Category Archives: SITC

The Illusion of Unity – When “Movement” Becomes Message Control

The rise of “STENO United” and the Fearless Stenographers Conference reflects a growing trend in our field: advocacy transformed into spectacle. Inspiration becomes insulation when branding replaces transparency, and unity becomes a tool for silencing dissent. Our profession doesn’t need one movement claiming moral authority—it needs distributed, ethical leadership grounded in accountability, not curated mythology.

Where Your CEU Dollars Go – Choosing State Associations and Nonprofits That Reinvest in the Profession

Every continuing education dollar is a decision about the future of court reporting. When those funds are directed to legitimate state associations and nonprofit organizations, they strengthen advocacy, education, and ethical standards that preserve the integrity of the record. When they flow instead to personality-driven ventures, the profession risks becoming a revenue stream for individual ambition rather than a sustained legacy built on collective stewardship.

When Faith Becomes a Mask & How Performative Virtue Undermines Integrity in the Steno Community

When faith becomes performance instead of practice, entire communities suffer. In court reporting, where truth is our calling, we cannot ignore the damage caused by virtue-based branding, intimidation, or spiritual manipulation. Real leadership demands humility, accountability, and integrity — not curated vulnerability or public theatrics. Our profession deserves truth-keepers, not performers hiding behind faith-washed imagery.

The New “Mentorship” Funnel – Why Court Reporters Should Be Cautious About Handing Over Their Professional Data

A “free mentorship event” sounds harmless—until you realize it may be a data-collection funnel for a trademarked for-profit brand. If speakers aren’t compensated, if attendees unknowingly become marketing leads, and if the program mimics a nonprofit without governance or transparency, the community must ask hard questions. Court reporters deserve mentorship rooted in ethics—not a commercial pipeline in disguise.

Spooky Season or Shady Season?

Magna’s Halloween “Spooky Season” giveaway offers $25 gift cards for every 100-page transcript — a festive twist that may violate California’s court-reporting ethics code. By tying rewards directly to transcript production, the program breaches CCR § 2475(b)(8), which bans gifts or incentives for reporting services. What looks like a treat could become a costly trick for Magna and participating reporters.

Dividing Zero – The Illusion of Division in the Court Reporting Profession

There is no “division” in the court reporting profession — only distinction. Reporters are more united than ever: mentoring students, fighting the shortage myth, and defending the record against digital and AI intrusion. Outsiders may market unity to mask exploitation, but unity built on falsehoods isn’t healing. It’s control. You can’t divide zero.

The Secret Trick That Builds a Cult – How Charisma Can Capture an Entire Industry

When loyalty to a personality replaces loyalty to principle, the cult has already begun.
The court-reporting industry, like many others facing disruption, must guard against emotional capture disguised as empowerment.
Movements built on belonging can uplift — or quietly control.
Charisma isn’t leadership; unity without dissent isn’t strength.
The future of this profession depends on discernment.

Truth on Trial – How Narcissists Weaponize Silence in Court Reporting

There’s a chilling moment that many truth-tellers eventually face: the instant they stop playing along with a narcissist’s carefully curated façade and speak honestly. What happens next is rarely proportional. It’s explosive. Vindictive. Calculated. And in the court reporting world, it can be professionally and personally devastating. “The times I felt the most unsafe wereContinue reading “Truth on Trial – How Narcissists Weaponize Silence in Court Reporting”

When Leadership Starts to Look Like a Fan Club

In our profession, real leadership is built on shared values, not personalities. When branding starts to overshadow substance and questioning becomes uncomfortable, it’s time to pause. We can admire energy without surrendering judgment. The future of court reporting belongs to all of us—not a fan club. Let’s protect our integrity by staying grounded in transparency, ethics, and collective strength.

Mark Kislingbury’s 370 WPM ‘Guinness Record’ That Wasn’t: How a Historic Steno Feat Went Unratified

Shaunise Day’s handling of the 2022 Steno in the City™ event was professionally negligent. She failed to submit the proper paperwork to Guinness, and as a result, Mark Kislingbury’s historic 370 WPM performance was never ratified. That failure didn’t just cost him recognition — it misled the community and damaged the profession.

