STAR Dot STAR • 2 Society for the Technological Advancement of Reporting Table of Contents Officers & Directors

VOLUME 18, NO. 1 WINTER 2013 MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

By Rosalie Kramm, RPR, CRR, CSR(CA)

As a working reporter and firm owner, I don’t have any time to waste. I only choose to attend conferences that I believe will give me energy, save me time, money, and allow me the opportunity to network and get business for my firm. That is why I have not missed a STAR conference/convention in the past nine years. I know I will walk away with a renewed excitement about my job and ideas on how to be more ef- fective as a business owner. The STAR conference in warm, sunny Florida at the beautiful Marriott ROSALIE KRAMM, RPR, CRR, CSR(CA) Harbor Beach, Fort Lauderdale, on STAR President March 7-9 is going to be one of the very get the conversation rolling? best conferences ever. Our seminar Everyone needs cost savings ideas, chairs, Nancy Bistany and Rick Levy, and we have an expert panel of firm have carefully put together a program owners who have put in dozens of to ensure both firm owners and work- hours compiling information on how ing reporters get the knowledge they to save money running a court report- need to be on the cutting edge in our ing firm. industry as well as having fantastic Of course, we have the wonderful networking opportunities. One of the Case CATalyst training, Stenograph most valuable aspects of attending a forum, and the brilliant Case CATalyst STAR conference is the meeting of Users Group. like-minded individuals with the same I personally guarantee the March goals and aspirations as you. conference will be of tremendous value Highlights of the conference: Panel to both the working reporter and all discussion on teaching your reporters firm owners. My goal is for anyone how to market your firm and services who comes to our STAR conference in the field. Using iPads, throw-down to be more successful than ever with netbooks, and video streaming can be tools and ideas to implement winning powerful tools to sell to attorneys at a strategies! deposition. How does your reporter The official publication of the Society for the Technological Advancement of Reporting the Technological The official publication of the Society for STAR dot The perfect match...

and

...even better together!

Remember, STAR members are eligible for special pricing on the Diamante®, CaseViewNet, annual support agreements and protection plans.

To learn more, visit www.stenograph.com or call 800.323.4247.

STAR Dot STAR • 2 Society for the Technological Advancement of Reporting Table of Contents Officers & Directors

PRESIDENT Rosalie A. Kramm, RPR, CRR, CSR (CA) Kramm & Associates, Inc. President’s Message...... 1 2224 Third Avenue • San Diego, CA 92101 W: 619-239-0080 • FAX: 619-239-0206 [email protected] Announcing...STAR Advertorial Guidelines...... 4

VICE PRESIDENT Christine Randall, RPR, CSR (CA) February 17-23 Recognized as National Court Reporting & Captioning Week...... 5 Wood & Randall Certified Shorthand Reporters 423 Truxtun Ave • Bakersfield, CA 93301 W: 661-395-1050 • FAX: 661-395-0726 [email protected] Editor’s Note/In the Kitchen with the STARs...... 5

SECRETARY Shelly Hunter, RPR, CRR “Scientia Potentia Est”...... 6 Hunter + Geist, Inc. By Linda Fifield 1900 Grant St, #800 • Denver, CO 80203 W: 303-832-5966 • FAX: 303-832-9525 [email protected] Announcing the DiamanteTM Silent Auction!...... 8 TREASURER Todd A. Mobley Mike Mobley Reporting Member Profile: Meet STAR’s Secretary Shelly Hunter...... 9 334 S Main St • Dayton, OH 45402 W: 937-222-2259 • FAX: 937-222-9747 [email protected] Let’s Talk e-Key...... 10

DIRECTORS By James Kuta Matt Alley Tiffany Alley Reporting & Video, Inc. 3348 Peachtree Rd, NE, Tower Pl 200, #700 • Atlanta, GA 30326 “The Best is Yet to Come”...... 10 W: 770-343-9696 [email protected] A Look at Case CATalyst Version 14...... 11 Jan Ballman, RPR, CMRS Paradigm Reporting & Captioning, Inc. By James Kuta 527 Marquette Ave S • Minneapolis, MN 55402 W: 612-339-0545 • FAX: 612-337-5575 [email protected] Welcome Mat...... 11

Linda S. Fifield, MBA Doris O. Wong Associates, Inc. A Website Mission...... 12 50 Franklin St, 3rd Floor, #300 • Boston, MA 02110 W: 617-426-2432 • FAX: 617-482-7813 By Gabrielle DeCrescenzo [email protected]

Micheal A. Johnson, RPR, CSR (TX), CRR, CLR, CCR (LA) Nine Ways for Court Reporters to Relieve Stress...... 13 Johnson Reporting Services By Rosalie Kramm 2205 Flaming Tree Ct • Cedar Park, TX 78613 W: 512-331-1161 [email protected] Lessons from the Tracks...... 14 Jane M. Jones, RMR, CRR By Taylor Lee & Al Betz Brown & Jones Reporting, Inc. 735 N. Water St, Ste. M185 • Milwaukee, WI 53202 W: 414-224-9533 • FAX: 414-224-9635 Angie's List of Trending Trends: 2013 — The Year of the Video...... 16 [email protected] By Angie Ballman-Punton Victoria Pohlman, RPR, CMRS, CSR(IL), CCR(MO) Pohlman USA Reporting Company 10 S. Broadway, #1400 • St Louis, MO 63102 In Memoriam...... 16 W: 314-421-0099 • FAX: 314-421-1115 [email protected] STAR Membership Application...... 25 IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Nicholas G. Rennillo, J.D. Rennillo Deposition & Discovery, a Veritext Company 1301 E. Ninth St, #100 • Cleveland, OH 44114 The Great STAR Suggestion Box...... 26 W: 216-523-1313 • FAX: 216-263-7070 [email protected] Advertisements...... 27 EDITOR Christine Randall, RPR, CSR (CA) Wood & Randall Certified Shorthand Reporters 423 Truxtun Ave • Bakersfield, CA 93301 W: 661-395-1050 • FAX: 661-395-0726 [email protected]

