Testimonials

Our Philosophy
No company has ever posted a negative testimonial.

It's true. You will never find a negative comment about a company on the testimonial page. That would be stupid for business. Just like you wouldn't use a poor reference on a resume. So, in my opinion, testimonials should be taken with a grain of salt.

But my testimonials do differ in one respect - you can actually speak with the students and reporters giving them! And I give FULL names! How can you trust a program that won't let you speak with their students?
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I came across the SimplySteno program and Marc by luck and, well, fate.  I graduated court reporting school 11 years ago, but decided to have a family instead of working.  I put my machine away and did just that.  After 11 years, I decided that I still truly wanted to be a court reporter, but now I certainly needed a refresher course as I had  been away for so long.  I came upon SimplySteno, and through the awesome feature that Marc provides on his site (instant access to Marc himself), I was connected to Marc right away. From day one Marc was there to help and offer advice, even through he had no idea whether or not I was going to sign up for his program.  He was there to give me the confidence I needed to get back on my machine.  Marc was behind me 100% from the very beginning.
I joined SimplySteno and within just weeks I was pretty much right back to where I was 11 years ago.  His program gives you all the material you could possibly need to get yourself going in the right direction.  SimplySteno has given me the confidence that I swore I would never have back. With SimplySteno I look forward to getting up and getting on my machine and working with Marc and the whole SimplySteno community!  I have had the awesome opportunity to work with Sophie and Sonja with my English Academics and my vocabulary - two subjects I have not even thought about in 11 years. You 'simply' could not ask for better support, help and guidance than you get from these people.  I have had days that I have completely melted down and no one else but Marc can take that situation and turn it so far around that I am happily back writing on my machine. 
I don't know what I would be doing right now if I had not come across SimplySteno.  I can assure you though, I wouldn't be on my machine. Thank you Marc Greenberg and all at SimplySteno!!
Lee Ann Ray - 4/20/08

My school closed and I was in a hurry to find another school. I knew my only option at that point was an online school.  I am so happy that I found SimplySteno.  I started at 60 wpm, and in 3 1/2 months I am at 110.  I am happy with my progress and the program.  I like that each day is a bit different.  I love the encouragement, common sense, and humor that Marc provides in his lessons. 
Natalie Mikolajczak - 4/15/08

Okay, this is going to sound like an open love letter to “Simply Steno,” and I guess in a sense it is.  I absolutely love, love, LOVE this program! 
Having started in night school learning theory, then continuing on for a year in a half in speed classes, I have to say that I have gotten more out of the first three months in Simply Steno than I did in my year and a half in night school.  The structure, quality and volume of material given as well as the constant interaction with staff all make enrolling in the program a “no-brainer.”  Oh, and did I mention that one full year of Simply Steno is cheaper than one four month term in night school (for a two night a week class)?  Yeah… it’s a no-brainer!
Simply Steno also adds to the mix by providing vocabulary and grammar lessons, which would have been another two night a week, expensive class in night school, which I just simply could not do. 
After my frustrations with night school, I also tried to “go it alone,” choosing to buy different dictations and build up my speed that way, and although I am structured person, I wasn’t making any headway.  I needed the structure that a program such as Simply Steno provides.
I also have to point out the fact that when I started the Simply Steno program, I realized that some of the dictations I was given were ones that I had heard before – my instructors in night school were using them in class, without the timed precision that Simply Steno affords the student.   Believe me, I am not putting down everything about night school, as I did learn a lot from many caring instructors who passed on their time and knowledge to me, however when compared side-to-side with Simply Steno, it just can’t compete.
My only regret is that I didn’t know about the program sooner, as I would have started right out of theory and probably would have been a working reporter by now. 
Anthony Gaglione - 4/22/08

