21 Comments

I would never have thought to try this! What a great resource for biographers too— thanks for sharing.

Expand full comment
author

I hope you have good luck and let us know what you think!

Expand full comment

I haven't had great luck with AI for handwritten stuff, but you've inspired me to try again. Thanks, and how awesome that you have those letters!

Expand full comment

Thanks for that hint. I never thought of using AI to decipher the words I couldn’t make out in the letters I’m transcribing. Now, I’ll get back to that project.

Expand full comment

Wow! What a goldmine you have! So interesting. Love the idea of using AI to translate. Great post!

Expand full comment
author

Thanks!

Expand full comment

I assumed you used ChatGPT for this and good to know Gemini can do it too. Even if it’s wrong 10% of the time, that’s still less squinting and typing on my part.

Expand full comment
author

Right! Save the eyeballs! I used Gemini for this effort.

Expand full comment
Jun 5Liked by Kirsi Dahl

Super cool idea and you're so lucky to have these original letters!

Expand full comment
Jun 4Liked by Kirsi Dahl

What a wonderful idea. I have lots of letters and postcards that I will try as well. Interesting insights into her life and the times.

Expand full comment

I agree, the tiny details about sounds or other ordinary daily things are fascinating.

Expand full comment
Jun 4Liked by Kirsi Dahl

Cool!

Expand full comment
Jun 4·edited Jun 4Liked by Kirsi Dahl

what are the actual steps you used to ask Google gemini to transcribe a document? How did you upload them? I got the following message: "Unfortunately, Gemini currently cannot transcribe text directly from uploaded documents."

Expand full comment
author

I took a photo of each page and uploaded them one at a time, asking for a transcription. So, it was transcribing from a photo, not a document. Maybe that’s the key?

Expand full comment
Jun 4Liked by Kirsi Dahl

Trying this method! Seems to be thinking!!!

Expand full comment

No luck. Will try something else

Expand full comment
author

Bummer! It was Gemini, but I also often use ChatGPT… try that! I only use free versions. perplexity is a good one too!

Expand full comment
Jun 4Liked by Kirsi Dahl

wow this is amazing!

Expand full comment
author

I was truly amazed myself! Very exciting!

Expand full comment

This is fascinating! I have my concerns about AI, of course, but I think this is an amazing application for it. I've just finished transcribing an old letter but now I think I'll try this method and compare. Thank you!

Expand full comment
author

Ooh, great idea! I hope the use of AI offers something for you!

Expand full comment