One Gen X-er to another - where does a body find a replacement typewriter ribbon these days? Please, and thank you. - Cathy (&, accidently, Steve), Ottawa/Bytown/Pimisi
As you were trying to describe what is meaningful in regards to your typewriter not needing electricity, I couldn’t help but guess that perhaps what you were trying to say is how you appreciate the independent, self-sufficient nature of a machine that doesn’t need any additional infrastructure. You just feed it paper and ink ribbons and it will just keep working. That’s spectacularly elegant. It’s not about the electricity, as though there’s something wrong with electricity. It’s about the elegance of an independent machine. Bicycles are like this. Skateboards. A chef’s knife. Most hand tools. They need nothing but for us to use them. No batteries to charge. No Wi-Fi required. It’s an interesting contrast to NFTs. Right now an NFT is a potentially expensive “asset” that ceases to exist without electricity and servers and internet infrastructure. Super interesting tech, but it makes me appreciate that typewriter that will still work a hundred years from now if it’s taken care of.
Striking! I agree with your observation. It’s in a similar autonomous design that human beings are built as well. Capable of so much, and all we need is a little taking care of (food, etc. hah!)
I always appreciate your depth of thought. I hate writing at a computer, it never occurred to me that part of that is the distractions found on my computer.
I can’t put into words the way your content makes me feel, and makes me think. There’s something about the detail, angle of attack, and depth of even your most “simple” thoughts, paired with your ability to teach and turn those thoughts into something tactile through video. You truly are a brilliant, spirited man who has taught me to look at life the same way, and have an appreciation for what most people would view passively, and as insignificant linear things. You’ve inspired projects for me that I would have otherwise never even attempted, or wanted to take the time to learn. As an addict in a life long battle with recovery, you have to have outlets. You have to have things to put your entire mind into, and be fully involved in. I can honestly say you’ve had a major hand in helping me explore and experience these new outlets of mine. I’m very, VERY grateful for your channel, and your mind because of it. For that, Van, I truly deeply thank you 🙏🏼
One of my earliest memories is the sound of a typewriter every week. It could often be heard in the evenings while going to sleep. Dad was a minister, and each week meant a new sermon.
Gun-makers like Remington had an advantage getting into typewriter manufacturing as they came to prevalence. Makes sense that the same mechanical feel translates. Similar part sizes and levels of precision. The "Smith" of Smith-Corona started as a gun-maker.
As I'm watching this video I'm realizing that I've never used a typewriter. I'm 24 and my parents have one laying around their house. I'd thought about trying it in the past but, as you said in your opening remarks, it has become a symbol for pretentious hipsters. Anyways, I'll fire it up and see how it goes.
I fucking love this level of attention to detail, and what it results in, namely the way Van’s voice comes across. #1 is everything. Imagine how that philosophy must affect your entire outlook on life.
Yes! - Certainty of thought and commitment to ideas. I grew up writing papers on a typewriter before computers. I went back to college in my 30's and took a class called "Writing About Art". I had not written a paper in nearly 20 years. I waited until the morning it was due to write it. I sat down and wrote the entire paper from beginning to end (in a word processor) and turned it in with no revisions or editing. The professor said it was the best paper she had ever received and wanted to use it as an example of the perfect paper for that particular assignment, and asked me to talk about my writing process with the class. I told her I had no process - I just wrote with certainty because my formative writing years were before computers, handing in last minute papers, and they just had to be right the first time - with fully formed ideas, organized in proper sequence. The permanence and commitment to the word that typing gave me I will always value, above any editing or revision possibilities. Say what you have to say, and don't say what you don't - and no matter what - buy what you are selling.
I just got a 60s portable type writer this past summer and love it for all the reasons you said. My friends and I built this huge fort in a park by our house, and it’s always great to bike down there and type out anything.
I use a typewriter or I hand write everything. I do a lot of writing and that’s always my first draft. The biggest upside is that my mistakes are captured. It allows me to clarify my thoughts and there are no distractions, which have often arisen as a need for me to find more information about something. Instead I’m forced to make a permanent, written note of it and have no cognitive dissonance ability in denying my previous thought. It literally helps me to analyze my critical thinking and thought “errors.” I also took some speed writing classes years ago. It’s a lost “art.” I recommend it to everyone. It completely changed how my brain intakes/translates information, and forever changed my handwriting.
I relate to the anger. I got this Remington “quiet riter” to help process some trauma through writing. The intimacy alone with this typewriter and the solid foundation. When I get to memories that anger me I just go. My keyboard can’t handle that lol. But it also humbles me. Makes me slow down. Think on the spot.
Nice! I have at home a fully functional Underwood No. 5 from my great grandmother, I've never done any maintenance apart from cleaning and it works flawlesly
Very cool. Took me back, like way back. I didn't work on anything that old, but I remember summers, working with my dad, I was like 7, going around to schools and helping him service typewriters. There were actual typing rooms, filled with desks and typewriters and nothing else. He would repair the broken parts and I would clean the keys and the rollers and replace the ribbons. That is one of very few fond memories that I have of my dad and I.
absolutely agree. that flow of what you are doing, no matter what it is. playing piano, painting, sitting down and just typing what you are thinking. all physical single purpose machines can be such an extension into connection. you are literally capturing your voice as it comes out in a conversation with someone on the street. love the videos, love what youve done with your time. thanks for doing it.
The way you take pause, because you can’t put your feelings/experience/thoughts into words, I respect that, I go through it a-lot I have words in my head that can solve the issues or arguments i have politely but I just can’t express them in words.
