Fact · Transcription
The Minnesota Historical Society guide describes one view that a transcript should read as smoothly as possible, with almost cut-and-paste editing.
Checked against its source on October 17, 2026
In the source's own words
“Others feel that a transcript should read as smoothly as possible and advocate almost a cut-and-paste style of editing.”
Transcribing, Editing and Processing Guidelines, Minnesota Historical Society, Oral History Office, Minnesota Historical Society, 2001, Section 1, Introduction.
Open the original- What it measures
- The guide contrasts this view with the view that the desire to edit should be curbed to keep the spontaneity of the interview.
- What it does not show
- Describes two views held by oral historians. The guide does not endorse either one.