Simply Steno is an environmentally green product. For one, it has saved me green going back and forth to school. That was a 90 mile round trip - you can do the math in both green money (cash) and smog going into the air. But the most important thing I love is I don't have to travel all that way and listen to people socialize. Instead, I get intense dictations. And I don't miss the negativity which was rampant at the campus. Marc knows what we've been through and where we want to go. I have found I'm getting there quicker than in all the other schools I have attended, because of the solid daily material and workouts.
People say its harder to apply yourself at home. Yes. But it is also easier to get to your lessons with all the other day to day activities we have to accomplish.  No travel, no traffic, no bridge tolls, no high tuition. There is a school closer to me - about 15 miles. Of course they want thousands of dollars (if not more) per semester.
I had been checking online for years for a program, but could not find a real one.  Then I found this program  Yaaaaaaaaaaa!  I thank God for this opportunity every day!
Felicia Laureano - 3/20/08

The school I first enrolled in closed down. Second school was a new program and just not ready for a classroom full of students, in my opinion. Still determined to be a court reporter after having finished my theory and after having done a lot of research, I decided on the SimplySteno Program, even though I was a bit leery of any online, long-distance learning. This program and its chief instructor have turned out to be a true blessing for me. The lesson material and dictation are much better in quality than what I was getting at the community college. There is plentiful and meaningful communication with the instructors. Marc, the chief instructor, has wonderful insight, good motivational material, and lots of humor to move you forward in the speedbuilding program. All instructors have been most personable to work with, very informative, and full of encouragement. Can't say enough good things about this program, which is designed for those who have already finished court reporting theory. It does require self-discipline and, for me, about three to five dedicated hours of effort on a daily basis, Monday through Friday.
Martha Jerman - 2/25/08

SimplySteno is a real step forward in training for court reporters. It is a down-to-earth approach that recognizes that court reporting students aren’t training in a vacuum. It gives plenty of support and direction for succeeding in spite of the distractions of everyday life.
Marc’s common sense and understanding of the pitfalls of conventional school settings help students to clear the hurdles that have discouraged them in their former programs. After getting discouraged and dropping out of my second court reporting program to do transcription work, I started with SimplySteno at 190 words per minute. One month later, I passed my state exam.
During my time with SimplySteno, Marc was quick with feedback and encouragement. He graded tests quickly. When I was getting ready to start reporting, he was standing by, quick to express his confidence in my ability. He offered help with arranging intern opportunities.
The dictation material is challenging, but as Marc says, if you can write his material, you will have no trouble passing certification tests. SimplySteno is a great program. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to progress rapidly and get inspired about being a court reporter again – and not go deeply into debt in the process!
Linda Grotefendt, CCR

I am a returning reporter after being out of the field for 16 years. I went to a school that had a high pass rate, and SimplySteno is run much the same way. The ample amount of dictation is dense and clear, and Marc's support is always just an email away. It's almost like having a personal trainer in that the program is geared to meet my individual needs. I didn't think I could do it on my own, but I was wrong! Thanks, Marc!
Caryn Speizer California CSR 8397

I have been a court reporting student for a year and a half now, taking classes online from a Junior College CRT curriculum. I was extremely frustrated at having to spend hours on courses that had nothing to do with court reporting, then adding more hours of practice time. I became so discouraged that I was about to throw in the towel and rethink my career options. Then I found SimplySteno online. I took the plunge and switched programs. I am absolutely delighted with the program. I especially like the fact that I can print out every single day's assignment, including the finger drills. Online courses require a lot of self discipline, which was a struggle for this disorganized person. The SimplySteno program gives me the structure that I need for each day, along with the accountability to complete the assignments on time. Marc Greenberg is very positive and encouraging and extremely accessible (a rarity these days). His inspiring anecdotes are interspersed with the dictation assignments, which helps keep me motivated. And any reporting student can attest that motivation is a major factor in succeeding in this field. I would highly recommend this program to anyone who is dissatisfied with their current school. Now, I am concentrating on my craft and feeling more confident every day. I look forward to my practice time, instead of dreading it. SimplySteno is just what I needed.
Evelyn Isham

