Still Using Paper?

Discussion in 'Copywriting' started by cd928, May 6, 2009.

  1. #1
    I was talking to a writer friend a few months back when he looked surprised when I told him that I still use paper to jot down notes and rough drafts instead of typing them directly to my word processor.

    But writing things down on paper before typing them works for me. Keeps me less distracted and I can easily move from one reference material to the next.

    How about you, do you still use paper when writing or do you do everything on your computer?
     
    cd928, May 6, 2009 IP
  2. RovingCalypso

    RovingCalypso Well-Known Member

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    #2
    Many people do. I do, its more palpable if you will.

    But it really depends on the kind of thing that you are doing. If its an article, I just use the PC, if its something relating to design, I do like to jot down notes.
     
    RovingCalypso, May 6, 2009 IP
  3. bluefox21

    bluefox21 Well-Known Member

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    #3
    Well, sometimes when I don't get peace at my house and I need to write an article, I just do my research and load it in a portable device (I have an MP4 wich allow me to read .TXT), and then go to the beach and write an article on paper. I'm actually starting to feel more comfortable with it, because I just write in paper, proofread it once and correct and/or change some expressions. Then, when I have to put it on the word processor I get an extra mandatory proofreading again, and probabily again find something I don't like, so the quality gets better.
    Plus, if it wasn't for that, I would never write and I start to feel umcomfortable every time I need to write on paper, so this helps me to not lose practice.
     
    bluefox21, May 7, 2009 IP
  4. peejaydee

    peejaydee Peon

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    #4
    It's very common for people still to use paper. I travel a lot with work. I can't stand getting my laptop out in airports and refuse to have a Blackberry (anything that makes your e-mails follow you around is clearly the work of satan). For me, I do a lot of my business writing on paper in my notebooks when I'm sitting around waiting for flights. As bluefox21 said, it gives you a second opportunity to proofread and edit as you knock it into the laptop later on.
     
    peejaydee, May 7, 2009 IP
  5. AaronFish

    AaronFish Peon

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    #5
    I still use paper, yes. I found it very easy and you cannot erase it by accident (as you can in Word or something).
     
    AaronFish, May 7, 2009 IP
  6. anshul.mathur09

    anshul.mathur09 Banned

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    #6
    I still prefer using paper. IT helps me keep me calm and concentrated
     
    anshul.mathur09, May 7, 2009 IP
  7. jhmattern

    jhmattern Illustrious Member

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    #7
    I have dozens of composition books filled with notes, and I go through a huge number of index cards of various sizes (for outlining an article, jotting down notes from a phone conference, etc.). Sometimes you just need a break from a screen. I've also outlined 3 novels (2 of them in the last year), and I do that outline process by hand as well - tried doing it on the computer and it just doesn't feel right.
     
    jhmattern, May 7, 2009 IP
  8. NICKY Nitro

    NICKY Nitro Well-Known Member

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    #8
    I always carry sticky notes on me... Every time I come up with a bright idea (ROFL) I just write it down...:D
     
    NICKY Nitro, May 7, 2009 IP
  9. outspan

    outspan Active Member

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    #9
    Me too, I just find it much more convenient to jot down a few ideas on paper first. There's just no better and faster way to do brainstorming and keep track of how all your different ideas relate to one enother.
     
    outspan, May 7, 2009 IP
  10. snarke

    snarke Peon

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    #10
    I love using pen and paper to write, mostly because if I decide not to use an idea I simply cross it out with the option of coming back to it later. Also? I'm a total office supply nerd and writing things out on paper first (and my addiction to post it notes) gives me the excuse to go to Office Depot a lot :)
     
    snarke, May 7, 2009 IP
  11. marketjunction

    marketjunction Well-Known Member

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    #11
    I don't do my writing on paper, but I use notebooks (cards, etc) for quick notes, ideas, planning (layout, etc) and other stuff fairly often.

    It just depends. Usually the paper stuff is either transfered to computer, shredded or archived.
     
    marketjunction, May 7, 2009 IP
  12. lucyaw

    lucyaw Peon

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    #12
    Beautifully said :)

    I find there's something comforting about sitting down with a pen and notepad and jotting down ideas. Somehow they come thicker and faster than with the cold, uninspiring bullet point system that word processors offer. For me it's something to do with missing being at school and being given time to nurture creativity. I loved my English jotter.

    Saying that, nothing beats the quickness of typing a piece out as the words come into your head. I also have an intention tremor so great amounts of handwriting is out of the question.

    Lovely to see people still using pen and paper! Any typewriter users?
     
    lucyaw, May 7, 2009 IP
  13. cd928

    cd928 Peon

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    #13
    Always hated typewriters. My fingers often ended up between the keys instead of on them. ;)
     
    cd928, May 7, 2009 IP
  14. jhmattern

    jhmattern Illustrious Member

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    #14
    When I was a kid, I used to love playing with my mom's old typewriter. The noise. The smell of the ink on the ribbon. You just don't get the same kind of sensory stimulation from a computer. lol
     
    jhmattern, May 7, 2009 IP
  15. cd928

    cd928 Peon

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    #15
    is there a bell that rings once you reach the end of line? oh and yeah, computers don't give you sore fingers from all the effort of pushing down them keys.

     
    cd928, May 7, 2009 IP
  16. Morphineadaicted

    Morphineadaicted Peon

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    #16
    Yes i too love using a paper because it is the best portable item..
     
    Morphineadaicted, May 9, 2009 IP
  17. givankumar

    givankumar Peon

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    #17
    Well, i also love to use paper, because it can be carried any where..
     
    givankumar, May 10, 2009 IP
  18. lifeplayer

    lifeplayer Notable Member

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    #18
    Yes, i still use paper, it is more easy to draft compare to computer.
    Maybe just used to it
     
    lifeplayer, May 10, 2009 IP
  19. latoya

    latoya Active Member

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    #19
    I have notes and topic ideas written in notebooks, post-its, and napkins. But, for writing out articles, even outlining, I use the computer. Writing by hand takes too long and I've been out of practice so long that I hate my handwriting. lol
     
    latoya, May 11, 2009 IP
  20. Johnscore

    Johnscore Member

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    #20
    Me too. I use paper and pen
     
    Johnscore, May 11, 2009 IP