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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for ViewMate
In this
section we attempt to answer the most frequently asked questions about
using the JewishGen ViewMate site.
I have a document I need help with
- what can I do?
Here is
an example from Daniel Kazez:
- I found
the death certificate for my gr gr grandfather, Josek Hersz ENGLENDER.
It is from the city of Przyrow, dated 1886. In fact, it appears twice.
- The
document is in Russian. On both copies, I found it difficult to read
the names of his parents
So, I:
- Scanned
the document. For tips on scanning, see below.
- Underlined
the names of Josek Hersz ENGLENDER's parents (Adobe Photoshop Elements or other image editing software does this easily).
- Uploaded
it to ViewMate to share with others.
Here is
the result:
I don't have a scanner - what
can I do?
With the
price of scanners dropping - they are becoming more readily available.
If after checking with family, relatives and friends and you are still
unable to gain access to one - you can check one of the locally available
business centers or copy centers. Many of the business/copy centers
have scanners and their time rental is reasonable priced.
Remember
to save the scanned image(s) in the JPEG, GIF, PNG or TIF format ("*.jpg", "*.jpeg", "*.gif", "*.png", "*.tif" or "*.tiff").
Mac users should be sure to name the file with the appropriate filename
extension. Then follow the directions on the To Submit
page to upload the images to the ViewMate site.
I need help with some translations
- do I need to scan them to use ViewMate
ViewMate
accepts files that are in JPEG, GIF, PNG or TIF formats.
The most reasonable way to get your file(s) into this format is to
scan them and then save the file in the acceptable format.
Other
option is to work with a professional translator or translating services,
or to find an acquaintance that has the necessary language skills.
Are there recommendations
for scanning photos and documents?
There
are two things you need to be concerned with when you display images on the Web: image dimensions and file size.
You want the largest image dimensions at the smallest possible file
size. Remember, ViewMate will only accept files that are smaller
than 1MB.
For images of photos:
- Scan
the photo at 150 dpi.
- Crop
the photo, include only what is important.
- Keep
the dimensions to a maximum of 1500 pixels Width for a
landscape format photo and 1500 pixels Height for a portrait
format photo.
- Save the photo as a JPG (JPEG), PNG or TIF (TIFF).
For images of handwritten documents:
- Scan the document at 200 dpi (dots per inch -- or 300 dpi in more difficult cases). Deciphering handwritten text is often a difficult task, especially if the handwriting is bad. One can often guess some words from context, but when it comes to names of persons or places, each letter counts. To obtain accurate results, each pen stroke should be clearly discernible, especially at the places where pen strokes cross or overlap. Scanning an 8-1/2 inch x 11 inch page at 200 dpi resolution will result in viewing dimensions of 1700 x 2200 pixels.
- Many scanning programs might have the scanning resolution preset to 300 dpi for photographs. So you may have to use a "Customize" or "Settings" button to adjust the scanning resolution, or you may have to set the "image type" or "destination" menu to "other" or "custom".
- If the file generated is too large (more than 1 MB), reduce the JPEG quality or increase the JPEG compression level. With some scanning or image editing programs, you will have to click on an "Options" or "Opt" button after selecting "JPEG" as the file format.
- If
you only need a portion of a document translated, highlight that
section in some fashion or crop out what you do not need.
- Save
in JPG (JPEG), GIF, PNG or TIF (TIFF) format.
For scanning
tips, see this site:
http://www.scantips.com
Are there additional
translation resources available via JewishGen?
If
you do not receive help with the translating of your document(s)
on ViewMate - additional JewishGen translation resources can be found
at the Yizkor Book SIG Translator List at: http://www.jewishgen.org/Yizkor/yiztran.html
Where can I find
information on translating Jewish tombstones?
For
help in translating the inscriptions on Jewish tombstones - you can
look at the information on these sites: http://www.jewishgen.org/InfoFiles/Tombstones.html
http://www.jewfaq.org/death.htm#Tombstones
How can I get the word out about my new posting?
Once you receive the email confirmation that your file is available on ViewMate, you can request the help you want. Post your request to the main JewishGen Discussion Group and other JewishGen regional Special Interest Groups related to your inquiry. Subscribe to the discussion groups of your choice on the JewishGen Mailing List Management page.
Here is a sample request for action on a ViewMate image. Make changes based on the information you seek.
NOTE: When requesting translations, it may be helpful to note what you want:
- direct translation = word for word.
- loose translation = conveying the sense of the original.
____________________________________________________
Subject: ViewMate translation request - Yiddish
I request a direct translation of the Yiddish text on a postcard. It is on ViewMate at the following address
http://www.jewishgen.org/viewmate/viewmateview.asp?key=99999 (copy the link from your confirmation email)
Please respond using the online ViewMate form.
Thank you so much,
Your Name
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