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Tina Kautter, CAE STAR Headquarters 222 S. Westmonte Dr., #101 Altamonte Springs, FL 32714 W: 407-774-7880 • FAX: 407-774-6440 [email protected]

STAR Dot STAR • 3 SOCIETY FOR THE TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENT OF REPORTING Advertorial Guidelines

The Society for the Technological Advancement of Reporting

(STAR) is pleased to offer our advertisers an opportunity to CALL deliver their messages and tell about their products or services DON'T SIGN BIG OR A through a new medium called “advertorials.” An advertorial is MISS UP NEWS a hybrid of editorial and advertising content which resembles EMAIL CAN'T FROM an editorial page in appearance but allows you to promote your NOW OUT TODAY! MISS product or service in greater detail than would be possible in STAR CHANCE a display advertisement. It is common knowledge that readers give more credibility to editorial content than to paid advertisements, so advertorials are gaining popularity, particularly in electronic publications.

STAR-dot-STAR Newsletter advertorials get results because they look and read like editorials while at the same time providing you a platform for highlighting the benefits and advantages of your products and services.

Guidelines and Recommendations

Star-dot-STAR has established guidelines to maintain consistency, accuracy, and good taste of advertorials. These guidelines can help ensure the success of your advertorial and can help you create the “magazine look” for your advertising.

Copy - Write from a third-person point of view. - Quote outside sources for authoritative copy and to support your viewpoint. - Identify the writer and include a brief biography, if applicable.

Design - Typefaces, fonts and layout should bear no resemblance to standard editorial templates in STAR-dot-STAR. Our production staff can assist you in selecting font size, leading, layout style and color to ensure that your design features are not similar to editorial content in the newsletter. - Charts and graphs may be used. - STAR production staff will add the text “Paid Advertisement” at the top of each page of the advertorial. - Use of a logo is generally not recommended.

General - Identification of advertorials, or any advertisement that resembles editorial material, must be clearly indicated at the top of each page with any of the following: “Advertisement,” “Advertising,” “Special Advertising Section,” or “Special Advertising Report.” - Type size should be a minimum of 9 points . - All advertisements, including editorials, are subject to approval of STAR (publisher), which reserves the right to reject or cancel any advertisement or advertorial at any time. - STAR reserves the right to reject articles that are poorly written, contain inappropriate content or do not meet other requirements. - No advertorial piece is acceptable if it is misleading or deceitful, fraudulent, unlawful, or reflects unfavorably on an individual, race, religion, gender, occupation or institution. It cannot malign the products and/or services of another.

ADVERTORIAL RATES (per insertion)

1X 4X 2-page spread $650.00 $500.00 Full page $425.00 $300.00 Half-Page $250.00 $195.00

To reserve your advertorial space, please contact Elaine York at 407-571-1135 or [email protected].

STAR Dot STAR • 4 February 17-23 Recognized as Editor’s National Court Note Reporting & Captioning Week If you are a STAR member, I know you are busy working and growing your business. Well, I bet you also are he National Court Re- onstrations such as producing tran- trying to prepare great meals for your porters Association, the scripts of veterans’ oral histories. “For family and friends. Let’s share some country’s leading orga- 10 years, members of the National of your favorites with your fellow nization representing Court Reporters Association have STAR members. Please email me at T [email protected]. I would stenographic court reporters and volunteered their time and profes- broadcast captioners, has announced sional skills to capture the oral histo- love to publish your recipe! that February 17-23 has been ries of America’s disabled veterans,” deemed National Court Reporting said B.J. Shorak, deputy executive In the Kitchen and Captioning Week. The aware- director of the National Court Report- with STARs ness week pulls together a nationwide ers Foundation. “These transcripts— effort to highlight the contributions of thousands of important histories that stenographic court reporters and cap- would have otherwise been lost—are tioners to society and to showcase the preserved at the Library of Congress career opportunities that exist in the thanks to the skill and dedication of court reporting and captioning fields. court reporters and captioners.” Stenograph, with its headquar- “As highly technical career op- ters in Elmhurst, IL, is planning to tions, stenographic court reporting encourage its customer base to get and captioning require an intricate Christine’s Easy Crockpot involved with National Court Report- blend of skill and knowledge,” said Sausage Potato Soup ing & Captioning Week by engaging Tami Smith, president of NCRA and in a grass roots effort to promote the a court reporter for the 37th Circuit 1 – 30 oz. bag of frozen shredded profession and educate local commu- Court in Battle Creek, Mich. “Na- hash browns nities about the value stenographic tional Court Reporting and Caption- 2 cups of chopped kale skills bring to today’s marketplace. ing Week not only celebrates and 1 lb. of ground sausage “Court reporting is consistently highlights the invaluable contribu- 3 – 14 oz. cans of chicken broth ranked as one of the top career options that court reporters make to the 1 can of cream of chicken soup tions as it offers both flexibility and legal and deaf and hard-of-hearing 1 onion, chopped significant income potential,” notes communities, it also showcases the 1/2 tsp. ground pepper Dan Petersen, Director of Marketing tremendous career opportunities that 1 pkg. cream cheese (Do not use fat at Stenograph. “Court reporters and are available through stenographic free or it won’t melt.) captioners are able to begin a career court reporting and captioning.” without a traditional four-year college Stenographic skills translate to First, fry the ground sausage. I usually degree, and these highly trained pro- a multitude of career options—in- do this the evening before and refrig- fessionals experience the continuous cluding court reporting, live-event erate so it is ready the next morning. professional growth associated with captioning for the deaf and hard-of- In a crockpot, combine everything ex- an in-demand career.” hearing community, captioning for cept the cream cheese. Cook for 6-8 National Court Reporting and broadcast and specialized videog- hours on low heat. About one hour Captioning Week will be marked raphy—and the strong marketplace before serving, add cream cheese and with educational events nationwide, demand means court reporting offers heat until thoroughly melted. This including a grassroots social me- an abundance of long-term career soup is yummy and so easy. (Note - dia campaign, presentations at high opportunities with the Bureau of La- You can also use chopped ham and schools across the country about bor Statistics noting that a 14 percent grated cheddar cheese in place of the court reporting and captioning career growth in the court reporting profes- sausage and cream cheese.) opportunities and community dem- sion is expected by 2020.