Back in the 90s my family owned a typewriter and I always had fun pressing the keys since the weight of the keys and the force it gives when it hits the carbon film and paper felt like pebbles dropping. The nostalgia it brings back makes this fulfilled man happy about the old days, thank you for such the nostalgia trip Van, this spirited man has amused this fulfilled man!
Why is Van sitting on 422K subscribers for so long he is absolutely FANTASTIC he should be over a million by now! Now as for the typewriter i hope i kept mine from back in the 80's when i was a teenager
I used an old typewriter for all my college papers, this was ...maybe 10, 11 years ago. Instructors were not happy, but they could not deny the work either. LOVED this video.
I’m just seeing this after call the typewriter a “no going back machine” on a comment on a different video. I love that aspect of the typewriter. It makes you press onward past mistakes and keeps your thought coherent. It kills perfectionism and built my ability to value what is rather than what “should” be. Love my typewriter even though I let it collect dust too often.
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This is easily your best video. Simply because you are giving us your real point of view, your unperfect and incomplete metaphors of what a material experience becomes meaningful to you. Thank you.
Hi, I don't know how to put this, but I just want to say a big thank you, because before I started following this channel I never realised that actually, phones and computers are indeed full of distractions, and ever since I've realised this I've been putting my effort into avoiding them especially when I study, and thsi channel helps me throughout this "trip" by always teaching me something new, so all I want to say is thank you, a very big special thank you 😊
I try to write and the computer takes my mind elsewhere. This makes sense but I just don't know if I could do it. I'm in love with the backspace key. Guess I'll keep my eye out. Thanks for these "workshop" style videos. You are helping me to think more about the creative process and perhaps I can learn something, rather make my own videos more compelling. Appreciate it very much. Neil
Incredible video. You made me remember joys of analog technology I had long forgotten. Not many people could make such profound and concise cases for the advantages of a typewriter.
I’ve had an Olympia SM4 for about two years now. The thing I like about writing by hand or with my typewriter is that it’s way too easy to edit what you’re writing on computer. It’s a simple click or highlight away with your mouse, and that means you are more likely to go back and change what you barely just wrote and constantly second guess yourself. And that constant premature editing kills any chance of you making progress with what you’re writing. You’ll never make it past just a few pages despite spending hours and hours working. Writing by hand or typewriting forces you to be more accepting of your voice and your first draft. Your first draft is always going to suck, accept that. You can always go back later and highlight things you want to edit or completely rewrite. But now you’re going to actually be pumping out pages and be much more efficient with your time and energy. Once you’ve gotten to a place you’re happy with, then you can break out the computer to transcribe everything so you can have a digital copy to send to people and make quick changes during your final editing passes.
#5 The impact typesetting. I keep a modern impact printer for this exact reason. A "typed" letter has a certain feel to it and has a tendency not to hit the waste bucket quickly.
I bought the same one at a garage sale. Still have to get it repaired. I have happy childhood memories visiting my aunt and typing on her well-used Corona.
Something a lot of people won’t think of is a type writer, much like writing a letter, forces your grammar and spelling to be better. We are so accustomed to texting and writing on computers that will auto correct everything. Sometimes, I personally will get lazy knowing I can type something spelled incorrectly and it’ll be fixed for me. I majored in English and have found myself slacking since texting became so prevalent.
I always love finding someone who appreciates Smokey. I got an A in high school typing class (gives you an idea how long ago it was) by fixing typewriters. I didn't learn to type until years later using Mavis Beacon.
We are about the same age Van, I am new to you and your channel. We can thank Casey for that. I sold my Royal manual typewriter back in 1991 when I graduated high school and started computing on a Mac Se lol This year I purchased a 1961 Smith Corona for traveling. I am a songwriter and to me a song is not done until it is typed up. I am also a percussionist and I do miss the physical sensation of typing on a manual. Being a bit of a spirited man myself I had to repair the the unit as the carriage was frozen etc. There is something romantic and intriguing about the relationship between mind, hands, ears and eyes that nothing but a manual typewriter can satiate. Keep up the good work man, you and your time are appreciated. And keep being prolific as it is a sign of the making of a master. I am glad you and your brother have such a cool relationship and share so many unique qualities that I can only say are/should be highly sought after in today's world. CP PS I will be taking much of what you share and incorporating it in my own life, photography and videography. A deep heartfelt Thank you from myself as well!
Ah, I had to make the exact same single/double space repair on my Imperial 70. I hadn't thought of using a spring though - that I am going to do. The Imperial 70 is a big old iron horse - a Gatling gun of a British machine made circa 1960. A wonderful piece of engineering.
#1. “It captures your voice” for the win. That’s huge. I stumbled into this recently with Google docs. As I was dumping stuff out of my head. Rediscovered my voice in the process. But I had lacked the epiphany until watching this video. Thank you! Insightful as ever! Keep it up! :)
Inspiring, I was failing at some small projects on Friday, attention to detail was off and basically the projects failed. I need to learn to plan better, better attention to detail and slow down. I just love the quality in what you do Van, it helps me focus my thoughts. 🙌🏻
Always watch your videos in their entirety because they are so thought provoking. Even if I don't always agree with all of them you always make some damn good points. Keep them coming.
Nothing beats simplicity, reliability and versatility of a simple pen & paper. Hemingway first wrote by hand and then transcribed it using typewriter, giving him an extra chance to edit. I love the final point of capturing your true voice, but if your writings are published online, unfortunately there is just no place for a typewriter. If Hemingway would've lived in today's age, I bet he would've used pen & paper for writing and laptop for editing and publishing.
I think you're missing the point. The process here is the point. Not the end product. It's the process which is the end product. People don't listen to vinyl because it sounds better despite what they like to tell you. They are attributing (projecting) a kind of magic on the record player which in turn informs their experience.
