Mike Dodge-Nam, appointed to the California Court Reporters Board in 2023, has ties to Bill Gates through Roar Social, which received $11 million from the Gates Foundation. His potential conflict of interest raises concerns for the profession.
Author Archives: stenoimperium
Unveiling the Reality of Stenography Student Success
We’ve all seen the glossy stories of steno success—the instant breakthroughs, the effortless achievements. But let’s get real for a moment: success isn’t all red carpets and champagne. It’s time we discussed the unglamorous side of achieving steno student success, the gritty details often overlooked. First, let’s debunk the myth of overnight success. Behind everyContinue reading “Unveiling the Reality of Stenography Student Success”
Setting the Record Straight
A lot of bloggers have a “lone wolf” mindset, but I’ve never been one of them. Over all of my years of blogging and consuming blogs, one of the top things I have always confidently said is that bloggers need other bloggers. I have said it before, and I’ll say it again and again… Bloggers needContinue reading “Setting the Record Straight”
Court Reporters are Killing Each Other
Did you know that if you put 100 black ants and 100 red ants in a jar, nothing will happen? But if you shake the jar hard, the ants start killing each other. The red ants consider the black ants their enemies, and the black ants consider the red ants their enemies. The true enemyContinue reading “Court Reporters are Killing Each Other”
Unauthorized Use of Stenographers’ Transcripts Raises Concerns
Major Company Attempts to Benefit from Stenographers’ Work Without Authorization. Perhaps court reporters, united in their cause, will join forces to pursue legal action against the company that is infringing upon their rights.
Want To Crush Your Self-Doubt? Learn The Habits Of Confident Professionals
Confidence is a skill—one that you can learn, develop, and master. But here’s the catch: like any skill, confidence requires practice.
Cease-and-Desist from a Counterfeit Counselor – Shaunise Day’s Legal Lapse
Recently, I received a cease-and-desist letter from someone claiming to represent Shaunise Day. After investigation, it appears the sender, Sharon R. Williams, is not a licensed attorney in California, engaging in unauthorized legal practice. I am confident that my reporting, which exposes unethical business practices by Shaunise Day, is backed by evidence. I will continue to defend my position against these false accusations and highlight this illegal activity.
New York Courts Exploitation of Court Reporter Transcripts: Historic and Unacceptable
I just learned that the New York courts plan to publish daily transcripts of the Trump trial. This is a blatant and egregious exploitation of the court reporter’s transcript! New York court’s are using an official court reporter to capture the live verbatim testimony in that trial. Official court reporters across the country are employedContinue reading “New York Courts Exploitation of Court Reporter Transcripts: Historic and Unacceptable”
Protected: Organized Stalking Tactics – Whistleblower Retaliation
There is no excerpt because this is a protected post.
Voice Writers are Stenographers Too!
I received a great question in a comment earlier this morning and I’ve been thinking about it a lot as I went about my busy day. I wanted to give it its own post and then expand on it as well. Kim,Thank you for your GREAT question! And congratulations and welcome to the wonderful courtContinue reading “Voice Writers are Stenographers Too!”
A Steno Imposter Roams Without Recourse
Court reporters in California must obtain certification as a Certified Shorthand Reporter (CSR) through the California Court Reporters Board. This certification requires passing a comprehensive exam and meeting other eligibility criteria. Shaunise Day, who has presented herself as a member of the court reporting community, does not hold this certification. Despite this, she continues to portray herself as a leader within the profession, leading to questions about her role.
Examining Raffles, Business Registration, and Compliance in SITC Events
This article examines the legality of raffles and business registration for Steno In The City (SITC), raising questions about compliance with California’s raffle laws and proper tax filings. It highlights concerns regarding SITC’s registration status and the importance of adhering to state and federal regulations. The goal is to encourage transparency and ensure that business practices align with legal requirements, fostering trust within the community.
Not All That Glitters is Gold: Exposing Unethical Business Practices, Including the Illegal Use of ‘Volunteers’ at SITC
Running a successful business comes with daily challenges, requiring transparency, ethical conduct, and legal compliance. Ethical business practices ensure fair treatment of employees and customers while fostering trust. Businesses must properly classify workers and comply with wage laws. Transparency in finances and operations is essential, especially for those organizing large events. Consumers and stakeholders should support businesses that uphold ethical and legal standards, promoting long-term industry integrity.