Integrity on the Record – Why Court Reporting Needs Truth, Not Intimidation

Integrity is the backbone of court reporting—yet too often, reporters who speak out are punished instead of praised. Loyalty is demanded, while truth is silenced. We cannot survive as a profession if courage is branded “conflict” and accountability is seen as “disloyalty.” Court reporters must reclaim integrity as our standard, not intimidation.

“Spin to Win” for Transcripts? Why This Giveaway Likely Violates California Lottery & Professional Standards Laws

Magna’s “Spin to Win” wheel isn’t harmless fun—it’s an illegal lottery in disguise. By tying raffle entries to transcript submissions and page counts, the company recreates the same scheme Shaunise Day’s Steno in the City™ ran in Long Beach without DOJ registration. In California and most states, Prize + Chance + Consideration = lottery. No free entry means no compliance.

Martyrs and Pretenders – The Cost of False Narratives in Court Reporting

True martyrdom cannot be faked. Charlie Kirk’s assassination proved it — millions honored his memory without manufactured drama. In our field, however, certain personalities wrap themselves in a cloak of victimhood to shield self-interest. Reporters must see through that illusion. The real martyrs are the students, schools, and working reporters who quietly sacrifice every day to protect the record.

The Stars That Sing – Hearing the Truth in Court Reporting

The Bushmen pitied Laurens van der Post when he admitted he could not hear the stars sing. Today, I feel the same grief for our profession. The truth rings out—schools reporting poaching, leaders failing in accountability—yet so many refuse to hear it. Our poverty is not material, but in losing the ability to hear the song of truth itself.

When Recruitment Crosses the Line – Court Reporting Schools Push Back After DRA Event

California court reporting schools are pushing back after the last DRA conference, where a speaker allegedly recruited students directly out of their programs—even inside private Teams accounts. One 200-wpm student on the verge of the CSR was lost. School leaders say enough is enough: associations must protect students from solicitation if they want them in the room.

In Defense of the Crow – Why the Underdog Wins the Fight Against the Eagle

We’ve all heard the story: “The crow pecks at the eagle. The eagle doesn’t fight back. It just soars higher until the crow suffocates and falls away. Lesson? Ignore your critics. Rise above. Don’t engage.” It’s an inspiring little fable—if you’re the eagle. But what if the eagle is not a symbol of wisdom andContinue reading “In Defense of the Crow – Why the Underdog Wins the Fight Against the Eagle”

No, You Never Served Me – The Truth Behind False Cease-and-Desist Claims

Shaunise Day falsely claimed a cease and desist “didn’t work” against me — but the truth is, it was never valid to begin with. The letter came from someone with a JD but no law license. The California State Bar ruled it was unauthorized practice of law, issued a cease and desist to her, and referred the case to the DOJ. Facts matter. Lies don’t intimidate me.

Protected: The Booth, the Database, and the Backdoor – How ILCRA’s Free Table at a For-Profit Event May Have Compromised Member Data

There is no excerpt because this is a protected post.

When Advocacy Turns Hostile – A Call for Integrity in Court Reporting

When advocacy turns hostile, professionalism suffers. In the court reporting world, performative leadership and public bullying are replacing ethics and collaboration. This anonymous essay calls for a return to integrity — where disagreement isn’t met with defamation, and leadership doesn’t rely on intimidation. The future of steno depends not just on who speaks, but how we choose to lead.

The Truth Hurts, Especially on Event Day

When truth disrupts the room, it’s doing its job. The timing of my article was intentional—not out of malice, but out of duty to transparency. If the reaction at that event was outrage, maybe it’s not the message but the mirror it held up. Criticism isn’t cruelty. Leadership requires scrutiny. If that stings, ask why—and who benefits from your silence.

When Campaign Emails Cross the Line – A Closer Look at the NCRA Vice President Race

Margary Rogers’ campaign email for NCRA Vice President sparked concern for its tone, tactics, and alignment. While promoting experience and leadership, the message included subtle jabs at opponents and leaned heavily on personal branding. With the profession at a crossroads, members should expect professionalism over promotion, and clarity over charisma. This election is about trust, not just titles—and our standards should reflect that.

When Integrity Meets Intimidation – The Case of the Fearless Stenographers Conference

When accountability meets resistance, the truth becomes a threat. What began as a professional event—The Fearless Stenographers Conference—unraveled into a troubling case of legal noncompliance, financial secrecy, and online retaliation. This investigation sheds light on how one brand, led by Shaunise Day, crossed ethical and legal lines—and how silence, deflection, and intimidation replaced transparency when questions finally started to surface.