Took typing for two years in middle school. I hated going to that class. Years later I loved that I took those classes. It prepared me to type fast on my computers. Finally a color of merch I would like to wear! 🙌🏽👌🏽
Hi Van, love what you do. I have two typewriters, an electric daily driver (Smith-Corona 300 DLE) and a manual (Smith-Corona Sterling - need to repair it as some of the keys are sticky). At the moment, I'm stuck at a relatives' over Thanksgiving with only my laptop (thank God for the Thinkpad keyboards though, right?). TO ANYONE USING MICROSOFT WORD: At the bottom right of the screen, there's a button called "Focus Mode". Set the spacing you want, set the font you want (this is a must - see Matthew Butterick's Practical Typography - I recommend the font "Charter"), and then press "Focus Mode" and the screen will go completely black with just a blank page popping up like a typewriter. The trick is to not leave that page. Maybe this will be helpful to somebody - love from Maryland and the far east.
I believe what makes an analog machine so appealing is the fact that it only serves ONE function. Be it, play records, type words on a paper, etc. while a computer is the swiss army knife of everything creative. Got yourself a typewriter, record player, camera, everything on one machine, in one location. More humanity I suppose? Not sure
I learned to type on a typewriter, but when word processors were invented, that's when my ideas really, truly flowed... that invention allowed me to compose with ease. Then, in the 90's I bought my first pc, which has been exponentially better than the word processor. You don't have to delete something, you can capture all of your thought bullets, type "TB" there, and continue on. Later, you can then search for "TB" and in nanoseconds the pc will serve and display all of those hits, in order. And while the distractions of being on a connected platform might hinder some, for me, it has been helpful, even inspiring. I can alt-tab to my browser, research an idea, then alt-tab back to my work and continue unimpeded.
Amazing, here in Europe, in Spain, where I live, italian Olivetti's were the populars ones. I have an old "Lettera 22" Es preciosa! I agree most of you say. As a musician recording in old 4 track cassette machines I'm one of your tribe. Another great video Van. Regards from Valencia amigo :)
Typewriters are to writers what analog tape is to musicians and songwriters. There’s a physicality to what’s recorded, that’s more permanent, and isn’t so easily dismissed as mere digital data. It also takes more effort, so each idea is more carefully considered.
When I was young kid I was enamoured by typewriters but every time I typed a mistake I’d want to start over. Didn’t take long for me to give up. Started journaling on my iPad and free flow of thought and words. This video finishes my conclusion. This is the way.
Many of your reasons for using a typewriter mimic why I use pen and paper. Not only are my fountain pens easier to use than ballpoint, but I can always see where and I made corrections via crosscut and what the original I replaced was so, if I change my mind, I can always go back.
Reminds me of Greg Kinnear's character in the 1998 movie You've Got Mail, who devoted an entire newspaper column to how much he loves his typewriter (although, in the movie, the typewriter was electric). Don't know if that character was a Spirited Man, but he could have been.
The typewriter demands your honesty Van. I was getting the sense of the typewriter giving me the opportunity to be truthful with my words. I feel a computer makes the ego or self moderator kick in! Takes away the moment and replaces it with, what will people think it's online forever rather than what I want to really say.
Okay your video convinced me to acquire a Corona flat top exactly like yours, it is in wonderfully good condition. Got it from a local seller, it has a new all black ribbon, I think it might accept a black/red ribbon. Just like the hand crank calculators, no power required, no crashes or corrupted files. Plan is to get a computer not to be connected to the internet for CAD only if I enter private practice upon retirement.
I learned to typewrite when I was 12 years old. I may as well be torn between two lovers. I had my first student portable typewriter which was an Underwood Olivetti Lettera 32, until it was stolen out of my first apartment in 1977. Today [in 2023], I have a microcomputer on which I keyboard since 2002. I could write numerous advantages, but you know them like a typewriter buff. The one time the microcomputer captures your voice is if you concentrate on the shows as shown on TH-cam. Happy Keyboarding!
@Van Neistat pure gold Sir - “Captures your voice”. Totally wouldn’t have thought of that. Going to do my best to stop using the delete, no, the highlight cut and retyping. I am going to stop using the delete key. I am deleting my delete button. Thank you @Van Neistat
For me the tactile sensation creates an effect almost like a synchronizers in a transmission, making my thoughts flow smoothly rather than jamming like up like debris in a pump line might. I learned to type on an Olivette Plat 45. At my last job I frequently used a SMC Glaxii 2 for typing certain reports since it also had a de-stressing effect when I'd be bordering on an overload.
Prescient observations proclaiming those tactile delights gained using a manual typewriter. I called it the speed of mind, the same as your speed of thought, aptly isolating the singular feature responsible for clever, tasty writing.
I have a collection of typewriters. The first one I bought was for 6 dollar at a garage sale in 1986, I had to also buy a wagon from them to get it home, cause I was only six and I couldn't carry it. I have one with a cursive typeset for love letters, one that I make art with, one that I love the speed at which I can type, one because the color, one because the year, one because "I mean, just look at it" They are all the reasons you have stated and more.
I remember learning how to type on a typewriter. Also remember filling out my first job application on a typewriter when I was 16. Even though I sound 80 years old when I tell my kids this I’m only 40. Seems crazy to think how fast and far computers have come in my lifetime.
I have 5 portables. Back when typing class was a thing i hated typing but i have always loved these machines. They are so open and complex yet beautiful. They really tell the story of their invention. Clearly no one person invented them. They were developed over decades and built to be modern and beautiful they were sold.
Your mind fascinates me. I’ve recently started writing myself and I've found it extremely liberating starting on paper. Tho I don't have a typewriter as of now I wish that I at some point can get such a screenless device. Thanks for the great inspiration you bring to my mind. I hope to work with you one day. Greetings from Denmark.