STAR Dot STAR • 5 “Scientia Potentia Est” By Linda Fifield, Doris O. Wong Associates, Inc.

“Know your equipment. Know your software.” This has relate to court reporting and the legal profession. been my office mantra since the early 1970s when Doris O. Some of my favorite APPs or APPs of interest include: Wong Associates, Inc., got into computers. Since then, the • iCVNet – what a game changer for reporters writing evolution from Baron Data mainframes to smartphones and realtime. Counsel love it and hookup is a breeze. ASCII to PDF files have changed the way we do business. • iAnnotate PDF – this is a great PDF editor for $9.99 It’s a full-time job keeping up with the technological changes • GoodReader – PDF editor for $4.99 and applying them to the business. There is so much out • PDFpen for the iPad and iPhone – similar to the there so it’s important to incorporate only those applications other PDF APPs with different functionality. that make sense to you and improve your productivity on a • Evernote – a great organizer that syncs over multiple day-to-day basis. devices and platforms First and foremost, take the time to learn your Case CAT- • Goodnotes – sometimes typing on a device or alyst (CC) software and writer. Did you know that Steno- breaking out a keyboard is cumbersome and using a stylus graph has a blog with tech tips? What about the Integrated makes sense. Training Videos and Self Study Guides under the HELP • Flipboard – personalized news magazine. Pick your menu in CC? Attend a STAR convention and go to the CC topics of interest and stay up to date on the latest and great- seminars. Learn a great editing feature? Share it with your est. peers. Why be a good reporter when you can be a great • Scanner Pro – If you don’t carry around a ScanS- one? nap or true portable scanner, turn your smartphone or iPad NCRA’s listserv forum is another wonderful resource. into a scanner using this APP. Take a picture of business It’s amazing what gems of information I glean from reporters cards, receipts, documents and save them in Dropbox for around the country. I pick out something that interests me, when you need them. research it and see if it applies to the firm. If I like it, it gets • Air Display – turns your iPad into another display incorporated. screen. Facebook and LinkedIn are other great resources. There • Dropbox – cloud storage are so many forums and pages that you can easily follow all • Kindle – e-books of which help you keep a pulse on what’s happening around • SKYPE – video conferencing on the fly the country. Whether it’s a new service idea, a promotion, • Grocery IQ – I never have to go back to the grocery how-to scenarios, or a new product update, all of this is valu- store because whenever I think of something I need, I in- able information. For example, have you checked out FB struct Siri to put it on my list. sites like Steno Briefs for Court Reporters or Case CATalsyst • Flashlight – I can’t see like I used to so a “flashlight” Reporters and Users? Your peers are amazing! brightens things up so that I can see what I’m doing. Just recently the office got into the iPad craze. There are • Magnifying Glass – What a great find for these tired a lot of APPS for the iPhone, iPad and the Android. For eyes! simplicity, I’ll concentrate more on the Apple products, but you will find that there are similar applications for other de- Technology I can’t live without: vices out there. • ScanSnap S1500 for scanning. Also comes with a First of all, when you get a new device, take the time to “free” version of Adobe X Standard. learn how to navigate the product. All new technology has • Andrea Pure Audio USB Sound Card to boost a learning curve. If you don’t take a lesson, go online and sound on notebooks find a site(s) with tech tips. For example, here’s a helpful • iPhone site that gives you a quick tutorial on how to navigate an iPad. http://www.techsupportalert.com/content/ipad-tips- Technology to be on the lookout for: and-tricks.htm. • Imore.com is coming out with a Griffin PowerDock Once you know your device, you’ll want to add applica- 5. It will charge five devices from one dock. Thanks, Mike tions or APPS that add value to your day. Whether it’s a Miller, for finding this gem. news feed, PDF reader or a mindless game, download the APP and give it a try. Most APPs are inexpensive, but I still “Scientia potentia est” (Knowledge is power). Embrace rely on my network of gurus to point me in the right direc- it and you’ll go far. tion. That means going to STAR and NCRA conventions, signing onto the NCRA listserv and other CR forums, sub- scriptions to journals and magazines, and finding blogs that

STAR Dot STAR • 6 LAWYERS LOVE E-TRANSCRIPTS.

