Hi everyone, I wanted to introduce myself, as well. I just checked in my first proofed book last weekend and am currently proofing my second. I use a JAWS screen reader and an older version of MS Word (2003,I think). This lap top has served me well or longer than the previous ones I've had, though it gave me more trouble at first. I guess I technically became a volunteer when I uploaded my own book, "Carmella's Quest: Taking On College Sight Unseen," for inclusion in the collection in 2009. I recently became an active proofer and joined this list. Its certainly been an interesting time to join given all the controversy. Fortunately, that doesn't bother me as I've been on email discussion lists for years and know how those kinds of things go. Its interesting to read everyone's thoughts. I didn't quite understand why so many books were on hold when I went to find things to check out either but figured there must be reasons unknown to me as a new volunteer. I was surprised there weren't more books needing proofing, but hoped it was because so many publishers were being generous and making their books available for easy conversion.
I have an undergraduate degree in Biblical studies from Columbia Bible College/Columbia International University and do a lot of spiritual reading for my own interest and growth so I don't mind proofing some of the religious books. The ones I snagged had been sitting out there for a while. The one I just finished was about the controversies of the Apostle Paul and I found it very interesting. Having to go over it so carefully and then double check and all that definitely makes one pay attention to the content, I guess. Lots of end notes to put parentheses around and Greek words that spell checkers don't like. With the one I'm doing now (a collection of brief humorous essays) the author is annoyingly addicted to overuse of the m dash.
I'm blind from birth due to retinopathy of prematurity. I have a guide dog who is semiretired. She's a 15 year old yellow lab named Maggie. We live in SC, so most of our activities are indoors currently for obvious reasons. I've enjoyed using BookShare for several years. I use it for personal enjoyment and for reading books relevant to my work as a counselor. Self help, books about mental health, and books about relationships are of interest to me for professional as well as personal reasons. I also like intelligent fiction, true crime, mysteries, memoirs, and essay humorists.
I've been on this list for a week or so now. I may switch to digest mode soon for time reasons. I love that its an active list since that means so many of you are truly involved and passionate about the work you're doing for BookShare. Its just a little overwhelming since I am on other lists, as well. I also work at a private counseling agency and am always working on writing projects of my own. I want to read and gain as much knowledge as I can here for at least a few weeks since I'm new and know I have a lot to learn. I'd like to get to know some of my fellow volunteers, as well. I'm already getting to know some of you by just reading your posts. I'm glad to be here.
Sincerely, Carmella Carmella Broome EdS LPC LMFT Crossroads Counseling Center, Lexington SC http://CounselorCarmella.WordPress.comAuthor of Carmella's Quest: Taking On College Sight Unseen (Red Letter Press 2009)
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