Reason number 1 is the reason why I journal using pen and paper as opposed to a computer. I find when I can endlessly edit I spend way too long trying to construct the “perfect” sentence as opposed to just getting my thoughts out. When I’m journaling I just need to “word vomit” my thoughts and feelings and having that constraint of needing to further clarify things that were not clear really adds to the benefits of journaling ive found.
The thing about "No Electricity" as a benefit is you can take your manual typewriter our anywhere to type. Outside on a rock, or by a small creek, or anywhere to type.
Your no.1 reason with the typewriter is exactly the same as my no.1 reason why I love taking pictures with film cameras or polaroids You only get one shot, make it count. Sure you can take another picture, but the picture that you toke before? It captures humanity, that we can still make mistakes. Once you press the button, there will only be one picture and one only.
Hi Van, Thanks for such a good video, I know many of us feel the same passion and enthusiasm for typewriters as you. I agree, it’s a bit cringe worthy how old typewriters are becoming one of the new props of the hipsters, though a lot of them buy them and then just make a lamp out of them it never occurs to them to actually write with them. That’s OK we need to keep this as our little secret about the coolness and great functionality of a typewriter in this age of high-tech gizmos. It was interesting that of all movies out the, you mentioned Saving Private Ryan, because Tom Hanks (as you probably know) is quite a collector and historian on typewriters. Last I checked he had over 200 working typewriters in his collection. If you haven’t seen it yet, the feature length documentary “California typewriter“ is a must see. You will be grinning from ear to ear the whole time you watch it. The film will have you rushing back to your own Corona to knock out a few more pages of ink on paper, thoughts going from inspired and visionary and actually ending up in print, and I suppose the moment the ink dries on the paper you can honestly tell people that your work has been printed & published. It’s been said that “freedom of the press belongs to anyone who has a printing press“ well a typewriter is close enough especially to have one that is portable. At this point I’ve decided to get another IBM Selectric, just not quite sure how many hundreds of feet of extension cord I will need for it. I’m only halfway kidding on that. Thanks for your brilliant video, HM, founder Highway, Cinema, and a graduate of the Herb Caen school of 3-dot journalism…
This about sums up my thoughts on typewriters. Essentially, their limitations force good rough drafting etiquette. When you're drafting out thoughts, you want to just get your ideas out, warts and all. The name of the game is to keep your mind flowing and not get hung up on distractions, either from the world around you or the temptation to edit what you've already written. With a computer, that temptation is strong. The computer itself is a munti-purpose machine, the word processor is just an application on that machine. Switching out to do something else is very easy. Within the word processor itself, the editing process is also trivial (that's why typewriters got replaced in the first place.) You can easily go back and rewrite a sentence or paragraph even in the most basic text editor. The typewriter, being a purpose-built writing machine that can't delete mistakes, but at the same time still allow you to type fairly quickly, is basically perfect at drafting. It has limitations in all the right places to force you to keep writing and limit distraction. Given that it uses a QWERTY keyboard we're all familiar with, it's also not so foreign that most people can't learn to use one efficiently. Of course, the tradeoff is editing. Once you have your thoughts drawn out and want to revise them, the typewriter is no longer the best tool. Unless you're works are very short or meant to stay in a draft-like form (such as journaling) you'll want some kind of scanner and OCR software to get those thoughts into the computer for editing.
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Hey Van, Are you a Beatles guy? If so are you a John guy? Or Paul guy? Also, talk about being left handed please. thanks.
Are you a Pink Floyd guy? Are... On second thought I'll end it there. Thanks
Get tall sizes, I'll buy one of each! Thanks for the content, Van!
Are ribbons a problem to find?
One Gen X-er to another - where does a body find a replacement typewriter ribbon these days?
Please, and thank you.
- Cathy (&, accidently, Steve), Ottawa/Bytown/Pimisi
I never knew how to type. Now, with this new knowledge, I will the next jjane austin
The irony in this typo
I think u a word there
Did Jane Austin write?
Absolute comedy gold.
This could get a thousand likes and still be an underrated comment.
As you were trying to describe what is meaningful in regards to your typewriter not needing electricity, I couldn’t help but guess that perhaps what you were trying to say is how you appreciate the independent, self-sufficient nature of a machine that doesn’t need any additional infrastructure. You just feed it paper and ink ribbons and it will just keep working. That’s spectacularly elegant. It’s not about the electricity, as though there’s something wrong with electricity. It’s about the elegance of an independent machine. Bicycles are like this. Skateboards. A chef’s knife. Most hand tools. They need nothing but for us to use them. No batteries to charge. No Wi-Fi required.
It’s an interesting contrast to NFTs. Right now an NFT is a potentially expensive “asset” that ceases to exist without electricity and servers and internet infrastructure. Super interesting tech, but it makes me appreciate that typewriter that will still work a hundred years from now if it’s taken care of.
This right here 👆🏼
Striking! I agree with your observation. It’s in a similar autonomous design that human beings are built as well. Capable of so much, and all we need is a little taking care of (food, etc. hah!)
The ultimate comment❤
There is something wrong with electricity. How it arrives and how it doesn't is out of ones control.
Also it prints by itself, your words exist in the physical world instead of some binary code inside a digital space.
