entire website, and is handy for checking for new additions, such as messages in the community portal.
+#*It's generally best to check the preview before saving a page in order to avoid excessive numbers of editing entries in the [[Recent changes]] log.
-If you're happy with the preview, or want to save your progress and come back to it later, click 'save page', which will show your new page in all it's glory.
+#**???This log shows all the changes made to the entire website, and is handy for checking for new additions, such as messages in the community portal.
+#If you're happy with the preview, or want to save your progress and come back to it later, click 'save page', which will show your new page in all it's glory.
 == Wiki mark-up ==
-- Again, if you would like someone to do this step for you, or if you have any questions/suggestions, just put a note in the [[Community_portal]], and someone will be happy to help out.-
+If you would like someone to mark up your page for you, or if you have any questions/suggestions, just put a note in the [[SGUTranscripts:Community_portal]], and someone will be happy to help out.
-Here, we describe the most commonly used ??? for pages on this site. For more detail, see the
+Here, we describe the most commonly used wikitext markup and html tags for pages on this site. For more detail, see
 [[http://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Help:Advanced_editing]]
 === Line breaks and paragraphs ===
 {| class="wikitable"
-!
+! Description
 ! What it looks like
 ! What you type
 |-
-|Starting a new line in the editing window does not show on the final page as a line break.
+|Starting a new line in the editing window does not show on the final page as a line break
 | This is my first lineThis is my second line
 |
-This is my first line<br>This is my second line
+<code>This is my first line<br>This is my second line</code>
 |-
 |
-To start a new line, use the <nowiki><br></nowiki> tag.
+To start a new line, use the <code><nowiki><br></nowiki></code> tag
-<br>You can use this on the same line, or on a new line.
+<br>You can use this on the same line, or on a new line
 |
 This is my first line<br>This is my second line
 |
-This is my first line<br><nowiki><br></nowiki>This is my second line
+<code>This is my first line<br><nowiki><br></nowiki>This is my second line</code>
 |-
-|The start of a new paragraph is indicated by an empty line between text in the editing window.
+|To start a new paragraph leave an empty line between text in the editing window
 | This is my first line
 This is my second line
 |
-This is my first line<br><br>This is my second line
+<code>This is my first line<br><br>This is my second line</code>
 |}
@@ Line 115: / Line 120: @@
 === Headers ===
 Headers are used to mark the different podcast segments, and are automatically incorporated into a table of contents that appears at the top of the page.
 Headings are made by using 2 or more 'equals' signs:
@@ Line 122: / Line 128: @@
 |-
 |
-==Podcast segment==
+<h2>Podcast segment
-| <nowiki>==Podcast segment==</nowiki>
+|<code><nowiki>==Podcast segment==</nowiki></code>
 |-
 |
-===Segment subsection===
+<h3> Segment subsection
-|<nowiki>===Segment subsection===</nowiki>
+|<code><nowiki>===Segment subsection===</nowiki></code>
 |}
 ???
-We also include the time at which that section starts in a small font using the<nowiki><small></nowiki> tag, for example:
+We also include the time at which that section starts in a small font using the <code><nowiki><small></nowiki></code> tag, for example:
-<br><nowiki>=== News Item 2 <small>(24:32)</small>===</nowiki>
-<br>is displayed as:
-=== News Item2 <small>(24:32)</small>===
-???
+<code><nowiki>=== News Item 2 <small>(24:32)</small>===</nowiki></code>
+is displayed as:
+<span style="font-size:150%">'''News Item 2 <small>(24:32)</small>'''</span>
+<!--???
 italics, bold
@@ Line 143: / Line 152: @@
 refs
+-->
 == Community Portal ==
-click on 'edit' and enter your note at the bottom.
+To post a message in the [[SGUTranscripts:Community_portal]]:
-Sign the post using 4 tildas <nowiki>("~~~~")</nowiki>
+#Click on the 'edit' tab on the portal page and enter your note at the bottom of the editing box
-This automatically inserts your user name and the time of the post.
+#Sign the post using 4 tildas <nowiki>("~~~~")</nowiki>
-Don't forget to hit 'save page' when you're finished.
+#*This automatically inserts your user name and the time of the post.
+#Don't forget to hit 'save page' when you're finished.