Three reasons lawyers prefer RealLegal® E-Transcripts: 1) They love saving E-Transcripts in West Case Notebook® or other software – and searching multiple transcripts simultaneously. 2) E-Transcripts give them the ability to automatically include page numbers, line numbers, and formatting when copying and pasting transcript excerpts. 3) They like being able to bold key questions and answers. Give your clients what they love – E-Transcripts – and watch your business grow. Learn more, visit RealLegal.com. Or call 1-888-584-9988, ext. 4714.

STAR Dot STAR • 7 Announcing the DiamanteTM Silent Auction!

Place Your Bid during the STAR 2013 Mid-Year Conference, March 7-9. The Silent Auction will end on Saturday, March 9, after the morning break.

Vibrant display keeps things clearly in view: A vibrant recorder at home. Record the audio and even monitor active-matrix color screen displays text, steno or both the sound quality if you wish. Start, pause and stop as side-by-side. Display mechanism smoothly tilts from 0 to desired. Play back the synchronized audio privately to 65 degrees to accommodate varying lighting conditions. your own headset or through speakers if you choose Screen folds face-down to protect it while not in use. to share it with the participants. Microphone, headsets Five font sizes with color choices are easy to choose and speakers are sold separately. and to change for personal preference. TrueStroke(tm) Technology: TrueStroke(tm) technology Triple protection of your valuable work: Steno, time- (patent-pending) utilizes software to more accurately stamps and audio backup are saved on the Data SD track the movement of each individual keystroke. It card and the Backup SD card. Memory backup of the replaces traditional contact adjustments and helps to most recent 36,000 pages of steno and timestamps are achieve cleaner writing right from the start. There are stored in 64MB in the unlikely event the SD cards are no ‘under-the-hood’ adjustments to make. lost or damaged. Supports SD cards from 1GB to 32GB. 4GB Data SD card and Backup SD card are included EasyLock Z12 Tripod: Weighing only 1-1/4 pounds and in the writer. folding to a mere 12 inches the Z12 stands straight in front of you for perfect writing position. The tilt mechanism, Versatile Data Transfer: Realtime via USB to Case CATa- which is recessed in the bottom of the writer, enables lyst and other Windows XP/Vista CAT systems. SD Cards adjusting the slant +-10 degrees for comfort and variety conveniently move jobs from the writer to your com- in posture. The manual lift center steel column makes puter. Dictionary updating via USB from Case CATalyst those final tripod height adjustments smooth and easy. and other CAT systems via RTF-CRE. Optionally use a USB Thumb Drive to move jobs from the writer to your For additional information on the Diamante (like war- computer and leave the SD cards in the writer. ranty, cash back for trade-ins, and what’s included) visit http://www.stenograph.com/ProductDetails.aspx AudioSync™ OTG - on the go! Leave that clumsy tape ?id=100001&subid=6140001&prodid=45011.

STAR Dot STAR • 8 Member Profile: Meet STAR’s Secretary Shelly Hunter

Hometown? Ankeny, Iowa

Family? Bill, my husband, and Jordan, our pride and joy, who is 21 years old. Of course, Kozmo, our spoiled dog, who is 11 years old.

Reporting since? 1983. I quit reporting in August of 2002.

Loves to? Read. Walk. Hike. Game night/card games with Friends and Family.

Has a weakness for? Mashed potatoes and gravy.

If I had a millions dollars, I would...I'm a saver, but I take it you would rather have a "fun" answer. Use it for luxury travels, getting away, spa days, and buying clothes.

You may be surprised to know...I have walked in five Avon Walks for Breast Cancer. The first one was 60 miles over three days. The last four were 39 miles over two days.

When I am not proofeading, I like to read...Books. Some of my favorites: The Jewel of St. Petersburg, Rachel's Holiday, Firefly Lane, Sarah's Key, The Glass Castle, and Between Sisters.

Favorite Movie? When Harry Met Sally.

Reporting Pet Peeve? Attorneys marking their own exhibits.