California’s Anti-SLAPP Law – Shielding Whistleblowers from Legal Intimidation

As a seasoned civil trial reporter, I’ve covered numerous Anti-SLAPP motions in California—where courts take free speech seriously. The recent trademark complaint against my blog isn’t about brand confusion; it’s about silencing criticism. California’s Anti-SLAPP law exists for exactly this reason: to protect public discourse from legal intimidation. I’m exercising my right to speak honestly—and I won’t be bullied into silence.

The SITC Events – Uncovering the Financials, the Fallout, and the Mob Response

At first glance, The Fearless Stenographers Conference seemed like a triumph for the court reporting community. But behind the scenes, it exposed a troubling pattern of financial opacity, legal noncompliance, and retaliatory behavior. When legitimate concerns were raised, Shaunise Day didn’t offer transparency—she launched a campaign of intimidation. This is not just a story about mismanagement. It’s a warning about what happens when ego overrides accountability.

Should Reporters Be Rallying Behind Shaunise Day?

Shaunise Day has positioned herself as a voice within the court reporting profession—despite never completing certification or working as a licensed reporter. While she promotes events and media under the banner of advocacy, many professionals question her credibility and qualifications. In a field defined by precision and licensure, critics argue that leadership should come from those who’ve earned their place within the industry through experience and certification.

Whistleblowers, Retaliation, and the Dark Reality of Gang Stalking

Why Is She Still Here?

She’s still here because branding outshines accountability. Without credentials, dodging criticism, and riding on polished marketing, her influence persists. Silence from the community, fear of backlash, and financial incentives keep the cycle going. But that grip loosens when we speak up, ask tough questions, and elevate real expertise. The power is ours—if we stop rewarding image and start demanding integrity in court reporting.

The Silence Is Deafening – ILCRA’s Quiet Retreat from Controversial Event Raises Bigger Questions

ILCRA has quietly removed all traces of its controversial June 20 event from its website—without explanation—following weeks of member backlash over its partnership with Steno-in-the-City. Meanwhile, the event remains live on SITC’s site, raising serious questions about accountability and transparency. Did ILCRA cancel? Withdraw? Or just retreat into silence? Either way, members say trust has already been broken—and leadership has failed to lead.

SITC and the Court Sponsorship Scandal – Legal Violations, Misused Funds, and Calls for Accountability

Steno in the City, a for-profit LLC, is facing legal scrutiny for soliciting sponsorships without proper registration in Louisiana and California. Marketed as a nonprofit-style event, “Fearless Stenographers 2025” misled sponsors, misused volunteer labor, and potentially diverted public court funds. With multiple state and federal laws potentially violated, legal experts and industry professionals are calling for accountability, transparency, and the return of misappropriated contributions.

It Wasn’t About Race — Until You Said It Was

I never mentioned race — but others did. The allegations I’ve raised involve data misuse, labor law violations, and nonprofit ethics. Yet, instead of addressing those facts, I’m accused of racism. Why? Because the subject happens to be Black? That’s not justice. That’s deflection. This was never about race — it’s about protecting a profession that deserves better. And I’m not backing down.

It’s Just a Cocktail Party — Or Is It? Why ILCRA’s Partnership with SITC Deserves Scrutiny

This isn’t just a cocktail party. It’s a joint branding and financial arrangement between ILCRA and a for-profit entity under multiple active investigations — involving labor law violations, data misuse, and unauthorized sponsorships. When member money and personal data are involved, fun doesn’t excuse fiduciary failure. Nonprofits must uphold ethics and transparency — not outsource risk under the guise of social networking.

Gatekeeping, Fear, and the Silencing of Dissent is a Hot Crisis in the Court Reporting Community

In today’s court reporting profession, too many voices are silenced not by debate, but by dismissal. When someone asks, “Who are you?” before deciding whether to block you, it’s not curiosity—it’s control. Gatekeeping has replaced dialogue, and fear has replaced professionalism. We must stop judging messages by the messenger and start confronting the culture that protects power over truth. Silencing isn’t safety—it’s complicity.

