Speech Recognition Programs and the Writer

Earlier today I downloaded e-speakings speech recognition program, I went through set up and countless tutorials. I had high hopes that this program would simplify my life. I spend many hours typing between my writing gigs and school. The idea of being able to talk to my computer and have it type the words for me was so appealing. Often times I write a higher quality of content when I sit down with paper and pencil. Essentially my writing process takes up a lot of time when I am transferring from my mind to paper then onto the computer screen. Speech recognition will really change things for me, if I can ever get it to work properly for me!

After about two hours of practice and attempts to dictate an article, I put the avitar to sleep and here I sit back at square one. It is really quite frustrating, but I know that like all things this will take practice and some perfecting. I am amused that now I can dictate a variety of swear words and random insults... the process of learning how to use this speech recognition program pushed me to that ledge.

What amazes me is that now writers and students, as well as random every day people and people with disabilities have access to technology like this. It just blows me away that essentially anyone who has a way with words can access a program, that if they master it, will listen and type away, and possibly turn any random Joe into the next Hemingway or Steinbeck.

I thought about one of the great American journalists, Hunter Thompson, and how he would write with his typewriter... Now that is not only a talent but also some work! Me, I must be lazy, or really interested in managing my time more effectively. I am using a speech recognition program to make writing even easier...

Is writing such a grueling task that I need the help of a dictation program to accomplish my daily goals? No not really. I don't quite see writing as a chore, or a task, but as an outlet. I am grateful to live in a world where it is possible for me to share my thoughts, feelings, experiences and ideas with anyone who cares to read what I am saying.

But, I am hopeful that the speech recognition program will work out for me, as I can envision the day where I am able to read my work to my computer and submit at least one piece to each of my outlets every day, without that seeming to be an impossible goal.

I am envisioning that this program will allow me to start sharing my best works with the world, and I can veer away from reviews and share the inner aspects of my thoughts with a wider audience. I guess what I am getting at is, I am not looking to make the writing process easier, just faster. I am hoping to improve the quality and quantity of my work. I hope to master speech recognition eventually.