STAR Dot STAR • 9 Let’s Talk e-Key By James Kuta, Product Manager, Stenograph Stenograph introduced e-Key almost two years ago. export to PTX. As a business professional, it only makes Since that time, the response to e-Key has been incred- sense (*cents*) to stay current with technology. ibly positive and the number of reporters freeing them- selves of the hardware security device has grown to more Do I currently need to be on a support than 9,000. A great barometer of e-Key’s success is the agreement to get an e-Key? drastic reduction of panicked, “I can’t access my software No. As long as you are a licensed user of Case CATalyst and I am at the job!” calls received by Technical Sup- version 12 or higher you can get an e-Key. port. If you are still on the fence about e-Key, here are some questions received over the last two years and the Do I have to be on the Internet every answers to those questions. time I use CATalyst if I have an e-Key? Absolutely not! An internet connection is only needed How do I get an e-Key? once every 90 days and even that is optional. If your Case Send an email to [email protected], include your CATalyst computers do not have an internet connection, name, customer number, and the serial number of your you can use any computer with an internet connection to security device. You will receive a reply email with further reactivate your e-Key. instructions. How many computers can I have my e- Is it true that Case CATalyst Version 14 Key installed on at one time? is e-Key only? You can have your e-Key on four computers at one time. Yes, it’s true. With the introduction of Case CATalyst ver- In fact, Stenograph recently increased that number from sion 14, the hardware security device will be completely three computers to four computers. replaced by e-Key. What happens if Stenograph goes out Do I have to keep an annual support of business? Would I no longer be able agreement to keep using e-Key? to use Case CATalyst? No. A support agreement is not needed to keep using Stenograph is in no danger of going out of business. In your e-Key. But it is a great question to talk about the the unlikely event that Stenograph did go out of business, value of a support agreement. In addition to having ac- steps would be taken to ensure that you would maintain cess to Technical Support (phone, e-mail, live chat), a access to Case CATalyst. support agreement entitles you to future Case CATalyst releases and all of the amazing advancements those en- For more information on why you should get e-Key, hancement updates provide, like e-Key, Finish ‘em and please visit stenograph.com.

“The Best is Yet to Come”

As Frank Sinatra said, “The Best is Yet to Come.” Did you know that is President Rosalie Kramm’s favorite Sinatra song and the song that she played while she went to court reporting school? Did you know that Irv Starkman loves Sinatra, too? Well, you can imagine the fun when you put Irv, Rosalie, and Sinatra in a hospitality suite. Please join this threesome as they serve up the fun in Fort Lauderdale, March 7-9th, 2013, at the STAR Hospitality Suite.

STAR Dot STAR • 10 A Look at Case CATalyst Version 14

By James Kuta, Product Manager, Stenograph

The release of a Case CATalyst version always brings easily eliminate the ones you don’t. excitement to Stenograph. In Development, the brilliant For example, your dictionaries contain perfectly stroked conjurors of code are bringing new features to life. In entries along with some misstrokes for the same text. Technical Support, the skillful software systems specialists When you write “associated with” Brief It reminds you of are preparing to bring you the best support experience. your dictionary entry “SOET/W-D,” which is a misstroke. And everyone at Stenograph is hard at work to bring you Sending “associated with” to your No Nag List will stop Case CATalyst version 14. While we are busy making the Brief It from reminding you of “associated with,” for cur- final preparations for an end of February release date, I rent and future jobs. am sharing some of the Case CATalyst version 14 features E-Mail in Finish ‘em: Take the frustration out of with you. sending transcripts to your reporting firm and clients. Case Export to PTX: Are you paying extra fees to provide CATalyst’s unparalleled Finish ‘em feature puts all of the PTX files? Export to PTX creates files that are compatible finishing touches on your transcript with one click, includ- with RealLegal E-Transcript Viewer™ and RealLegal E- ing attaching the transcript files you want to an email. It Transcript Bundle Viewer™ at no extra cost to you! offers the option to pre-address your e-mail by typing your Mistran Minder: Do you have a unique set of recipients’ email address in the recipient field or you can mistranslates you search for each time you edit a transcript? select recipients after the e-mail message has been opened. Do you bounce while stroking /A, which results in an a? Do Enhanced Search Features: Trying to find you sometimes write addendum when meaning to write ad a transcript and you’re not sure if the witness’ name was damnum? How much time do you spend finding and fixing Colette, Collete, Colet or Collet? It has never been easier to your common mistranslates? Mistran Minder instantly finds find what you are looking for in Case CATalyst. CATalyst’s and lists your mistranslates along with transcript context to exclusive Search File Contents feature includes wildcard save you time and eliminate multiple searches. and regular expression searches. Search lists the results Brief It No Nag List: Brief It Reminders are very with the file contents so you don’t need to look any further. useful to remind you of shorter strokes in your dictionary, These plus many more exciting new features, along but are there certain reminders you just want Brief It to with enhancements to existing features, are coming in Case stop nagging you about? The Brief It No Nag List is the CATalyst version 14. For more information you can visit solution. Now, you can see reminder briefs you want and the Stenograph website at stenograph.com.

Welcome Mat

We extend a hearty welcome to the following new members...A BIG welcome to: (As of 2/12/13)

Shari Grimsgaard...... Pompano Beach, FL

Darlene Niemeyer...... Butler, IL

STAR Dot STAR • 11 A Website Mission By Gabrielle DeCrescenzo

Websites are like new cars. They initially look and work in their menu of services that they provide, so effectively great. But as time goes on, the shine wears off and they highlighting TTI’s strengths in the Philadelphia market tend to need attention. That’s the responsibility I took on immediately presented itself as the most important goal. as project manager for Trial Technologies, Inc. My chal- Logical navigation within the site and well-organized pages lenge was to balance creativity, strategy, and business logic were also critical to success. to build a site that interested and informed our potential As I set out on this mission I toyed with hyperlink-rich clients. Trial Technologies, Inc. — or TTI — is the sister formats like http://news.google.com/ versus hyperlink-bare company to James DeCrescenzo Reporting, also based in sites like http://us.leica-camera.com, along with a variety Philadelphia. In my experience here, I’ve worked for both of color schemes, homepage and sub-page layouts, and businesses, and had previously redesigned JDReporting. wording. Ultimately the site morphed from the existing com. With the redesign of only one website under my belt, chaotic competition between images and text (left image) to after a completely ragtag formal education on the matter, I a more basic and logical flow of information (right image). looked up from the base of the proverbial website mountain Since the pages are now simplified, clients are guided knowing I had to climb it armed with only second-hand through our website without aggravation or confusion. tools and minimal experience. This translates to more focused inquires and ultimately The real challenge of the TTI website lay in how to more business. accurately represent our company within the vast and bor- (Gabrielle DeCrescenzo is with James DeCrescenzo derless online world. Litigation support firms vary widely Reporting, LLC, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.)