Who Benefits? The Unanswered Questions About the Money Behind ILCRA’s Partnership with SITC

ILCRA’s decision to redirect event registration and payments to the for-profit Steno in the City raises serious ethical and legal concerns. By allowing a private LLC to collect member data, funds, and volunteer labor, ILCRA risks violating nonprofit standards and labor laws. This unprecedented move compromises member trust, blurs organizational accountability, and demands immediate transparency about where the money goes—and who truly benefits.

A Storm Behind the Skyline: Why Is ILCRA Partnering with Steno in the City?

As the Illinois Court Reporters Association (ILCRA) prepares for its much-anticipated Summer Kickoff Cocktail Party on June 20, 2025, many in the court reporting community are raising serious questions—not about the event itself, but about its co-host: Shaunise Day and her brand, Steno in the City. At first glance, the collaboration may seem like aContinue reading “A Storm Behind the Skyline: Why Is ILCRA Partnering with Steno in the City?”

Declining the Invite – Why Court Reporters Are Refusing to Attend Extravagant Events

Many court reporters are rejecting invites to Steno In The City events, citing unethical practices, misuse of volunteers, and a focus on flashy image over professional integrity. Echoing celebrities who refused Diddy’s infamous parties, these stenographers are choosing principle over spectacle. As exposés from StenoImperium continue to surface, it’s clear that for many, the glamour isn’t worth compromising the values of their profession.

SITC/Day Violates Louisiana Solicitation and Volunteer Laws, Again

Steno in the City is once again facing legal scrutiny for violating Louisiana’s solicitation and volunteer laws. Marketed as a professional development event, this for-profit venture misleads sponsors, vendors, and volunteers while improperly soliciting funds. By exploiting unpaid labor and misrepresenting financial contributions, Steno in the City risks legal consequences. Transparency, compliance, and ethical responsibility are essential to ensuring accountability in the court reporting industry.

Upholding Integrity in Court Reporting

The court reporting profession upholds justice through accuracy and integrity. However, recent concerns about intimidation and unethical practices threaten its credibility. Allegations against Shaunise Day and “Steno in the City” highlight the need for vigilance. Though not a court reporter, Day’s involvement in the industry raises ethical questions. The profession must stand firm, rejecting intimidation and advocating for transparency to protect its essential role in the legal system.

Ethical Concerns in Stenography: Examining the Use of Volunteers

Recent discussions in the stenography community have raised ethical concerns about the use of volunteers at industry events. A whistleblower alleged that a prominent event may have used unpaid labor in a way that some view as problematic. The debate has sparked differing opinions, emphasizing the need for transparency, clear labor guidelines, and constructive dialogue on ethical standards within the profession.

The FBI’s Battle Against Transnational Crime and the Shadowy Operations of Steno Nexus

FICTION, SHORT STORY: Steno Nexus, led by the enigmatic Serena Vale, operates as a respected legal industry firm—while secretly laundering money for a transnational criminal network. Under FBI scrutiny, its façade is unraveling, revealing deep connections to illicit enterprises. As investigators close in, the fate of this hidden empire hangs in the balance.

Supporters Threaten Violence Against Whistleblower Over Exposé

A group of supporters attempted to identify and harass a whistleblower after their blog exposed unethical business practices. They engaged in doxxing, defamation, and intimidation, escalating threats to both career and personal safety. Despite these efforts, the blogger documented the harassment for potential legal action. Ultimately, the campaign of intimidation has only reinforced the blogger’s commitment to transparency and integrity within the profession.

Corporate Sponsorships Solicited by a For-Profit Steno, LLC, but with No Business Entity in California

Shaunise Day’s for-profit LLC, Steno In The City, raised over $100,000 in corporate sponsorships for an event in California, but without being properly registered as a business entity in the state. This violation of California business laws could result in significant legal and criminal consequences, including fines, tax evasion charges, and potential civil lawsuits from sponsors. Proper registration is crucial to avoid such legal pitfalls.

Influence Over Truth: The Rise of Public Manipulators

Social media influence can be a powerful tool for manipulation, enabling individuals to spread false narratives, incite division, and distort public perception. By fabricating credentials and exploiting positions of trust, some use their platforms to channel funds into personal projects while silencing critics. This highlights the growing threat of unchecked digital influence and the urgent need for accountability in shaping public discourse.

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.