I normally write personal things (journal, cards, letters, etc.) by hand, and use the laptop to write things that are for work or school (email, essays, reports, etc.). I found this task easy because I wrote a daily reflection and just let my thoughts lead me the whole time. I am used to writing down my thoughts and ideas by hand and this is what I feel comfortable doing. It would be a different story if I were asked to compose a story or something that requires more planning. It brought an interesting realization to me that I have not been writing anything formal by hand for a very long time. I think that the main reason is that institutions and workplaces have been highly digitalized and we are so well-trained to type.
When it comes to editing the writing, it really depends on what I am writing. If I am writing something in my journal or anything for myself, I just simply cross it out. If I do not like the whole page, I tear it from the notebook and throw it in the trash can. However, if I am writing to someone, I would first write a draft on a piece of paper and edit it before I write it down on the actual card/letter paper carefully with my neatest printing. If I am typing electronically, it is much easier to edit since I can just delete the words easily. I also use grammar check and proofreading applications to edit my paper after I finish typing on my laptop. They are not the best, but they are convenient to use and provide some basic support. This is something that cannot be done if I am writing manually.
The most significant difference I notice between writing by hand and using mechanized forms of writing is efficiency. Given the same amount of time, I can type way more words than writing, and editing becomes effortless. However, I do find when I write, the content feels closer to my heart since I am always writing things more personal on paper. When using mechanized forms of writing, it does not feel as genuine as handwriting. To me, typing makes me feel like I am finishing a task or getting something done because it is required (which is not always the case). It is hard to say which one I prefer because they both have their advantages and drawbacks. I actually enjoy saving handwriting for my personal reflections and typing efficiently for professional writings.
Hi Trista,
Hope all is well.
I enjoyed reading your task 4, and in particular your discussion about the impact of digitalization within the workplace on our perception and usage of writing by hand. This discussion paralleled the one within the “Stuff to Blow Your Mind” podcast where they discussed the invention (and evolution of the book). When you think about it, it makes a lot of sense that as a culture that connects work with technology, we would dismiss the need or influence of hand-writing with work.
Your discussion about editing reminded me of the “Allusionist” podcast featuring Gretchen McCulloch where they discuss how auto-correct can influence the way one writes. I often turn off the grammar suggestion functionality of Word because I find it distracting.
And finally, I appreciated your assessment that writing by hand “comes from the heart.” I share that feeling, but upon reflection wonder if it is actually any different than dancing your fingers across a keyboard? Is playing an acoustic guitar any less genuine than an electric guitar? It is interesting how our minds conjure our engagement level within an activity.