STAR Dot STAR • 12 Nine Ways for Court Reporters to Relieve Stress By Rosalie Kramm

4. Take five or 10 minutes to do something you find interesting: Recent research shows doing something interesting doesn’t just keep you going despite fatigue, it actually gives you energy. Interesting is defined as doing something that really is physically or mentally challenging (not relaxing). 5. Add “where” and “when” to do your to-do list: Nearly 200 studies on everything from diet and exercise to time management have shown if you add when the task is to be done and where, there is a double/triple chance you will complete the task. To relieve stress we need to get our tasks done in a timely manner and not let them weigh on our mind. 6. Use if-thens for positive thought: Decide what kind of response you will give to a situation. For example, if I have 450 expedited pages to get out this weekend, then A court reporter’s job is to take down, verbatim, every word I will relax knowing I can get out 300 out Saturday and spoken for hours at a time, which can be a pain in the neck. 150 on Sunday, leaving me with most of Sunday to do I have written thousands of pages the last couple of weeks, what I want. all expedited, and my neck has a constant throb. I had my 7. See your work in terms of progress, not perfection: masseuse work on it (using a small wooden rolling pin push- Expecting to be perfect the first time you do something is ing with all of his might) and he commented, “It is all stress.” a bad plan, and comparing ourselves with other people So I decided to research relieving stress and found a great leads to fatigue, self-doubt, and ultimately sets you up for article in the Harvard Business Review written by Heidi Grant failure. Instead do a self-comparison in terms of learning Halvorson, “Nine Ways Successful People Defeat Stress.” and improving, accepting you make some mistakes along Halvorson talks about nine scientifically-proven strategies for the way, and you will feel less stress and more motivated. defeating stress. 8. Think about the progress that you’ve already made: Psychologically, it is not whether we’ve reached our goal, 1. Have self-compassion: Be willing to look at your mis- but the rate at which we are closing the gap that deter- takes with kindness and understanding. Don’t get mad mines how we feel. Take a moment and reflect on what at yourself for a misstroke or not remembering to use a you’ve accomplished rather than turning your attention new brief. Self-compassionate people are happier, more to the challenges that are ahead. optimistic, and successful. They learn from their mistakes 9. Know whether optimism or defensive pessimism and move on. works for you: Know your motivational style. Some peo- 2. Look at the big picture: Anything you need or want to ple think of their jobs as an opportunity for achievement do can be looked at in different ways. Thinking big picture and accomplishment. Psychologists call this promotion about the way you work can be very energizing. If you focus. People who are comfortable with prevention focus are getting frustrated trying to fix a conflict, their, there, place the emphasis on fulfilling responsibilities. People they’re, for example, and it is hard to focus on change can work very differently to obtain the same goal. It is during a deposition, remember why you are working on suggested you identify your focus type, and embrace ei- that one conflict – it is so you can write realtime, save ther the sunny outlook or healthy skepticism to reduce time scoping, and pass the CMRR/CRR. stress. 3. Rely on routines: The fewer decisions you have to make every day the less you will feel stressed. Don’t waste time One of the reasons I chose Halvorson’s article is because on trivia. Have your steno bag always ready to go with these nine steps are not what I typically see written about your exhibit stickers, power cords…Suggested routine: controlling stress. No. 9 is particularly thought-provoking and After deposition immediately mark exhibits, clean up “interesting.” I am more energized now and my neck is feel- proper names in transcript, and send the file off to the ing better than it did when I started writing this for my fellow scopist. Make your lunch in the morning/set your clothes court reporters. out before going to bed for the next day. STAR Dot STAR • 13 We were sitting in the sun room looking across acres of farmland, when we heard the friendly whistle of the Georgia Lessons Pacific. “Here comes the train!” Three times a day five days a week the train makes its journey through the western Maryland countryside. My 16-year-old from granddaughter, Taylor, and I watched the powerful engine lead the train around the bend, through the trees, behind the farm- house and briefly into our view. One town over is Westminster. That was where I first saw the train many years ago. At the cor- the ner of Main and Bond Streets is where the tracks intersect. On the corner is a restaurant, its wall of windows standing 10 feet from the tracks. An unsuspecting diner gets quite a jolt when Tracks the train slowly rolls by and its whistle proudly announces its presence. Taylor is a writer, a musician, and an artist. I am fascinated By Taylor Lee & Al Betz, Al Betz & by her perspective on everything. So as we watched the train Associates, Inc. pass, I asked Taylor what life lessons she thought the train represented. “Nothing pushes the train; it pulls itself,” she said. Ah, yes, she reminded me of the story of the little engine that could. I think I can. I think I can. I know I can! Lesson number 1: per- sistence. I sat quietly as Taylor took a closer look at the train and thought about it as she never had before. In our daily lives information enters and leaves our sensory perimeter so quickly, and implants images and thoughts so indelibly, that our cogni- tive synthesis doesn’t have time to value it. We receive the information and we act on it. We don’t accept it or reject it based on thoughtful consideration. This was an opportunity for me and for Taylor to acknowledge the 70+% of communication that occurs silently in our lives and in this instance to evaluate its meaning. “The train is on a single track, so it has to be focused” was Taylor’s next observation. Lesson number 2: Attention to detail. Multi-tasking works for life’s inconsequential activities but for the important stuff involving big dollars or decisions affect- ing the lives of others, single-mindedness is critical. Think about texting while driving, or walking on busy downtown streets with ears filled with earbuds and music as examples where focus and attention to detail are important. In reporting or captioning situ- ations there are instances where attention to detail can enable a moment to lead to an inspired performance. Preparation, an- ticipation, knowledge of circumstance can focus us to showcase our best self and inspire a performance, leading to a new opportunity. Taylor and I began to quickly make observations about the lessons we learned from watching the train: The train is on a journey; if the train breaks, it gets repaired and keeps on going; the train we were watching always moves at the same speed... it’s steady; its whistle has a universal message – “I’m coming. Be careful.” Every day Taylor and I get to look out across the fields to the train tracks. The tracks remind us how important it is to set a path, begin the journey, and continue along the path at a steady pace, making repairs and adjustments as we go. Upon recovery from a derailment, we love to blow the whistle and announce “We’re still coming. Be careful.” (Al Betz is a court reporting firm owner and America’s silent communicator. He can be reached at [email protected].)