I always appreciate your depth of thought. I hate writing at a computer, it never occurred to me that part of that is the distractions found on my computer.
we are too used to being distracted
You are so right
I can’t put into words the way your content makes me feel, and makes me think. There’s something about the detail, angle of attack, and depth of even your most “simple” thoughts, paired with your ability to teach and turn those thoughts into something tactile through video. You truly are a brilliant, spirited man who has taught me to look at life the same way, and have an appreciation for what most people would view passively, and as insignificant linear things. You’ve inspired projects for me that I would have otherwise never even attempted, or wanted to take the time to learn. As an addict in a life long battle with recovery, you have to have outlets. You have to have things to put your entire mind into, and be fully involved in. I can honestly say you’ve had a major hand in helping me explore and experience these new outlets of mine. I’m very, VERY grateful for your channel, and your mind because of it. For that, Van, I truly deeply thank you 🙏🏼
Wish i knew of channels in the same genre!
I like sneako for thought provoking content myself, but i like to know other channels too!
Sneako? Really....@@outtellect
One of my earliest memories is the sound of a typewriter every week. It could often be heard in the evenings while going to sleep. Dad was a minister, and each week meant a new sermon.
Gun-makers like Remington had an advantage getting into typewriter manufacturing as they came to prevalence. Makes sense that the same mechanical feel translates. Similar part sizes and levels of precision. The "Smith" of Smith-Corona started as a gun-maker.
There's a funny joke there about the pen being mightier than the sword... but I can't think of it. Maybe I need a typewriter!
type writers and guns what a great connection firing off ideas and bullets
Ahhhhh the Smith of Smith & Wesson, huh? :)
Your videos are so human. It’s so hard to find these days and it’s appreciated
I agree. We need more of it.
Talking about a typewriter seems dull, until the spirited man elevates it to something that triggers intellectual curiosity. Thank you, Van!
As I'm watching this video I'm realizing that I've never used a typewriter. I'm 24 and my parents have one laying around their house. I'd thought about trying it in the past but, as you said in your opening remarks, it has become a symbol for pretentious hipsters. Anyways, I'll fire it up and see how it goes.
How’d it go?
How did it go?
RIP anhudy was never seen again after using the typewriter
@@Metroid545454😂
I fucking love this level of attention to detail, and what it results in, namely the way Van’s voice comes across. #1 is everything. Imagine how that philosophy must affect your entire outlook on life.
😄🤣
Yes! - Certainty of thought and commitment to ideas.
I grew up writing papers on a typewriter before computers. I went back to college in my 30's and took a class called "Writing About Art". I had not written a paper in nearly 20 years. I waited until the morning it was due to write it. I sat down and wrote the entire paper from beginning to end (in a word processor) and turned it in with no revisions or editing. The professor said it was the best paper she had ever received and wanted to use it as an example of the perfect paper for that particular assignment, and asked me to talk about my writing process with the class. I told her I had no process - I just wrote with certainty because my formative writing years were before computers, handing in last minute papers, and they just had to be right the first time - with fully formed ideas, organized in proper sequence. The permanence and commitment to the word that typing gave me I will always value, above any editing or revision possibilities. Say what you have to say, and don't say what you don't - and no matter what - buy what you are selling.
I just got a 60s portable type writer this past summer and love it for all the reasons you said. My friends and I built this huge fort in a park by our house, and it’s always great to bike down there and type out anything.
I use a typewriter or I hand write everything. I do a lot of writing and that’s always my first draft. The biggest upside is that my mistakes are captured. It allows me to clarify my thoughts and there are no distractions, which have often arisen as a need for me to find more information about something. Instead I’m forced to make a permanent, written note of it and have no cognitive dissonance ability in denying my previous thought. It literally helps me to analyze my critical thinking and thought “errors.”
I also took some speed writing classes years ago. It’s a lost “art.” I recommend it to everyone. It completely changed how my brain intakes/translates information, and forever changed my handwriting.
I relate to the anger. I got this Remington “quiet riter” to help process some trauma through writing. The intimacy alone with this typewriter and the solid foundation. When I get to memories that anger me I just go. My keyboard can’t handle that lol. But it also humbles me. Makes me slow down. Think on the spot.
An excellent way to usher in the gift giving season! I'm proud to support you in your journey!
The way this is edited (or not edited) is brilliant! Makes the video feel so alive and well rounded! Like the typewriter! 🤯
Nice! I have at home a fully functional Underwood No. 5 from my great grandmother, I've never done any maintenance apart from cleaning and it works flawlesly
i kind of like this stream of cosciousness type cadence of video, just as much as the deliberate way your spirited man stuff is delivered
Very cool. Took me back, like way back. I didn't work on anything that old, but I remember summers, working with my dad, I was like 7, going around to schools and helping him service typewriters. There were actual typing rooms, filled with desks and typewriters and nothing else. He would repair the broken parts and I would clean the keys and the rollers and replace the ribbons. That is one of very few fond memories that I have of my dad and I.
absolutely agree. that flow of what you are doing, no matter what it is. playing piano, painting, sitting down and just typing what you are thinking. all physical single purpose machines can be such an extension into connection. you are literally capturing your voice as it comes out in a conversation with someone on the street. love the videos, love what youve done with your time. thanks for doing it.
The way you take pause, because you can’t put your feelings/experience/thoughts into words, I respect that, I go through it a-lot I have words in my head that can solve the issues or arguments i have politely but I just can’t express them in words.
Back in the 90s my family owned a typewriter and I always had fun pressing the keys since the weight of the keys and the force it gives when it hits the carbon film and paper felt like pebbles dropping. The nostalgia it brings back makes this fulfilled man happy about the old days, thank you for such the nostalgia trip Van, this spirited man has amused this fulfilled man!
Why is Van sitting on 422K subscribers for so long he is absolutely FANTASTIC he should be over a million by now! Now as for the typewriter i hope i kept mine from back in the 80's when i was a teenager
I used an old typewriter for all my college papers, this was ...maybe 10, 11 years ago. Instructors were not happy, but they could not deny the work either. LOVED this video.
