I can add two more reasons. First, those who enjoy restoring machines by cleaning and repairing them. Second, you can make a small profit buying low, fixing, selling high. A Hermes 3000 on the side of the road is an extreme example. Otherwise, I felt you captured the majority of the reasons I collect! Regards.
I bought my first manual typewriter when I was headed to a place with no electricity. Some people still use typewriters because they can't be hacked like your computer can.
Great video. I am a fountain pen writer with good handwriting. I like being away from digital devices. I also like the f l o w of handwriting, the involvement that goes so deep that I feel connected to the formation of the words so much so that I feel like the creative process is different. An overlap between typwriter users and hand writers is that you must think more before you start putting down words. In a word processor you write knowing that you can rearrange infinitely and I personally get trapped slamming incomplete thoughts into the machine at light speed and then spending more time sharpening the text in an editing process rather than THINKING before I press keys and that trap results in something that is different in the end and not as good. With a pen I will think exponentially longer before I put down words and it's often perfect and done right there in that first draft. If writing is creative, word processors can turn your brain into DATA INPUT mode instead of a creative process. I see the appeal of typewriters for sure and that's why I am here. I am thinking about it, but I am not sure how to start yet.
Great points. I wrote for years by hand, wish I could do more of it, but typewriters work for me better. I do, however, sketch and make short writings by hand.
Yes and No :) I use typewriters very often for brainstorming or a first draft, where I don't think much, I just type. And typewriters are perfect for that because there are no distractions. No software asking for updates or formatting, no other programs sending pop-up messages. I've often tried to use my iPad as a simple typewriter, but it's never worked for me.
My Dad got a Selectric 2 when it was first released. I was in eighth grade and allowed to use the machine when Dad wasn't working. It wasn't a typewriter, to me. It was a communications device of immense power able to tunnel through US Mail conduits, dead drops, and had the potential to drive vast publishing operations. Magic.
Thanks for another cool video. You’ve been one of my typewriter heroes since 2017 when I caught the bug (after reading R. Polt’s _The Typewriter Revolution_) and discovered your channel. I love manual typewriters for many of the reasons you detailed. And I really dig that they are little personal printing presses. I would also add: freedom, specifically freedom from the need for electricity and freedom from the internet (& the digital realm in general). Off-grid and off-line, baby!
Great video Joe. Your diagrams were right on point. One reason that I love collecting typewriters is that I actually taught typewriter many years ago. The typewriter, and of course the fountain pen, help to stimulate my creativity.
Hi Joe! Great video! Art journaling and junk journaling is another category where people gravitate toward manual typewriters. For me, as an art/junk journaler, the reason I purchased my first typewriter is an amalgamation of some of the reasons you expressed-- the vintage aesthetic of the print, to be unencumbered by a computer, the sound and feel while manually typing thoughts and quotes. The typewriter is another tool in the crib to complement the ink, paint, crayons, markers, fountain pens, etc. Also, I can type on a variety of materials I probably wouldn't want to go thru my printer like onionskin paper, manifold paper, fabric, construction paper, and more. I've been watching your videos for a few years now and got a kick out of the ones where you made your own notebooks/journals!! The first typewriter I purchased was a 1949 Smith Corona Sterling 10cpi vertical script at an estate sale. I didn't know that 'cursive' typeface existed. Well, I was hooked-- zen and the art of typewriter maintenance and all that. I now have about 25 portable machines for many of the reasons you expressed: I like to repair/clean them, I like to learn the mechanics of the different brands, I like to try different machines to determine which ones are a joy to type on, some are simply beautiful, and I have a variety of typefaces. Many thanks for the videos. I have learned a lot from you. I grew up in ABQ, so I also get a tiny bit of home when I watch. 😊
Joe, excellent video exploration of this topic. One thing I would add is the idea of permanence. I have lost countless digital documents I've written (and photographs I've taken) for various reasons and yet I have boxes of handwritten and typewritten documents dating back 40+ years. Even a few term papers I typed in high school.
This video reminds me so much of the every day conversations mechanical keyboard enthusiasts have with people outside the community haha I know I’ve had similar conversations with people trying to convert them into mechanical keyboard fanatics. Good to know our cousins on the typewriter side of the family feel the same way. Great video!
