How exactly to write in Gregg-ruled notebook

[Deb]

Because you're writing down one column, then the next, you have the first column available to bend the corner of the left side up (the side you've all ready written on) so that its easier to lift and flip to the next page. I think You're suppose to do it as you're taking notes. I could if there was a pause. And moving the page up was a bit hard for me, I couldn't get the hang of it either... so I just flip (sometimes more then one page) to go to the next page.

[Deb]

From a book I took a picture in, see this post: greggshorthand.proboards.com/post/1109

And another example: greggshorthand.proboards.com/thread/640?page=1

[Deb]

My example is just one example. It has been said in Gregg Shorthand textbooks that it doesn't matter where you write shorthand (and that's why the early books were on blank paper). So if you find yourself writing below the line, that is fine. If you find that you end a word near the top of the space so your next letter/outline is near the top instead of the bottom or under the line, that is fine. Just don't make it too obscure so it looks like a different word entirely.

I did learn to write on lined notebooks the way I do, but it is not a definite rule. It might be good to follow when you first start, then just like your longhand writing, it will become unique to you. As long as you can read it.

The beauty of Gregg Shorthand it is it doesn't change the meaning. There are some shorthand systems that have used the line to indicate certain things. For example, an outline written on the line means one word, above the line it means another word. There could also be another word with the same outline but this is written below the line. In Gregg it's not a big deal where you write the outline, but the lines do help keeping it consistent and easier to transcribe.

Here's a sample of instructions for shorthand shortened a different version. There is only one shaded outline (the rarely used V). I was going to write this out on a note book, but messed up by writing the word "if" on the line. I'm not sure if the word "form" is started above the line and goes below or is just written on the next line below... so I just took a snip of the book itself.

[jws]

Nov 7, 2011 18:24:06 GMT -5 Jack said:

There is also a related thing that confuses me. In the book, some tall outlines are begun at the bottom of the line rather than the top. "I have not been able" is started at the top of the line and extends nonetheless into the full height of the next line, but "register" is started at the bottom of one line and drawn through the next. I don't understand this; it seems arbitrary and messy.

There's actually a fairly simple rule at work: Write so the first consonant in an outline lands on the line.

With the exception (there's always an exception!) that, if s comes before a downstroke (with or without intervening vowel), aim to land the downstroke on the line rather than the s.

You can read the full details with examples at this blogpost.

[jws]

@deb: It's reassuring to see you write with less of a slant than my manual shows. I'm always struggling between a more straight-up writing style vs the very slanted one it demonstrates, especially when it comes to f/v and p/b.

Also, for how to use a steno pad, I found this a very good resource on how to get the most out of using a steno pad. Kindly ignore that it's on a site dedicated to Pitman rather than Gregg. There's plenty else good there as well for advice and ideas on how to practice shorthand.

[Deb]

Practicing the "k" letter sound, fir the word "package" I was trying to decide if it was written above, on or below the line. It doesn't matter, so you can decide and practice what works best for you.

[Deb]

Aug 5, 2015 11:22:09 GMT -5 Deb said:

Center Line

The reason for the center line is that it's quicker to lift your pen from the center line to the start of the line then from one edge to the other... at least that's what I've read. And that's who I do it. I write down one column and then the other when taking notes, all the books show it that way at least...

If you're just starting out, having the second column for additional practice if some outlines are good.

If you're using a blank paper or other type of paper, draw a line down the center.