I LOVE the idea of starting an idea on a type writer and using a computer to expanding on it, forcing you to focus purely on the idea and nothing else
I’m just seeing this after call the typewriter a “no going back machine” on a comment on a different video. I love that aspect of the typewriter. It makes you press onward past mistakes and keeps your thought coherent. It kills perfectionism and built my ability to value what is rather than what “should” be. Love my typewriter even though I let it collect dust too often.
This is easily your best video. Simply because you are giving us your real point of view, your unperfect and incomplete metaphors of what a material experience becomes meaningful to you. Thank you.
Hi, I don't know how to put this, but I just want to say a big thank you, because before I started following this channel I never realised that actually, phones and computers are indeed full of distractions, and ever since I've realised this I've been putting my effort into avoiding them especially when I study, and thsi channel helps me throughout this "trip" by always teaching me something new, so all I want to say is thank you, a very big special thank you 😊
I try to write and the computer takes my mind elsewhere. This makes sense but I just don't know if I could do it. I'm in love with the backspace key. Guess I'll keep my eye out. Thanks for these "workshop" style videos. You are helping me to think more about the creative process and perhaps I can learn something, rather make my own videos more compelling. Appreciate it very much. Neil
Incredible video. You made me remember joys of analog technology I had long forgotten. Not many people could make such profound and concise cases for the advantages of a typewriter.
I now have a typewriter because of binging your content. I'm excited to start using it for writing my scripts for my content.
I’ve had an Olympia SM4 for about two years now. The thing I like about writing by hand or with my typewriter is that it’s way too easy to edit what you’re writing on computer. It’s a simple click or highlight away with your mouse, and that means you are more likely to go back and change what you barely just wrote and constantly second guess yourself. And that constant premature editing kills any chance of you making progress with what you’re writing. You’ll never make it past just a few pages despite spending hours and hours working.
Writing by hand or typewriting forces you to be more accepting of your voice and your first draft. Your first draft is always going to suck, accept that. You can always go back later and highlight things you want to edit or completely rewrite. But now you’re going to actually be pumping out pages and be much more efficient with your time and energy. Once you’ve gotten to a place you’re happy with, then you can break out the computer to transcribe everything so you can have a digital copy to send to people and make quick changes during your final editing passes.
Writing with a typewriter "Captures your voice" I love that analogy! It put how I feel about this into language...thank you!
#5 The impact typesetting. I keep a modern impact printer for this exact reason. A "typed" letter has a certain feel to it and has a tendency not to hit the waste bucket quickly.
just bought a typewriter, my feelings are exactly the same. Great video!
The pencil does the “voice” thing for me- I wrote my best essays with a fresh Ticonderoga. ✔️Great video.
I bought the same one at a garage sale. Still have to get it repaired. I have happy childhood memories visiting my aunt and typing on her well-used Corona.
Something a lot of people won’t think of is a type writer, much like writing a letter, forces your grammar and spelling to be better. We are so accustomed to texting and writing on computers that will auto correct everything. Sometimes, I personally will get lazy knowing I can type something spelled incorrectly and it’ll be fixed for me. I majored in English and have found myself slacking since texting became so prevalent.
I always love finding someone who appreciates Smokey.
I got an A in high school typing class (gives you an idea how long ago it was) by fixing typewriters. I didn't learn to type until years later using Mavis Beacon.
We are about the same age Van, I am new to you and your channel. We can thank Casey for that. I sold my Royal manual typewriter back in 1991 when I graduated high school and started computing on a Mac Se lol This year I purchased a 1961 Smith Corona for traveling. I am a songwriter and to me a song is not done until it is typed up. I am also a percussionist and I do miss the physical sensation of typing on a manual. Being a bit of a spirited man myself I had to repair the the unit as the carriage was frozen etc. There is something romantic and intriguing about the relationship between mind, hands, ears and eyes that nothing but a manual typewriter can satiate. Keep up the good work man, you and your time are appreciated. And keep being prolific as it is a sign of the making of a master. I am glad you and your brother have such a cool relationship and share so many unique qualities that I can only say are/should be highly sought after in today's world. CP PS I will be taking much of what you share and incorporating it in my own life, photography and videography. A deep heartfelt Thank you from myself as well!
Glad your brother got his stuffs back yall stay safe on the crazy coast
all week waiting for an upload from you, really excited when the notification appears
Ah, I had to make the exact same single/double space repair on my Imperial 70. I hadn't thought of using a spring though - that I am going to do. The Imperial 70 is a big old iron horse - a Gatling gun of a British machine made circa 1960. A wonderful piece of engineering.
#1. “It captures your voice” for the win. That’s huge. I stumbled into this recently with Google docs. As I was dumping stuff out of my head. Rediscovered my voice in the process. But I had lacked the epiphany until watching this video. Thank you! Insightful as ever! Keep it up! :)
You have the greatest voice. Especially when you’re excited about something. It’s fantastic.
Inspiring,
I was failing at some small projects on Friday, attention to detail was off and basically the projects failed.
I need to learn to plan better, better attention to detail and slow down.
I just love the quality in what you do Van, it helps me focus my thoughts. 🙌🏻
Whatever helps Van create his great art is a good thing. I really enjoy his videos.
Just the notification along saying Van has uploaded a new video makes my day..
That contraption to roll down seamless backgrounds looks pretty great. 👏🏽
welcome back from the abyss. your content has always been inspirational
Always watch your videos in their entirety because they are so thought provoking. Even if I don't always agree with all of them you always make some damn good points. Keep them coming.