STAR Dot STAR • 14 STAR Dot STAR • 15 Angie’s List of Trending Trends: 2013 - The Year of the video By Angie Ballman-Punton @angelanicolebp

An email with the subject line “This is FACT: Online video marketing takes tives will you want shown? Outline it; write HILARIOUS!” pops up in your Outlook. time, money and effort. But remember the it; practice it! Keep in mind that whoever You click, and it’s a 750-word political joke sage words of Thomas Edison: “There is is on camera should exude likeability, from your court reporting buddy in Min- no substitute for hard work.” Forrester trustworthiness and competence. If that neapolis. Mark “Unread.” Maybe later… Reach, a global research and advisory firm, person isn’t you, who is it? They will be Another email appears with a similarly reported that videos make your website 53 marketing your firm and making a personal enthusiastic subject line. This time, how- times more likely to land an “organic” first- connection with your potential clients. ever, there is a link to a two-minute video page ranking. HUGE! Isn’t it about time Step 4: Lights, camera...AC- clip. You click. You watch. You laugh. You you hop aboard the video marketing train? TION! share. Why? Because video is interesting! To make it a bit easier, I have compiled Now that you are prepared, Just Do Video is entertaining! And video is easy a five-step guide to getting web video on It! You can always edit it or reshoot it. You to consume. your website. For those of you who have don’t have to nail it on the first round. Just FACT: Video used in email market- videography in-house, you can complete shoot the video! You may try changing ing increases click-through rates by 96 this whole project without outsourcing a scenery, changing outfits, or trying a couple percent (Implix 2010 Email Marketing thing. For those who do not, I assure you of takes not talking right at the camera. Trends Survey)! Of course, this is one of there are many local companies that can Perhaps you want to include photos, utiliz- the reasons why legal videography is such help you achieve web video content. ing “voiceover” for portions of it. Perhaps a compelling service. I know I’m preaching Step 1: Talk with your web some (licensed!) background music! to the choir on that one, but probably not developer. Step 5: Edit, and post! on this one: It’s time to tell your videogra- Make sure that your current website There will likely be some editing re- phers to set up their kits and get YOU in platform can support web video. Ask if it quired, and that’s fine. When all is said- front of the camera! It’s time to put YOU can support multiple videos in a media and-done, it should be short and sweet on your website! library. If it does not, ask what it would – definitely under two minutes, or you run Some have dubbed 2013 “The Year of take to get it there. the risk of losing your viewer’s attention. the Video.” It should come as no surprise Step 2: Choose a message. NOW, GO FOR IT! The concept of that our society has shifted to a culture What sets your firm apart? You already video marketing is simple, but powerful. It that would much rather watch a video know the answer because you take this requires an investment, but it can pay off in than read text. An estimated 60 percent of message on the road daily. But ask yourself spades. And this is the year to give it a try! online searches are for video. As Google’s a second question: Who will be finding you Tweet me at @angelanicolebp or email algorithms are ever-changing to adapt to on the internet? Okay, now what is your me at angieballman@paradigmreporting. the needs of its users, they now reward message to that audience? com. websites that offer video content. If you Step 3: Write the script. don’t have video on your website, you are Designate who will be the spokesper- missing a HUGE marketing opportunity. son on camera. What, if any, demonstra- In Memoriam Donald E. Pollock McQueeney, TX

