Write or Hoard?
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- Опубліковано 11 січ 2022
- Typewriter Video Series Episode 291: If you are new to typewriters and mainly interested in writing, should you hoard a large collection of typewriters? Sometimes a small collection can help us decide which machines are best suited for longterm writing.
Joe discusses collecting typewriters as part of a writer's life.
Joe, #5 was a such a great point. Being someone who is enjoys collecting typewriters and loves to repair mechanical things, “Rescue, repair, return” is a motto I try to live by. Nothing makes me happier than giving typewriters a second chance at life and seeing a smile on the new owner’s face.
Thanks Joe! It was lovely to meet you on the Typewriter Club live earlier. A great honour. Cheers, Anthony.
Likewise!
Really like what he said about fixing up the typewriters and sending it out into the world for other people to use. Best way to promote typewriter love
We need a book, "The philosophy of typewriting" by Joe Van Cleave. Seriously!
This would be worth reading!
Thanks for this, Joe.
I have neither the space nor the finances to collect typewriters, so I content myself with two:
a ‘55 Olympia SM3 two-tone, and a ‘68 Adler J4 script; both excellently serviced.
There is no thought that can’t be elegantly expressed by either of my beloved machines.
I always store mine with the paper release open, so all the rollers are not under pressure, and if its an extended time, I'll do that, clean the machine and type face, oil points, and remove the ribbon and place in a zip lock back and remove as much air from the bag and a date in the bag. Keeps the ribbons longer, and a date tells me not only how old the ribbon is but how long the Typewriter has been in storage.
Awesome Mo-Sheen you got there.❤
This is very pertinent. I was a writer building some success with a few nice publications and then ground to a halt. Various reasons for that, but typewriters popped in to fill the gap. I read an article by Will Self recently that describes this as 'a technical solution to a creative problem' (I paraphrase) and yet, after a couple of years, I've gradually started writing again. Picking up an interest in these machines has enabled that, I think. I've somehow acquired about 30, which I should thin out, but I've been working my way through and finishing a short piece on a single machine. Then choosing another. No intention yet to do anything with the results, but it's nice to be getting words on paper again. And now I've got to that point, reducing the heap of metal might be a good way to focus on why they're here in the first place.
Joe, all of what you have said here is so very true! I need to do this.
Hi Joe, Wow! I think you've made some really good and honest observations in this vlog. It's actually been on my mind to re-evaluate what typewriters I really want to keep and use versus the ones that can actually go to new homes. I am guilty of the hoarding aspect because when I see a good typewriter and especially if it's a good price I buy it. I see myself as some sort of typewriter rescuer. This has resulted in me owning quite a lot of typewriters.
One thought I had is to create a typewriter event where I live - such as a type-in which would enable some of the typewriters to be put to good use. However, I do have some that I'd like to fix up and refurbish and then get them into new homes so thank you for reminding me - Clearly it's a message I need to hear.
Best wishes. Thanks for sharing.
And sometimes that "it" typewriter finds you and you never knew it existed. A 1938 Royal Speed Master fell into my lap and I hadn't ever really looked at one before. Giving away typewriters is such a fun thing to do! I have definitely written more since getting bit by the typewriter bug. Great video!
Excellent. Good points, Joe. i like the point made that hoarding is "built into us," It can easily become a distraction. And the notion of "returning" them is excellent. I suspect most of "us" have followed this path - although perhaps not as often as we should.
So much truth told in 8 minutes 34 seconds, well done!
This is one if your best typewriter videos ever! I have been thinking about this a lot lately. My collection is now at 20 machines. I started collecting in 2017 and finally I think I know what I like in a typewriter...what fits me. In December I finally let go of o e of the machines that I did not use very often. It worked just fine and was a very pretty little 1960s tan Smith Corona Sterling. I let it go for a very
Though a few of the typewriter enthusiasts that I know are actually writers, most of them are not. That's not to say that non-writers like myself can't have plenty of fun writing with our typewriters. Also, it is possible for collectors to evolve into hoarders. However, while a collector could participate in item #5 (perhaps many times over), a hoarder could not - as hoarders can't bear to part with their things. (It should probably be noted that posting typewriters for sale at outrageous prices nobody will pay doesn't count, lol).