Nothing beats simplicity, reliability and versatility of a simple pen & paper. Hemingway first wrote by hand and then transcribed it using typewriter, giving him an extra chance to edit. I love the final point of capturing your true voice, but if your writings are published online, unfortunately there is just no place for a typewriter. If Hemingway would've lived in today's age, I bet he would've used pen & paper for writing and laptop for editing and publishing.
I think you're missing the point. The process here is the point. Not the end product. It's the process which is the end product. People don't listen to vinyl because it sounds better despite what they like to tell you. They are attributing (projecting) a kind of magic on the record player which in turn informs their experience.
Took typing for two years in middle school. I hated going to that class. Years later I loved that I took those classes. It prepared me to type fast on my computers.
Finally a color of merch I would like to wear! 🙌🏽👌🏽
Hi Van, love what you do. I have two typewriters, an electric daily driver (Smith-Corona 300 DLE) and a manual (Smith-Corona Sterling - need to repair it as some of the keys are sticky). At the moment, I'm stuck at a relatives' over Thanksgiving with only my laptop (thank God for the Thinkpad keyboards though, right?). TO ANYONE USING MICROSOFT WORD: At the bottom right of the screen, there's a button called "Focus Mode". Set the spacing you want, set the font you want (this is a must - see Matthew Butterick's Practical Typography - I recommend the font "Charter"), and then press "Focus Mode" and the screen will go completely black with just a blank page popping up like a typewriter. The trick is to not leave that page. Maybe this will be helpful to somebody - love from Maryland and the far east.
The finish is most likely japanning. It’s also found on hand tools made between 1850ish and mid 1900s ish. Super durable.
Thank you, I’ve tried to watch so many TH-camrs and was always left with a sense of you could have done it this way. You did. Thnx xoxo
may I offer you an idea of a mechanical keyboard, in these trying times? Van assembling a custom keyboard would be a fun video to watch
love the work you're doing, this is going to inspire many people, including myself, to write more authentically
Plus 10 for the Smokey Yunick reference! Love your channel
I believe what makes an analog machine so appealing is the fact that it only serves ONE function. Be it, play records, type words on a paper, etc. while a computer is the swiss army knife of everything creative. Got yourself a typewriter, record player, camera, everything on one machine, in one location. More humanity I suppose? Not sure
I learned to type on a typewriter, but when word processors were invented, that's when my ideas really, truly flowed... that invention allowed me to compose with ease. Then, in the 90's I bought my first pc, which has been exponentially better than the word processor. You don't have to delete something, you can capture all of your thought bullets, type "TB" there, and continue on. Later, you can then search for "TB" and in nanoseconds the pc will serve and display all of those hits, in order. And while the distractions of being on a connected platform might hinder some, for me, it has been helpful, even inspiring. I can alt-tab to my browser, research an idea, then alt-tab back to my work and continue unimpeded.
Amazing self-control!
I love the pureness of your videos.
Amazing, here in Europe, in Spain, where I live, italian Olivetti's were the populars ones. I have an old "Lettera 22" Es preciosa! I agree most of you say. As a musician recording in old 4 track cassette machines I'm one of your tribe. Another great video Van. Regards from Valencia amigo :)
Typewriters are to writers what analog tape is to musicians and songwriters. There’s a physicality to what’s recorded, that’s more permanent, and isn’t so easily dismissed as mere digital data. It also takes more effort, so each idea is more carefully considered.
@@headwerkn Yes Ben! analog film vs digital cameras are the same as well :)
When I was young kid I was enamoured by typewriters but every time I typed a mistake I’d want to start over. Didn’t take long for me to give up. Started journaling on my iPad and free flow of thought and words. This video finishes my conclusion. This is the way.
Many of your reasons for using a typewriter mimic why I use pen and paper. Not only are my fountain pens easier to use than ballpoint, but I can always see where and I made corrections via crosscut and what the original I replaced was so, if I change my mind, I can always go back.
I love your spell checker on top of your typewriter.
Shout out to vape pen in the shirt pocket. That is a FINE touch sir.
One of the best videos ever about the creative process
Reminds me of Greg Kinnear's character in the 1998 movie You've Got Mail, who devoted an entire newspaper column to how much he loves his typewriter (although, in the movie, the typewriter was electric). Don't know if that character was a Spirited Man, but he could have been.
OMG love the low tech spell check on the top of your Corona. Mahalo for sharing! : )
The typewriter demands your honesty Van. I was getting the sense of the typewriter giving me the opportunity to be truthful with my words. I feel a computer makes the ego or self moderator kick in! Takes away the moment and replaces it with, what will people think it's online forever rather than what I want to really say.
Okay your video convinced me to acquire a Corona flat top exactly like yours, it is in wonderfully good condition. Got it from a local seller, it has a new all black ribbon, I think it might accept a black/red ribbon. Just like the hand crank calculators, no power required, no crashes or corrupted files. Plan is to get a computer not to be connected to the internet for CAD only if I enter private practice upon retirement.
Sharp and specific tools help make ideas that cut deep.
I learned to typewrite when I was 12 years old. I may as well be torn between two lovers. I had my first student portable typewriter which was an Underwood Olivetti Lettera 32, until it was stolen out of my first apartment in 1977. Today [in 2023], I have a microcomputer on which I keyboard since 2002. I could write numerous advantages, but you know them like a typewriter buff. The one time the microcomputer captures your voice is if you concentrate on the shows as shown on TH-cam. Happy Keyboarding!
@Van Neistat pure gold Sir - “Captures your voice”. Totally wouldn’t have thought of that. Going to do my best to stop using the delete, no, the highlight cut and retyping. I am going to stop using the delete key. I am deleting my delete button. Thank you @Van Neistat
For me the tactile sensation creates an effect almost like a synchronizers in a transmission, making my thoughts flow smoothly rather than jamming like up like debris in a pump line might. I learned to type on an Olivette Plat 45. At my last job I frequently used a SMC Glaxii 2 for typing certain reports since it also had a de-stressing effect when I'd be bordering on an overload.