Steno Meritocracy versus Social Connections
In the realm of court reporting, the dichotomy between Steno Meritocracy and Social Connections presents a perennial debate. On one hand, the profession prides itself on a meritocratic ethos, where success is ostensibly determined by skill, dedication, and proficiency in stenography. However, the importance of social connections cannot be understated. Networking and fostering relationships withinContinue reading “Steno Meritocracy versus Social Connections”
The Rise of Imposters in the Stenography Industry: Button Pushers or Court Reporters?
In the age of technological advancement, traditional professions have undergone significant transformations, and the field of stenography is no exception. However, alongside legitimate advancements, a concerning trend has emerged – the infiltration of imposters masquerading as court reporters. These individuals, armed with fake steno machines and minimal skills, undermine the integrity of the profession, posingContinue reading “The Rise of Imposters in the Stenography Industry: Button Pushers or Court Reporters?”
Robots Are Learning From Stenographers’ Transcripts
In the ever-evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, advancements are continually pushing the boundaries of what was once thought possible. One such groundbreaking development is the integration of stenographer transcripts into the training data of robots. Traditionally associated with courtrooms and legal proceedings, stenographers are now playing a pivotal role in teachingContinue reading “Robots Are Learning From Stenographers’ Transcripts”
Stenos: Robots Won’t Take Our Jobs
Stenographers act as the Responsible Charge and protect the record in a way that would make a takeover by robots or AI or ASR technology impossible.
Managing Skills Obsolescence in Steno
Optimism and Realism in Harmony In thinking about optimism, we encounter a compelling crossroad: the intersection of optimism and realism in court reporting. It’s here, at this juncture, that we often find ourselves wrestling with the question: Can we be both optimistic and realistic about our future, or are these perspectives at odds with one another? Some wouldContinue reading “Managing Skills Obsolescence in Steno”
Corporate Cannibalization in Court Reporting
Introduction The legal services industry, like many others, is experiencing a seismic shift in response to the digital age. Traditional practices are being disrupted, and nowhere is this transformation more apparent than in the field of court reporting. Presently, court reporters, skilled individuals trained to capture the spoken word and transcribe legal proceedings, are indispensableContinue reading “Corporate Cannibalization in Court Reporting”
News Flash: When stenos disappear, we’re taking you all with us!
The shortage of stenographers forbodes a tsunami of destruction of justice and democracy and freedom in America. Without a record, there can be no meaningful appellate review, nor oversight of the judiciary, especially when the judiciary is the keeper of the record.
Title Protection: The Court Reporters Board Comes Down on Violator: US Legal
Existing law establishes the Court Reporters Board of California to license and regulate shorthand reporters. Existing law establishes that a person who holds a valid certificate as a shorthand reporter shall be known as a “certified shorthand reporter,” and prohibits any other person, except as specified, from using that title or any words or symbols thatContinue reading “Title Protection: The Court Reporters Board Comes Down on Violator: US Legal”
A Surging “Scully Effect” is Cooking Up Steno Careers
Aside from the period falling outside of the quotes, the missing comma pair, and the missing Oxford comma, which I’ll forgive, this post today touches on something I’ve been thinking about for a long time. We need a TV show or movie that would draw thousands to the profession of shorthand reporting. There have beenContinue reading “A Surging “Scully Effect” is Cooking Up Steno Careers”
The Digital Decision has been made – no going back!
The big box firms like Veritext and our industry vendors who provide us with CAT software and steno machines are absolutely NOT going to abandon their Digital Recorder plan. But they NEED us. They need us more than we need them. I thought they needed us because there are laws in 25 states that prohibitContinue reading “The Digital Decision has been made – no going back!”
All Rise for the Steno Barbie: A Dream Career
Barbie’s creator was a stenographer, yet with over 200 Barbie careers, Stenographer isn’t one of them. A petition by stenographers is seeking to change that. There are over 28,000 stenographers currently employed in the United States. 90.2% of all stenographers are women, while 9.8% are men. There is a worsening crisis of a shortage of court reportersContinue reading “All Rise for the Steno Barbie: A Dream Career”
Veritext Shareholders Mandate 50% Digital Nationwide
Veritext shareholders have mandated a 50% split between digital and steno services in all offices nationwide, focusing on profits. Weekly meetings track the digital business, which has to meet the target. A reward of $1,000 is offered for documentation proving the mandate. The policy may have legal ramifications, especially in California.
Stenographers are the Generals in the War Against Tyranny
In the fight against tyranny, stenographers serve as vital guardians of the judicial record. As Lord Acton famously warned, “absolute power corrupts absolutely.” The role of court reporters is crucial in protecting the truth, ensuring accuracy, and preventing corruption. Their independence from judges ensures the integrity of the legal process. The removal of human court reporters, as seen in Waukesha County, risks undermining justice and opening the door to tyrannical abuses.
