However, if you choose to use a system like CaseViewNet, I would encourage reporters to be very diligent regarding security issues, not just on their computers, but anyone connecting to their network. This goes beyond just making sure there is virus-protection software installed. Keep in mind that protecting your realtime is not really the issue. No one wants to steal your transcript. Encrypting your transcript may sound comforting, but that really misses the point. Hackers want to gain access to your (and everybody else’s) computers so they can obtain credit card numbers, Social Security numbers, etc. I don’t think reading your transcripts even crosses their minds.

The other main drawback of proprietary wireless network systems is they only are wireless to people using software you provide to them. If you use Brand X CAT software, you can only send wireless realtime to clients using Brand X litigation-support software. If the client shows up with LiveNote or Transcript Manager Pro or Summation, you have to run a serial cable to them. For most reporters the thought of trying to connect two clients wirelessly and five more with serial cables is more than they are willing to even consider.

So while this may be a shameless plug, the best solution is StenoCast, which allows reporters with any CAT software to send their realtime to clients using any or all litigation-support software.

Remember, a great way to connect wirelessly with LiveNote or West CaseNotebook is to use Stenocast. Their product is very reliable too.

From this court reporter’s perspective, the difficulties encountered in the field now are that atorneys are utilizing all kinds of software products, i.e., LiveNote, CaseViewNet, Bridge, Summation, all on the same job. In order for the reporter to be able to interact with all programs at the same time, a direct connect via USB serial is the best way and I believe the only way to avoid delay in setup and ensures the real-time feed of the transcript.

The unfortunate circumstance with having all different programs running on the receiving end of the real-time feed is that the reporter cannot run in the wireless and the direct feed environment at the same time. (At least not that I have been able to figure out, thus far – give me time.)

So even though you have CaseViewNet and expect a wireless connection, you should have a USB to serial adapter installed on your laptop. The great thing about CaseViewNet is that you can go wireless and you can have the direct connect. This way you will never miss an opportunity for your real-time feed on any job with any reporter.

Then to add insult to injury, while you’re sitting in their cold, sometimes limited seating reception area from 20 minutes to an hour waiting on them to prep (no extra pay, mind you) they are now ushering you into the conference room all tapping their pens aggravated because you’re not set up and ready to go. Let’s face it, their time is much more precious than ours.

I have so many gripes about freelance reporting that my blood boils over.

You ask why am I still doing this? Because what the heck else am I going to do after doing this Godforsaken job for 22 years. I have no other skill, so will grin and bear it for at least another 5 to 7 years. (If you’re not reading about me in the papers before then)

Was on a job for 9 hours recently. They took one 20 minute lunch recess and two bathroom breaks. I was so fed up at that point that I told them that even reporters that work in the courts are relieved after about 4 hours of testimony. It’s inhuman to have a reporter sitting hunched over her machine for 9 hours. Unfortunately, the law firm was not forthcoming with info about the case. If the law firms would let agencies know as much as info as they can about a case, we as reporters and agencies can properly prepare ourselves.

Oh, Lord, the complaints go on and on…….I’ll leave it at that for now. Starting to get aggravated.