Typing or writing?

Age old question for developers - how many of us actually enjoy writing?

[bhonda]

I've got a headache.

So I've got a drink, and I'm trying to take a break from my screen (although, ironically, that's not going too well, considering I'm typing this now...). But since I've got so much work to do, I decided to turn to my trusty pen and paper to plan out the solution to one of my development issues.

Anyways, this got me thinking - how many of us still regularly write things down? I love it - I would definitely prefer writing something to typing it, and I get through an A4 notebook every 3 months or so. All my best thinking and designing is done on paper - I just find it so much easier than doing it on a computer.

Am I alone in this, or is this a common thing?

Just wondering...that's all!

[Gibble]

I find my writing is the best form of encryption, it's completely illegible. I rarely write anything but the odd note down. A notebook lasts about a year, and the only reason I have it is for meetings where I'm not at a computer, or where I need to explain something to someone and it's simpler to draw it on paper.

[lawman]

I tried out a tablet pc in court for a brief time until a glitch in the tablet mode showed up. Thankfully the glitch did not occur in court.

In court a legal pad and two Pilot pens (one backup) are what I use.

Amen to self-encryption. :)

[Gibble]

Amen to self-encryption.

The problem is that "self-encryption" is sometimes literally that...I can't even read it!

[BeeDeeDubbleU]

My problem is that I have been using keyboards on a daily basis for about 25 years and I forget how to write. When I do have to write something I keep making mistakes. I really have to concentrate hard when filling in forms and things manually.

[lgn1]

Ditto. My writing looks like APL :)

[Gibble]

Actually, I should be more accurate. I print...I don't even know if I can still write.

[LifeinAsia]

Many of my greatest ideas are hopelessly encrypted due to illegible writing.

So now when I have a brilliant idea, I e-mail (if near a computer) or text (if I have my cell phone) it to myself.

Now, many of my greatest ideas are hopelessly buried in my e-mail folders...

[Old_Honky]

I can type almost as fast as I think. I can't write as fast as I think. (not legibly anyway) So typing wins for me. At least then when I get a good idea (every 100 years or so) I can get it recorded and have a fighting chance of remembering what it was about when I come to review it a few days later.

[john_k]

:F 1tYpd l:kE 1wr:TE... YOu jeT the pieTure

[Samizdata]

There is much to be said for learning the ancient art of stenography (aka shorthand) - it is extremely fast, indecipherable to most people and (as the subject was mentioned) particularly useful in court.

I use pen and paper all the time for design sketches and general notes.

Eminently portable, requires no batteries and works during a power outage.

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