Justices Removing Justice
The article discusses the growing trend of courts removing stenographic court reporters in favor of cost-cutting measures, such as electronic recordings and outsourcing transcription. It highlights the crucial role stenographers play in maintaining an unbiased, accurate, and secure record of proceedings. The piece emphasizes the dangers of replacing stenographers, citing concerns over accountability, data security, and potential bias in cases like Darrell Brooks’. The author argues that eliminating stenographic reporters undermines justice and should be prohibited by law.
The Lazy Steno’s Guide to Saving the Steno Profession
The Lazy Steno’s Guide to Saving the Steno Profession encourages everyone, even the most indifferent, to get involved in addressing the shortage of court reporters. It outlines simple actions—from sharing social media posts and supporting industry vendors to engaging with local associations and lawmakers. The guide emphasizes that change starts with individual efforts, urging court reporters to promote the profession, stay informed, and help guide future generations into this crucial field. Every action counts toward a sustainable future for stenography.
Women Who Have Revolutionized the Legal Profession
Jane Bolin First African-American woman to graduate from Yale Law School, to join the New York City Bar Association, to join the New York City Law Department, and to serve as a judge in the United States! Jane Bolin was born in Poughkeepsie, New York on April 11, 1908. She was the daughter of GaiusContinue reading “Women Who Have Revolutionized the Legal Profession”
Control Your Narrative, Control Your World
In both life and work, narratives shape our perception and future. Whether it’s high school rumors or workplace opinions, narratives can drive success or failure. Like Steve Jobs and Jim Harbaugh, misunderstood traits can later be seen as strengths. In the court reporting industry, controlling our own narrative is crucial. By asserting our value and expertise, we ensure that others recognize our role as the unbiased, certified professionals who protect the integrity of the courtroom record.
Supply & Demand 101 for Court Reporters
In his January 7th speech, President Biden gave a stark lesson in supply and demand. By adapting his words to our field, we see how predictions about a court reporter shortage failed to materialize. Despite efforts to increase supply and efficiency, we face challenges from digital recording and unlicensed transcriptionists undermining our rates. The industry needs new insights, not outdated studies, to ensure a sustainable future.
Easy Money – working smarter, not harder
Many are taught to work hard for their money, clocking in and out for each dollar. However, by leveraging time and resources, like delegating tasks or using online tools, you can work smarter, not harder. Embrace technology, minimize distractions, and even explore multiple remote opportunities to increase earnings without burning out. With the right systems in place, achieving easy money becomes a reality, not just a dream.
5 Companies Who F**ked the Court Reporting World and are Getting Away With It
The article exposes unethical practices within the court reporting industry, focusing on companies like Planet Depos, US Legal, Verbit, and Veritext. These firms are accused of cost-shifting, bypassing laws requiring certified reporters, and promoting inferior digital reporting solutions. By using misleading advertising, skirting legal requirements, and recruiting non-licensed transcriptionists, they undermine the integrity of the profession. The article highlights the dangers of these practices, stressing their long-term negative impact on the legal system.
Managing Our New Robot Overlords
Adopting AI (Artificial Intelligence) technologies in the court reporting industry is one of the most complex issues of our generation, despite the great promise that AI holds for CAT (computer-aided transcription) software vendors looking to create a better and faster experience for its customers and higher translation rates for the ultimate end users of aContinue reading “Managing Our New Robot Overlords”
Substantive Due Process and the Stipulation Regime in Court Reporting
Large agencies using digital recorders to bypass state laws requiring licensed Court Reporters (CSRs) for transcripts are exploiting legal loopholes. However, attorneys can only stipulate changes with a judge’s approval. According to the Due Process Exclusionary Rule, illegally obtained transcripts cannot be used in court without judicial consent.
10 Facts About Fear that Can Change Our Steno Fate
Fear can be a powerful motivator or a limiting force. In the context of stenographers facing the rise of ASR technology, fear can drive action or paralysis. The key is recognizing fear’s physical sensations and thoughts, accepting them, and using them as energy for positive action. Embrace fear to survive and thrive.
Who or What is StenoImperium?
We exist to facilitate the fortifying of the Stenography profession and ensure its survival for the next hundred years! As court reporters, we’ve handed the relationship role with our customers, or attorneys, over to the agencies and their sales reps. This has done a lot of damage to our industry. It has taken away ourContinue reading “Who or What is StenoImperium?”
STENOIMPERIUM 