How Do You Know When Classmates are Taking Advantage? (Long)

[Sheri257]

I'm in an uncomfortable situation with a couple of classmates who sit next me. I tape the lectures and spend many hours transcribing them, mostly because the teacher adds much more material than what's in the textbook. It's a major pain, but it's a tremendous help when test time comes around.

One of them asked me for the transcripts when she had to miss class because, she said, her son was in the hospital. I figured, ok, that's an emergency, so I gave them to her.

Since then, she's either missed other classes or showed up and left early, missing lecture. She said she did miss one class because her son was in the hospital again, but I don't know why she left early during the last class. It kinda makes me suspicious about the hospital story, and whether she really needed to miss class or not.

Similar problem with the other classmate. She begged me not to speak up and argue against delaying a test because she needed more study time. So I didn't. Then she doesn't show up for the test. I know she's going to ask for the lecture transcripts, since the teacher lectured on a bunch of material afterward, but I'm kinda peeved that I helped her out with the test situation, only for her to miss it anyway.

I'm pretty sure one, if not both of them are going to ask for my lecture transcripts this week since they've missed so much material. And I'm sure I'll hear the usual excuses, but I'm not sure I believe them anymore.

I like to help people out, because I may have to miss class at some point. But I can't help but wonder if they're taking advantage of the situation. Do I help them or not? If not, do I lie and say the tapes got erased, the tape recorder broke, or something? I do have to work with these people on group assignments, etc. so it could become an uncomfortable situation. And I'm not a great liar.

What would you do? :uhoh21:

[Sheri257]

A simple "i'm not comfortable with doing that" should answer their request. I'm saying that's how i'd answer them, though.

So, what would you tell them?

Or, I could tell them the transcripts are available for a fee. Afterall, it does take several hours to transcribe those tapes.

Hmmmm ... how much should I charge?

Just kidding!

[Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN]

Last time someone asked for a free Pediatrics chapter ride, i said "So what's in it for me?" They were so stunned (and miffed) they never asked again.

[klone, MSN, RN]

So, what would you tell them?

Or, I could tell them the transcripts are available for a fee. Afterall, it does take several hours to transcribe those tapes.

Hmmmm ... how much should I charge?

Actually, I was thinking that very same thing, for real. Anywhere else, you want transcripts of something, you have to pay for it. I'm just wondering about any legalities. Maybe $20/lecture? :)

[RN_N_05]

I'm also someone who tapes lectures. I tend to miss stuff in class while other people are talking, or while I'm writing things down. I have no poblems helping people, but when it gets to be an everyday occurence, that's another story. The couple times people have wanted to listen to my lectures, I have invited them to go somewhere and listen to them with me. That way they still have to write stuff down, so its not like I'm completely handing anything over to them. Also, sometimes what I think is important, other people do not. This way they can write down whatever they want.

[wv_nurse 2003]

You could always tell them that if they provide you with a tape--you will provide them with a copy of your tape (you can give the original if you like--you've already got it trranscribed). Let them do the transcribing themselves!!

And....you get a fresh tape for the next lecture!

[Sheri257]

Actually, I was thinking that very same thing, for real. Anywhere else, you want transcripts of something, you have to pay for it. I'm just wondering about any legalities. Maybe $20/lecture? :)

I was thinking $50.

These are real transcripts. Practically verbatum. Unless the teacher is talking about the weather or something, I type it all. It takes a lot more time but really helps with those detailed trick test questions. For the last test I had 40 pages of typed transcripts.

I dunno. I guess I'll see how I feel about it when it comes up. But I'll probably stick with "I just don't feel comfortable ...."

I don't need more tapes, since I buy those in bulk. And I do like to keep the originals around just in case I need to review them again. I don't think either of these girls would be inclined to listen to them with me. Especially since I transcribe in such detail. But thanks for those suggestions.

[Silkybo]

Charge for your transcripts. charge a LOT. So much that no one in their right mind would agree to buy them, like $100 buck per lecture. That way, you send a message that your time and work is valuable, and you don't actually have to share your hard work. Or, you accidentally make a lot of money...Nursing texts are expensive!

[Sheri257]

Charge for your transcripts. charge a LOT. So much that no one in their right mind would agree to buy them, like $100 buck per lecture. That way, you send a message that your time and work is valuable, and you don't actually have to share your hard work. Or, you accidentally make a lot of money...Nursing texts are expensive!

Well, that's why lecture notes are so critical for this class. The teacher doesn't follow the text that much. So if you miss class, you're pretty much screwed. :chuckle

Hmmmm .... $100 per lecture.

Any takers?

[belladelicious]

I would say no. It's so easy! I don't know why people have trouble with saying no. These students can always ask someone else right? Or are you the only one who tapes the lecture?

That would seem very time consuming, typing out the lectures! No way would I just give it away to someone, I'm not that nice.

[smk1, LPN]

I'm usually pretty unpopular anyway because I get good grades.

My only concern is that I have to work with these people on group assignments. But after reading some of the responses here, I realize I'm probably worrying too much.

if you are pretty sure that you will have to work on group assignments with these 2 then just make sure to be friendly but firm. also maybe give them a heads up about the notes something along the lines of "hey you probably should be in class this week because i don't know when im going to have time to transcribe my tapes, and it is becoming more work for me to do it and get copies out to people. Also (im sure the teacher would frown upon this practice, because these students are skipping the class time and still getting all the info from you reapeatedly) so you could say that you don't think its a good idea anymore as you don't want to get into trouble. Everybody understands that excuse! Anyway good luck and just find a way to keep it civil! :)

[klone, MSN, RN]

Hey, you could just lie and say you aren't transcribing them anymore, but just getting the info right from the tape. Then say "I saw a great deal at Target for little portable tapeplayers, you should pick one up!" I bet they'd get the hint. :)

[NewEnglandRN, RN]

I, too, have been placed in this situation for my A&P 1 class. Like you, I would transcribe the class notes completely and I had many people asking for a copy. Fortunately, no one ever took advantage of the situation. I always felt good I was able to help others.

Well, wouldn't you know the next semester (A&P 2) my son was in a serious car accident and I missed several classes. Many of my fellow students were willing to help me out. Unfortunately, because of the teacher's attendance policy, I had to withdraw from the class.

I firmly believe what goes around comes around.

I will help anyone until I feel I am being taken advantage of and then I will simply say Professor XYZ has office hours on whatever day and he would be your best source for any information you might be missing. Hasn't happened yet though...

Michelle in MA