In the arm, that is.
You see I bought a new computer recently. And though I’ve managed to migrate almost everything essential over to the new system, I haven’t tackled Dragon Naturally Speaking
You know about Dragon. I rant and rave about it everywhere I go.
You speak, it types what you speak, you get your work done a lot faster.
Trust me, it’s one of THE BEST software investments you’ll ever make.
(And I don’t go handing out comments like that arbitrarily. So if I say it’s one of THE BEST, I ain’t kidding.)
So for the past few weeks I’ve basically been typing instead of Dragon-ing. I created that huge document with 800+ article title templates. Then I’ve been cranking out a couple of articles a day. Plus I’m working on Desperate Buyers Only – Volume 2.
And at first all that typing didn’t bother me. But now… ohhhhh now… my right hand/arm has fallen into a bit of disrepair.
Imagine curling a 1lb weight non-stop for 16 hours a day. It’s kind of like a slow burn. Yeah, that’s what my arm feels like – a slow burn.
I thought it might be carpel tunnel, which in my head is scarier than being robbed at knifepoint.
Then I found a blog post at Jemmille.com that actually offered a helpful tip. I’m following his advice, and so far the pain is easing up ever so slightly.
Helpful Tip for the Day
As I’m sure you’re well aware, you’ve gotta use your arms for a lot more than typing at a computer.
How about cooking… taking a shower… brushing your teeth… playing with your kids/grandkids… driving.
DO think about the long-term damage you can do to your hands and arms by working on a computer all the time. You might be all right now. But who’s to say what condition you’ll be in a year from now.
Take it from me - I actually waited too long to start using a transcription program. I wish I’d started using Dragon Naturally Speaking
Needless to say, I will be migrating back to Dragon tomorrow. Bada-bing, bada-boom!
If you’re not using Dragon, get on it.
Think of it as insurance for a lifetime of successful writing.
March 10th, 2008 at 5:10 am
Hi Alexis
That is so helpful! Thankyou. I’ve been putting in more hours than ever at the computer this past week, and my left hand has nearly become a claw. It goes okay for the first hour each day and then gradually gets worse. I’m going to head out for a wrist brace today!
Katrina
March 10th, 2008 at 4:48 pm
Hey Alexis,
I recently purchased Dragon and personally thought about throwing it out the window! Don’t worry, I didn’t do it. What you have to do is spend some time working with it until it catches on to the way you speak. Then it really is a helpful tool!
Thanks for the reminder that we really do need to step away from that compter to stay healthy!
Looking forward to desperate buyers ll. I know it will bean eye opener like the first one.
Maybe one day we will get to see your 800+ article title templates too.
Bj
March 10th, 2008 at 9:11 pm
@ Kat… OMG a claw! I hope you got your brace today.
@ BJ… did you get Dragon 9? I had an earlier version and hated it. I haven’t had any major issues with Dragon 9 though.
And yes, you must train the program. I did it immediately and I think that allowed for a more positive experience.
I can’t wait to finish DBO II. It has been a long time coming. But I like to include personal examples, and that takes the most time.
Alexis
March 11th, 2008 at 2:15 am
Thanks for the pingback! I have been using my brace now for almost a month and the pain is almost non-existent. Glad to hear my advice is helping a few people.
March 11th, 2008 at 2:45 am
@ Jeremy… Thanks for sharing it!
Alexis
March 16th, 2008 at 12:31 pm
Alexis,
Keep this stuff up and I’m going to have to interview you for my stuff.
Got your “DBO” ebook yesterday, finished it today, now you made me have to think…
You’re a genius.
The more I think I know, the less I know.
Keep up the great work… and I guess I have to go get that stupid dragon software now.
Thanks alot!
Paul
April 19th, 2008 at 1:50 pm
Alexis,
Try hovering your arms above the table as you type, helped me out no end, I am going to get Dragon soon but in the meantime that helped out loads. Also try out the book ‘The mindbody prescription’ which has almost cured me!
Anyway - how is DBO2 going? I am a desperate buyer waiting for that to come out!!
I’ll give you $100 for a beta version
and I’ll even proof read it for you - how is that for a deal!? If you are interested email me.
Steve