Neve Maslakovic
#writephant Q4 Do you think handwriting changes the way ideas come out compared to typing?
May 11 at 11:43pmWeb
Show threadEd W8EMV 6d ago

@neve

A4/1 When I key things in with a keyboard, there's a little buffer in my head that fills up and empties as the words go across the page. It usually doesn't get very full, since I typically type fast, and if I need to make an edit there's lots of ways to go back and change things.

With ink on paper, I'm writing more slowly than I can think. My imaginary little edit buffer has to be a lot bigger. It sometimes gets rearranged quite a bit before the words hit the page.

#writephant

Show threadNeve Maslakovic6d ago

@w8emv This is an interesting way of looking at it... For me the buffer gets roomier when writing by hand because I'm better able to block out distractions, I think.

#writephant

Show threadElektra6d ago

@neve
Do I think handwriting changes the way ideas come out compared to typing?

Writing certainly changes the way that we learn--I think that actually writing is better than typing for learning. I can type something without reading or absorbing it.

I get doodling when I write, and that definitely changes the narrative I create. I can add "fiddly bits" in with arrows and notes about stuff to do later. It's different.

#writephant #creativity

Show threadEd W8EMV 6d ago

@neve

A4/2 Also and this is less about the words and more about how the fit on the page -

Most of my typing is into little rectangles of fixed shape. When I'm keying things in I very rarely am thinking about page layout. The rectangles are all the same.

For handwriting it's the opposite - my typical big written page has a margin into which I can put distracting side notes, a grid-inspired overall layout, and many more deliberate choices about where to put things on the page.

#writephant

Show threadPriya Sridhar6d ago
@neve It can. When you type, you can reveal your ideas in a rapid motion. That creates a distance between intent and thinking about what you want to say. Sometimes the distance means you don't nail that moment of connection.
Whereas when you write like me, it can feel more intimate but then no one understands what you put down on paper XD. #Writephant
Show threadig 🏳️‍🌈6d ago

@neve #writephant 4. Do you think handwriting changes the way ideas come out compared to typing?

i think there was more tolerance for meandering sentences in the age before word processors. people used to write thoughts as they came out, which meant occasionally doubling back, or being less efficient with language. now that there is no material cost to editing and re-editing every thought, sentences are severely optimized to remove any friction. for the most part, this is a good or neutral change. but removing all the friction from writing is a bit like removing the texture from food. it goes down more easily, but is it as memorable, unique, or satisfying?