As someone who loves typewriters (not a collector although I have 2 and want to get an electric one) I am using them for projects. I am not mechanically minded though I can do basic maintenance. Your thoughts about those who are able to repair machines and release back into the wild is a noble gesture. People like me who are interested in using the machines regularly are so grateful to those who have done that and made useable machines ready for a new owner.
Great video. I don't think it matters how many typewriters you have if you use them, but I used to work for a guy who had a collection of typewriters in the office boardroom, against a nice brick wall. Nobody used them, they just gathered dust trying to improve our decor. These were the real oldies too - the pre WWII kind - maybe even WWI (I didn't pay attention back then). Not sure if they worked but I don't think he ever tried to fix them (he wasn't mechanically inclined). If only I'd been interested back then. Now all I think was what a waste!
I am #5 Joe as I use typewriter repair as my TBI therapy. Iam trying releasing from an antique store space as shipping has had one or two issues.
Such wisdom and pertinence in a very well delivered way. Merci! Daniel
Wonderful video Joe! I'm more on the hording end of the continuum but as I drag myself towards writing by meeting more writers, there are many more opportunities to return machines to service in a situation where they will be used and appreciated.
Thank you!!! These points are just what I needed to hear today. You are spot on once again.
Good one. Wish I hadn’t missed it two years ago.
I remember those early 'typecasting' days (when I was 'Duffy Moon') and reading the blogs of Fresh Ribbon, Strikethru, M. Clemens, and of course, yourself! Good times.
Good words, sir! The internet age has turbocharged compulsive acquisition of all kinds, typewriters being a great example. I heard someone say in a podcast not long ago (could've been you, or maybe Munk?) words to the effect of he'd rather see 1,000 people with one good typewriter each than one person with a thousand (or however many multiple) typewriters. I thought those were some pretty good words too.
#4 was absolutely bang on, Joe! Have been following you for years now and have appreciated your balanced approach between collecting and writing. Now I'm off to search for more writer friends to surround myself with...
Continued...nominal price to a young man who wanted to try a typewriter. That experience was so rewarding! I now intend to release a few more to good homes. Thanks Joe for your encouragement! Love the conversations on Typewriter Club Live!
Well said Joe. Dato
Hey, i wanted to ask if you could just shoot a Video of a typing Session. Asmr like... just typing. Maybe of the sm3?
You make some great points, Joe. I also believe in enjoying a typewriter for a little while and then passing it on for someone else to enjoy. Any maintenance performed by me is limited to a gentle clean of the exterior, blowing dust out of the basket and adding a little sewing machine oil if needed. If I could, I would continue to refresh my collection, but typewriters take up a lot of space.
When I owned a holiday cottage I would always leave a manual typewriter and paper for the guests to use/play with, and they were always popular. What the guests would type and leave behind was often revealing - sometimes of a sexual nature, hinting at what they were getting up to during their stay; or poems about their pets, etc. I gave away three typewriters to guests in five years. Nothing rare though. One was a Smith Corona Clipper and the others were Olivetti Lettera 32s. I hope they're still being enjoyed.
Bravo! This was a treat!
Fantastic advice. Thank you.
Digging these videos.
Best of the season Joe ! My wife and I have just acquired our first typewriter a Hermes 3000 1960’s vintage. It’s beautiful ! Your advice given “Writing vs Hoard” are true to the heart. As much as I’m intrigued by mechanical devices and collecting them (analog cameras) we’re going to make the most of the Hermes. Thank you and the very best for 2024.
Happy New Year to you, and all the best with your writing!
Great discussion.
This might be off topic, but you should check out Apica notebooks, my favorite by far!
Joe, did you know that Woody Allen has ONE typewriter, an Olympia SM3 that he bought when he was 16, and he has used that one typewriter his entire life to write everything that he has ever written? Look up Woody Allen Typewriter on UA-cam....
Yes, and it's missing the ribbon cover!
Ooooo, a shiny.
Thanks!
@joevancleave, Ive got confused between buying an Olivetti Lettera 35 or Underwood 18, which one should I get, both are in great condition?
Nice video Joe.... please, put the text on your Blog... Congrats
DONE!
Mr. Van Cleave, can you be interested in making a video about photographing typewritten work. Beautiful pictures of quotable quotes than can be shared in social media. "Instagramable" typewritten work with the typewriters.
That’s a good idea. BTW, people who “typecast” their typings to a blog do this all the time. But doing so with high quality can be a challenge.
John Van Cleave.
🇺🇸🌎👍❤
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