Joe, They say Tom Hank’s is the evangelist of the typewriters, but you are the pied piper! You almost have me convinced I must have a typewriter or my life will be incomplete. 😀 Love your videos especially the way you tell a story.
I've realised that I only use one type of pen these days for writing. Black Uni Pin Fine Line 0.5 size. I do enjoy writing ideas to paper. The way my brain works I find this is the best way for things to flow. But my handwriting is terrible. So in order for other people to be able to read my stuff (and share as copies on projects) I use a typewriter. I am more and more getting into just putting some paper in a machine and typing from scratch (since watching your videos on the subject). This video has a very comprehensive list of reasons. One thing which I hadn't thought about is that I am a 'typist'. I enjoy the tactile and mechanical nature of typing and the bell ringing all of that. I have a friend who is an author and he is using an ancient word processor. He will not be parted from it
Good thoughts. I use my IBM Wheelwriter to type envelopes, much easier than getting through the laser printer. I collect typewriters more than use them for day-to-day tasks.
When I was 12 years old, I typewrote my homework assignments because typewriting was neat and quicker than using a pen or pencil. During my senior year of high school, I was the only student who typed my homework in a classroom after school. That is how I "got away" with passing grades. Now my keyboarding skills made using the microcomputer worth every while.
I like my handwriting and it does help the ideas flow, but it's not something I would want to use for a long document. Coming from a desktop publishing background, I'm perfectly happy keying in the words and once everything is just right, committing it to paper. The results are so much more satisfying. I did originally learn to type on manual typewriters (there were electric typewriters in the back of the room but they were for use by the advanced students). My wife and I bought a Smith Corona daisywheel electric typewriter and some extra ribbons at a TV and appliance store that was going out of business at the turn of the millennium. We figured we would need it for the occasional carbon copy or NCR paper form, but then we never saw carbon paper or NCR paper after that and never even took the typewriter out of the bag we bought it in. It's still out in my garage. I do most of my keyboarding one-handed in a rather advanced hunt-and-peck style. There's actually very little "hunting" and I typically use at least three or four fingers at a time. I absolutely have to be able to see the keyboard. But it's so convenient to be able to type while my other hand is otherwise preoccupied. I've been considering getting back to touch-typing because I'm convinced it could be faster and wondered if I might do better on a manual typewriter the way I learned originally. But typing on paper doesn't appeal to me at all because the only thing I can think that would teach me is perfectionism. Paper is SO unforgiving of mistakes.
I grew up with classrooms only having 1 computer. When I was 18 I could mentally write an essay within seconds. Word processors have changed the way I think. I don’t think in complete thoughts. Word processors allow me to think in bullet points. I put the bullet points down on a document then I piece the bullet points into a coherent document, like a jigsaw puzzle. When I reread the document years later it sounds like it was written by a stranger. When I read my essays from 23 years ago, I can hear myself in the words. The more I use word processors, the more I want to type arguments in the form of my old course notebook outlines: I-B-2-c-iii. Also I have always had writer’s cramp after a paragraph.
I can't think of anything you missed. I fit squarely in the group that likes the physical act of typing--the satisfaction of pressing the keys and the keys hitting the paper. There is one more reason I like to use a typewriter that may be unique to me. I had used my Olympia SM9 to type term papers all the way from junior high, to high school, and then in college. I did not have the best study habits and pulled a lot of all-nighters typing them up. Years after graduating college, I approached my typewriter anew as a tool for fun and creativity. The euphoria I experience from no longer associating my typewriter with school assignments has never left me.
Working with a typewriter has stayed a part of my life because it's familiar. I like the machines, they allow me to express myself, and I find them the easiest way to transfer thoughts to the physical world. They've been a part of my life from a very young age (as "worthless" toys to keep me quiet for a few hours as a kid in the 90s who loved mechanical machines.) I've always had at least one, sometimes many more than one.
Great question, especially given how much easier writing is using a computer and good word processor. Correction and character extras are unbeatable. And it's faster! I sold my last typewriter (electronic) back in the '90s.
