What stops the uptake of shorthand?

Well ever since I started learning shorthand, I have read that in the 20th century shorthand was a secreterial tool, but before that it was used by intellectuals for you know the things they do… writing and inventing and philosophy and speeches etc. making them safer and faster to do. And I accepted it as…

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Best pens?

I recall reading a discussion somewhere where 4 top pens or pencils were recommended for best-quality shorthand writing. Can somebody please post the link here? (by sonjachick for everyone)

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Shorthand in Spanish

Hi, y’all.  I have started learning Spanish Series 90 since I happen to own the books.  I have to laugh because some of the words you learn in the first few chapters aren’t words I come across much in my day-to-day life as a bilingual secretary – “myrrh” is not a word I have ever…

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to blend or not to blend?

I’m finding it difficult to find the rationale for when or when not to use a blend, especially in (Pre-) Anniversary. For example, the word ‘den’ is not a blend but ‘dense’ is. On the other hand, ‘dense’ is written with the blend, but ‘dance’ is written in full. Also, consider “remain” and “manger”. (In…

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Wanted: George Amberson !

Someone contacted me sending a shorthand file. I know it’s not Gregg and it seems to resemble Pitman except there’s n real shading apparent. I’d like you to check it out but don’t want to misuse my limited space here. Could you send me a private email address so I could forward the email of…

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How to clock my writing speed?

I want to clock my current (non-shorthand) writing speed, so I can compare it to later when I become good at Gregg Simplified. Are there any tools or methodologies for doing this? Can I simply grab any random text and see how fast I transcribe it by hand? Is there a formula for words per…

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Shorthand Dictation and other links

I’ve added a few new links on my ShorthandShorthandShorthand site (http://www.geocities.com/shorthandshorthandshorthand/Links.htm). One of particular interest is http://www.freewebs.com/weloveshorthand/Home.htm which has lots of FREE dictation from 50-120 wpm.  I finally fixed the error or not listing Cricket’s dictation machine.  (Sorry, Cricket!) AND, lastly, I found three articles which document attempts to have a computer (PDA) trasncribe handwritten Pitman…

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Vowel merging problems

I’m sure this has been asked before, but basically my variety of English does not distinguish between the “ä” of calm, the “ŏ” of rot, and the “aw” of raw. They have all merged. What is the recommended practice for people like me? Use the “a” or the “o” symbol for this vowel? I also…

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Centennial vs Simplified?

I’m thinking of trying Centennial or Simplified. I would have assumed that Centennial is the best one, because it’s adapted for more modern English usage, but Simplified seems popular too. What are the comparative pros and cons of Cent. vs. Simp.? Sonja (by sonjachick for everyone)

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