I own two typewriters and agree with everything you said. I love them!
Prescient observations proclaiming those tactile delights gained using a manual typewriter. I called it the speed of mind, the same as your speed of thought, aptly isolating the singular feature responsible for clever, tasty writing.
I have a collection of typewriters. The first one I bought was for 6 dollar at a garage sale in 1986, I had to also buy a wagon from them to get it home, cause I was only six and I couldn't carry it. I have one with a cursive typeset for love letters, one that I make art with, one that I love the speed at which I can type, one because the color, one because the year, one because "I mean, just look at it" They are all the reasons you have stated and more.
This is a refreshing video. It parallels some of my thinking. I thank you!!!
Man, i love this video. I have to buy a typewriter now.
I got to say I love your videos, your awesomeness and you willing to stay committed to your lifestyle!
It reminds me so much about the feeling I have about working my manual Nikon fm2n film camera.
Its a metronome for your thoughts....thats why it goes so well with Jazz:)
I remember learning how to type on a typewriter. Also remember filling out my first job application on a typewriter when I was 16. Even though I sound 80 years old when I tell my kids this I’m only 40. Seems crazy to think how fast and far computers have come in my lifetime.
Act on inspiration. Whatever you wrote first was written, why delete it, keep it. Love it.
I know nothing ab typewriters yet I still love this vid
I have 5 portables. Back when typing class was a thing i hated typing but i have always loved these machines. They are so open and complex yet beautiful. They really tell the story of their invention. Clearly no one person invented them. They were developed over decades and built to be modern and beautiful they were sold.
Your mind fascinates me.
I’ve recently started writing myself and I've found it extremely liberating starting on paper. Tho I don't have a typewriter as of now I wish that I at some point can get such a screenless device.
Thanks for the great inspiration you bring to my mind. I hope to work with you one day. Greetings from Denmark.
I loved the thumbnail, you really nailed it
My spirit needed this today.
Reason number 1 is the reason why I journal using pen and paper as opposed to a computer. I find when I can endlessly edit I spend way too long trying to construct the “perfect” sentence as opposed to just getting my thoughts out. When I’m journaling I just need to “word vomit” my thoughts and feelings and having that constraint of needing to further clarify things that were not clear really adds to the benefits of journaling ive found.
Great vlog Van!!!! Except remembering 1975 typing class is traumatizing me hahaha.
The thing about "No Electricity" as a benefit is you can take your manual typewriter our anywhere to type. Outside on a rock, or by a small creek, or anywhere to type.
like a laptop perhaps
Your no.1 reason with the typewriter is exactly the same as my no.1 reason why I love taking pictures with film cameras or polaroids
You only get one shot, make it count.
Sure you can take another picture, but the picture that you toke before? It captures humanity, that we can still make mistakes.
Once you press the button, there will only be one picture and one only.
That Auto-save feature is pretty sweet!
Hi Van,
Thanks for such a good video, I know many of us feel the same passion and enthusiasm for typewriters as you. I agree, it’s a bit cringe worthy how old typewriters are becoming one of the new props of the hipsters, though a lot of them buy them and then just make a lamp out of them it never occurs to them to actually write with them. That’s OK we need to keep this as our little secret about the coolness and great functionality of a typewriter in this age of high-tech gizmos.
It was interesting that of all movies out the, you mentioned Saving Private Ryan, because Tom Hanks (as you probably know) is quite a collector and historian on typewriters. Last I checked he had over 200 working typewriters in his collection. If you haven’t seen it yet, the feature length documentary “California typewriter“ is a must see. You will be grinning from ear to ear the whole time you watch it. The film will have you rushing back to your own Corona to knock out a few more pages of ink on paper, thoughts going from inspired and visionary and actually ending up in print, and I suppose the moment the ink dries on the paper you can honestly tell people that your work has been printed & published.
It’s been said that “freedom of the press belongs to anyone who has a printing press“ well a typewriter is close enough especially to have one that is portable.
At this point I’ve decided to get another IBM Selectric, just not quite sure how many hundreds of feet of extension cord I will need for it. I’m only halfway kidding on that.
Thanks for your brilliant video,
HM, founder Highway, Cinema, and a graduate of the Herb Caen school of 3-dot journalism…
This about sums up my thoughts on typewriters. Essentially, their limitations force good rough drafting etiquette.
When you're drafting out thoughts, you want to just get your ideas out, warts and all. The name of the game is to keep your mind flowing and not get hung up on distractions, either from the world around you or the temptation to edit what you've already written.
With a computer, that temptation is strong. The computer itself is a munti-purpose machine, the word processor is just an application on that machine. Switching out to do something else is very easy. Within the word processor itself, the editing process is also trivial (that's why typewriters got replaced in the first place.) You can easily go back and rewrite a sentence or paragraph even in the most basic text editor.
The typewriter, being a purpose-built writing machine that can't delete mistakes, but at the same time still allow you to type fairly quickly, is basically perfect at drafting. It has limitations in all the right places to force you to keep writing and limit distraction. Given that it uses a QWERTY keyboard we're all familiar with, it's also not so foreign that most people can't learn to use one efficiently.
Of course, the tradeoff is editing. Once you have your thoughts drawn out and want to revise them, the typewriter is no longer the best tool. Unless you're works are very short or meant to stay in a draft-like form (such as journaling) you'll want some kind of scanner and OCR software to get those thoughts into the computer for editing.
That voice thing is really mind blowing. Surprisingly so.