Was typing last night, power went out, drew curtains aside, opened blinds, kept typing. Sent text to friend…power out can still type can still calculate with photo of Corona and Monroe
Before I transitioned over to laptop computers for my writing, I had an electric typewriter. It was one of those Brother daisywheel typewriters. There were some things that I HATED about that thing! First, it was very noisy. Secondly, those daisywheels weren't very durable either. I used to pay a fortune replacing those daisywheels! I much prefer using computer laptops for my writing.
I recently found your channel and have enjoyed many videos (especially the ones on office junky). I'd love to start using a typewriter. Is there something you'd recommend? Also, where does one get one that is functional?
I think the Smith-Coronas from the 1950s are a good starter machine (Sterling, Silent, Silent-Super). Thrift stores "used to" carry them, but the prices have gone up in recent years. Expect a used machine to need some kind of service in order to work properly. Also online like eBay, but they are often damaged in shipping because people don't pack them properly. There are also Etsy sellers, but they are often expensive, Alternatively, find a typewriter repair shop in your area and they usually have refurbished machines for sale.
I got into typewriters to avoid distractions and just focus on writing. Also, privacy reasons. I can't be data mined nor monetized if I'm not online. Remember! If you aren't paying for the product, then you are the product!
I have several reasons for wanting and using a manual, none of those listed. 1) Personal letters. People respond to typewritten and mailed letters now as they did to handwritten letters decades ago. It's made for only for them, not mass manufactured or reproduced, which people appreciate. 2) Quick and dirty writing (especially distraction free). Starting up a computer takes time. There are times where you need to bang out something quickly and legibly, and a typewriter does that well. Typewriters are instantly on and ready to use, the way audio cassette decks and VCRs use to be. Only calculators still compare for immediacy. 3) No need to share. Until I fixed up a used personal laptop and took it to work, I had to share one laptop with coworkers (an ESL school, eight teachers and one laptop). Having a personal typewriter (or laptop) means I don't have to wait, I can bang out homework or lesson material quickly and then copy it for the students. 4) Educational use. Again, teaching. Kids used to computers, tablets and phones go absolutely gaga over a typewriter's physical traits: the bell, carriage return, shift, the moving ribbon, etc. They love the movement of a physical object and the instant result of typing on paper (except when they start using obscene language). I need to get my manual fixed. No, I broke it, not the kids. The jump cut editing is unpleasant. Longer gaps and smoother transitions are easier on the brains of some people.
Pure romantic nostalgia. You have to have it to appreciate it. Same with stationary steam engines. But the limitations are severe. How do you write equations or include graphics? The typewriter MUST consume paper (much of which will end up scrapped). It has no inherent editing facilities, for such things as re-ordering paragraphs. Even the correction of small errors is tedious. Why don't we still use slide rules? I think 'the community' is the key message in this well-presented video. Doing something purely for fun and for tradition: can't beat it in today's driven world. I've thought about buying one but I would need to throw out a few obsolete electrical instruments and slide-rules and sewing machines to make space. And I'm not sure how Mrs would react to the clatter.
An interesting point -- I find that writing with a typewriter, I end up making mistakes and letting them lead me to different wording or phrases that I may otherwise not have explored. For copying or retyping print, yes, the paper consumption is an issue, but for creative writing, the physical nature can be a powerful catalyst.
Congrats for your job, your entire channel offers lots of knowledge about typewriters. Now I’d like to ask you which is the best way to move all of our papers typed to the computer and use the papers in the digital platforms? thanks a lot and big hug from Brazil!
Using OCR, Optical Character Recognition software, is the easiest way to digitize typewritten documents, keeping in mind you need to error check them after. Once in digital form they can easily be moved to various platforms. However, I think it’s important to retain control of your own document archive, not relying too much on the big online companies. And also keep your paper documents as backups.
Nice. If you'd attach the sheets with the clip of your clipboard you wouldn't need to adjust it with your left hand's finger. Anyway, there are many groups of people and how they adjust their sheets of paper. Some clip it onto something, some are using a stack where pages are glued together on one and, and there are people who doesn't care about the position of their sheets even when it moves during usage. How a bout a vid on adjusting paper while doing H.W.? :-) S.C.N.R.
