Blog Post #3: My Writing Technologies

As long as I've been old enough to be in some sort of school, including preschool, I've been exposed to computers. As such, like many in my generation, the piece of writing technology I use most would be the computer. Whether it's for personal writing, work, or school I turn to the computer first because I find it easiest to write for long periods of time.

I am 20 years old yet already I find myself unable to write by hand for more than 5 minutes or so at a time before getting serious pain in my hands. However, I cannot take notes using my computer. It's too much of a distraction for something that requires attention and simply does not allow me to make the necessary connections to the material.

But for hammering out a 12 page research paper or writing a newspaper story the computer is my first choice. I have a lot of experience using it, and find I can quickly and efficiently write with it. I also find it improves my editing techniques, as I am able to edit-on-the-fly with more ease than if I am writing by hand. It also gives me a better sense of structure and organization of my writing.

Right around the time that I was young enough to go with my parents to work when I was sick was also the time when type writers were beginning to be replaced by computers. My mom's job (at EMU) was slow on getting computers, so they always had type writers around. As such, I've used them before, but never to do any sort of actual writing--unless you count key mashing as writing.

I do occasionally use a notebook and a pen, but only if absolutely necessary. I always try to have a notebook on me in case an idea strikes me as something particularly interesting and I don't have a computer. Mostly, this is for personal writing, note taking, and other miscellaneous things. But, it's increasingly less likely for me to not have my laptop on me, as my job basically necessitates constant access to my e-mail.