Gerald Hanson, Sr. Detroit, MI

Sam Fitz-Henley Greenwich Town, Jamaica

STAR Dot STAR • 16 For Your Information

Angie’s List of Trending k STARonline.org has a searchable member database. Search by name, city, state, or zip code. k STAR members save money on Pengad products by receiving the lowest catalog price, on most Trends: 2013 - The Year of items, regardless of the quantities ordered. k STAR members who spend $3,000 or more annually through Pengad will be refunded their STAR the video membership dues. By Angie Ballman-Punton @angelanicolebp k STAR members receive $50 off the renewal of a software support contract (excludes Edit support contract). k STAR members receive $50 off the renewal of a writer maintenance contract (excludes Basic without Loaner contract). k STAR members are entitled to 10% off Stenograph supplies (excluding computer peripherals). k STAR members are entitled to $200 discount on a Stenograph professional writer (plus the published cash back). k STAR members are entitled to $40 off the initial purchase of a CaseViewNet license and $20 off the renewal price. k STAR members receive $20 additional discount on Full software support renewal or $15 additional discount on Edit software renewal, if done online prior to contract expiration date. k STAR members can advertise their firms on the STAR website or in the STARdotSTAR newsletter at an af- fordable price.

STAR Dot STAR • 17

7 reasons Why our out-of-town referrals will keep you smiling.

• Each member is an independently owned local firm. We are experts on our local area and can be trusted with YOUR client. • Our members are rigorously chosen for their skill, integrity, dependability and access to the latest technologies. • One-stop shopping for local services. • We will treat your client with a high level of professionalism. • We provide nationwide service for your client. • Our members are accustomed to working with out-of-town referrals. We will network with you so you retain control of transcript production. • We are easy to work with and provide the most helpful, courteous and complete service anywhere.

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STAR Dot STAR • 19 STAR Dot STAR • 20 STAR Dot STAR • 21 Covering the Entire State of Michigan

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STAR’s membership dues cover a period that begins November 1 and ends October 31. Membership is on an individual basis and is not transferable. Information in the STAR Membership Directory is based on information provided on this form. Please complete the entire form. (Please type or print.)

Please check preferred mailing address: Name:______Business Name:______r Home Address/City/St/Zip:______r Business Address/City/St/Zip:______Phone Number(s) Office:______Home:______Toll Free Number:______Cell:______Fax:______Email:______Website Address:______NCRA #:______r Okay to publish home number r Do not publish home number Certifications: r RPR r RMR r RDR r CRR r CLVS r CMRS r CRI r CPE r FAPR r CBC CSR State(s)______CSR#______Other:______

NOTE: NEW MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY FORMAT! Be sure your company description is included by emailing your descriptive paragraph to jclark@ kmgnet.com.

Here is a sample: XYZ Court Reporting is a full-service freelance firm based in San Diego, CA, with offices in New York, Atlanta, Miami, Chicago and Dallas. Services include, but are not limited to, CaseView, realtime reporting, CART captioning, condensed transcript, conference rooms, digital video, document production/management, E-Transcript, litigation support, expedited delivery, and Internet Depos.

MEMBERSHIP TYPE (category descriptions on reverse): r Reporting Member ____ Freelance ____ Official Reporter...... $150.00 per year r Agency Member ____ Firm Owner ____ Co-owner...... $150.00 per year r Associate Member (Vendor, other support professional)...... $ 75.00 per year r Student...... $ 40.00 per year

I hereby make application for membership in the Society for the Technological Advancement of Reporting and pledge myself to abide by the requirements of the Bylaws of the Society as they are now and may be amended in the future. My signature below constitutes my consent to receive faxes, emails and other communications from STAR or on be- half of STAR. Signature:______Date:______Name of the STAR member you were referred by:______r Check #______Enclosed Charge My Credit Card: r Visa r MC r American Express Acct No.:______Exp. Date:______Print cardholder name:______Signature of cardholder:______Membership Dues (choose from membership type above): ...... $______TOTAL...... $______

FOR STAR OFFICE USE ONLY STAR, 222 S. Westmonte Dr, #101, Altamonte Springs, FL 32714; Phone: 407.774.7880 • Fax: 407.774.6440 Reference #______Amount:______Process Date:______(Credit Card Payments Only) • www.staronline.org Revised 9/2011 STAR Dot STAR • 25 P P Twinkle Twinkle Little STAR . . .P P P THE GREAT STAR SUGGESTION BOX

All STAR members are encouraged to submit ideas, complaints, and suggestions for improvement to the STAR Liaison/Technology Committee. This committee meets with Stenograph representatives throughout the year to voice concerns and requests of you, the user. All STAR newsletters include this form that you can use to relay your thoughts to the Liaison/Technology Committee. The more feedback and/or input you can provide, the better the committee can represent you and your wishes to Stenograph. The committee will publish responses to your input in future STAR newsletters.

$ TO: STAR Liaison/Technology Committee STAR Headquarters 222 S. Westmonte Drive, Suite 101 Altamonte Springs, FL 32714 (Fax: 407/774-6440) (or email Peggy Antone)

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STAR Dot STAR • 26 CALIFORNIA, CANADA

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STAR Dot STAR • 27 Society for the Technological Advancement of Reporting 2013 Mid-Year Conference See you in Fort Lauderdale Next Month! March 7-9, 2013 • Harbor Beach Marriott Resort & Spa • Fort Lauderdale, Florida

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STAR Dot STAR • 28 MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, NORTH CAROLINA

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STAR Dot STAR • 29 MICHIGAN, NEW HAMPSHIRE, TEXAS

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STAR Dot STAR • 30 WASHINGTON

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STAR Dot STAR • 31