MY FRIDAY FINGERS

I listen and type for a living (i.e., medical transcription) and in my job, there are two common sickness I usually suffer from:

1.  Ever had a day when it seems you can hardly hear dictations correctly?  Or on a Q/A level, did it seem like in every transcript you proofread, there are lots of "misheard" both medical and non-medical terms wise?  If so, then you were (or some typist was) definitely having a BAD EAR DAY.  Perfect example came up just now fresh from the oven.  A report I'm currently proofreading says pubic "synthesis" when it should be pubic "symphysis."  Hey there, Ms. Transcriptionist, should I introduce you to Mr. Q-tips or Mr. Google? Your pick.

2.  FRIDAY FINGERS - This term I conjured myself.  Don't get tricked by the name as this syndrome can happen at any day.  I am just a fan of alliteration and the happy thoughts that Friday brings particularly for regular employees like me, hence, the name.  Anyway, this syndrome I made up myself is about those days when my fingers would get "confused" and just keep on hitting the wrong letters in the keyboard.  I wanted to say it feels as if "they have a mind of their own" but then I really couldn't say that, because to begin with, my fingers do have a mind of their own.  That last part there might have freaked your Friday out, but hold on, I have a valid explanation for that.

Fun fact:  I am a Dvorak typist.

Let's say, you quiz me, give me a "blank" keyboard, and ask me to supply the blanks with letters of the Dvorak layout; and I can totally see myself go "blank" on that.  However, if you let me put my fingers on the home keys, they will surely find their way to the correct letters and type away 75 words per minute if you wish.

The modern Dvorak Simplified Keyboard (US layout)

Another fun fact:  I had formal typing lessons in school when I was 11, and needless to say, my very young eager mind absorbed and retained all the QWERTY-ness that a manual typewriter offered.  (For younger generations who don't know what a typewriter is or have not seen one, please consult Mr. Google - or ask your parents.)

Let's say, you quiz me, give me a "blank" keyboard, and ask me to supply the blanks with letters of the QWERTY layout; and I can see myself being able to complete that task.  However, there is no way I will be able to type using a QWERTY layout.

One last fun fact for today:  Although I type with a Dvorak layout, I use a QWERTY hardware.

Logitech Wave - my favorite keyboard

So, that's what I meant when I said that my fingers have a mind of their own.

 

I know I probably lost you at Dvorak, which happened at least 98% of the time whenever I tried to explain to someone about my "weird" keyboard layout.  If only people way, way back then when computers were still unimaginable, had been more embracing of change and accepted the Dvorak layout as much as they did with QWERTY, more people nowadays would be aware of this alternative. 

Let me share you this clip I found in YouTube, explaining briefly the principle behind Dvorak and some of the disputed claims versus QWERTY. 

The Dvorak layout and the benefits it claims have come under much scrutiny through history.  Although a major test in 1956 conducted by the U.S. General Service Administration found Dvorak no more efficient than QWERTY, personally, having learned and used both layouts, I wouldn't think twice to choose Dvorak over QWERTY.

Anyweiz, today's Friday, so I'm intentionally putting my Friday Fingers on and ciao-ing for now (sometimes I wish I can call in sick and say I'm having a bad ear day or Friday fingers, dang!)

Happy Friday !