Enrolling in SimplySteno was by far the best move I made on behalf of my court reporting career. I continue to be impressed with the quality of the program on a daily basis. I look forward to sitting down at my machine to see what Marc has in store for me for the day’s lesson. This program has been a refreshing change. I am learning while having fun at the same time. My only regret is that I did not enroll sooner and become part of this goal-oriented program. Marc, my family thanks you and my pocketbook thanks you. This is a value well worth looking into.
Cheryl L. Tracey

I simply love SimplySteno!
I was at a school before switching to Marc's program and was doing fairly well, but I did not like the fact that I had to pursue my training the way they wanted me to, when they wanted me to and how they wanted me to. I felt that the politics involved in a "traditional" school environment was actually hindering my progress. I have a family and needed more flexibility in my hours and a more direct, one-on-one approach to my training.
What I found in Simply Steno was straight-forward lessons that focus on the basics, which translated into better writing and faster learning for me. I love being able to stay home and have my machine always ready to practice on, and even to be able to work in my pajamas!! (Not to mention the fact that I am saving a bundle of money!)
This program has been the boost I needed to finish my training and given me the confidence to know that when I am ready to take the RPR, I will pass that test!
Thank you, Marc for your awesome program!
RossAnne Gibson

After 18 months in another program, I passed a 170 speed test, but my writing was not as accurate as I wanted. Editing was tough, and I had little confidence that I would ever be able to work and be happy in the profession. But SimplySteno has changed that for me. Here’s how:
• Dictations -- The readers are excellent, and the material is clear, varied, and challenging. I find that a mix of speeds in each day’s lesson builds my confidence and stretches my ability. And the relaxation techniques that Marc suggests really take the edge off test taking!
• Lesson Plans – They embody down-to-earth, common-sense direction and guidance for real world situations. Marc’s program has given me insight into what to expect on the job, plus what I should expect of myself.
• Academics – While my vocabulary, spelling and grammar skills are pretty good, it’s amazing how helpful (and fun) a refresher can be, especially when it’s focused on the types of questions that are going to be on the RPR exam!
• Last, but certainly not least, is the personal support that I’ve received. The feedback is timely, relevant, and professional. Thank you, SimplySteno!
Julie Robinson

SimplySteno.com is an extraordinary steno program. For me it has been a lifesaver. By the time I found SimplySteno.com, I had already sunk over $24,000 and close to 4 years of my life into a court reporting program. The only things I had to show for all my investments were a stenotyping speed of 140wpm, notes I couldn't read, and tons of frustration. After stagnating for more than a year trying to pass my next speed level of 160wpm with absolutely no success, I realized that something needed to change. I was paying too much money and getting nothing in return.
SimplySteno.com has taken the frustration and stress out of my learning experience and has helped me to begin to achieve solid success. Because SimplySteno.com is a study at home program, I no longer spend hours in my car traveling to and from school. This leaves me more time to practice. And with the help of SimplySteno.com, my practice time is now productive. Before, I felt that what I was asked to practice and the methods I was told to use were impeding my progress. Now all the discouragement and the feelings of getting nowhere fast have vanished. SimplySteno.com has shown me how to approach the daunting task of becoming a court reporter in simple, methodical, skill-building steps. By following the lesson outlines Marc Greenberg has put together, I have vastly improved my accuracy, increased my test transcription speed, and advanced through the speed levels.
Marc is the first one to admit that becoming a court reporter is not an easy task. It will take time, perseverance, and hard work. But Marc, as well as all of the other instructors at SimplySteno.com, has always been available to guide my steps and give me advice on how to surmount the obstacles I have encountered. Marc and his colleagues are constantly working to improve the SimplySteno.com program. They are not afraid to change what doesn't work. Their goal is to help students get their court reporting licenses. The underlying theme of SimplySteno.com is that the key to achieving success lies in the integrity of the foundation. SimplySteno.com has introduced me to a learning method that has and will continue to strengthen my foundation and build my skills so that I can attain ultimate success.
Jennifer Albino

I am in SimplySteno and I JUST passed my 120's and am now moving on to 130's! I love the demands and the layout of the SimplySteno program so very much! I am 40yrs old, married, with a 2.5yr daughter also.
Rhoda Collins