Tate and Zooniverse’s online crowdsourcing transcription toolÌýÌýlaunched on 1 September, and since then has welcomed over 10,500 unique visitors to the site.ÌýBy getting involved, each visitor will play a crucial role in the process of transcribing 17,000 letters, diaries, notes andÌýsketchbooks from the archives of artistsÌý(find out more information about the project). From jotted ‘to-do’s’ and , to a moving description of the , AnnoTate transcribers are working through a wealth of material from the mundane to the magical; from professional gripes to professions of love, social commentary to shopping lists, and so muchÌýmore.
So what has inspired transcribers to getÌýinvolved?
Donald RodneySketch of male and female dancing titled ‘IN REMEMBERANCE OF THE 20th CENTURY’ 1986–7Ink and graphite on paper© Estate of Donald Rodney and © reservedView this item in Art & artistsÌý
To find out, let’s hear from two participants who have shared their thoughts on the project, and described their experiencesÌýwithÌýAnnoTate.
Curiousity
‘… I was curious to see what it wasÌýabout.’
AnnoTate user @starrymirth explains that on the one hand ‘the AnnoTate concept is something that I consider quite importantÌý–Ìýthe digitization of data, making it searchable and accessible; but on the other hand I transcribe simply because I find the process enjoyable.’
SharingÌýdiscoveries
Many users have posted interesting finds to the forum. Talk is both a social hub and a noticeboard where shared articles can be browsed, questioned, and commented on. The materials featured in Talk speak of the entire gambit of human experience, from comedy to tragedy, poetry to bureaucracy. Fascinating posts there include a discussion of a at the Camden Arts Centre, and by Donald Rodney. Frequently too, transcribers uncover personal notes on health, career and family, .
Learning as youÌýtranscribe
AnnoTate visitors can begin a transcription in two ways: they can chose to ‘Start transcribing’ and jump straight in to work with randomised items (links back to the Tate website are provided per article, so the transcriber can learn more about the artist, their work and the piece’s context); or they can ‘Find Artists’ and focus on the archive or a particular individual. User @jules is currently transcribing Keith Vaughan’s notebooks which she describes as both poignant andÌýrevealing:
The transcription process is illuminating in many respects, with participants learning about aspects of and approaches to practice, gaining insights into societal histories, and encountering striking biographical details.
Thanks to @starrymirth (Laura) and @jules (Julia) for contributing to this post, and to all getting involved with AnnoTate for your vital contributions to this excitingÌýproject!