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 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 🙏🏼
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
I'm 64 years old. My mother was a typewriter at a Brazilian Government institution. I used to go to her office and have my first experience with this machine. Later I got myself a typewriter certificate. It is the only diploma I had in my who fucking life. When I started writing for theater, all was done in a type writer. I needed to literally cut the paper and paste in the pages when changes were done and the photocopy the whole thing. When computers came, it was a wonderful thing. But Van is right. Computers are so distracting. What I do, I keep and old computer with no connecting to do the writing. But sometimes, you really need a connection to research and stuff. So, I turned myself into a spirited man and don't let my spirit get distracted with all the BS that the connection offers. Loved the video and the idea of bringing this topic to life.
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 😊
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
My great-grandparents crossed the US many times in their Turquoise International Travaelall towing an early Airstream trailer many times, repairing typewriters for money as they went. That was after they sold their hotel in Canada and their trailer park in Acapulco, migrating annually between the two countries.
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.
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 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.
The fact that you can't delete anything on a typewriter and it captures your voice is why i almost always write with a pen and never with a pencil. I like to see my mistakes and don't be tempted to erase it.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
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.
#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’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.
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
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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.
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.
LC Smith (the Smith of Smith-Corona) made wonderful SxS shotguns, highly coveted today and, when compared to modern, highly technological autoloading shotguns, completely analogous to the typewriter. LC's (pronounced Elsies) are lovely to hold and look at, delightful to carry. Sitting on a log, studying the lines, the finish, the fit and tolerances, feeling glad just to own the thing, is a wonderful break during the hunting day. Most of us shoot better with them too.
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! 🙌🏽👌🏽
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.
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.
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
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. 🙌🏻
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.
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.
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.
#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! :)
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.
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.
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 UA-cam. Happy Keyboarding!
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 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.
This Spirited man looked up the Corona typewriter when Van's series started, but then realized it was just my "acquiring" mindset speaking. You know...the thrill of the hunt? I really love the style and function of that typewriter, but I really can do without it for a good number of years. I would love to continue writing my books, but I have ear marked that for later in life. Until now, I will use my ergonomic keyboard complete with a wonderful backspace key.
Thanks four your point of view. Much appreciated. I have another reason to use a typewriter, but I understand it is a bit unusual, so by sharing, hope it to be a worthy contribution: learn another language. Since you have to make an effort not to be mistaken, you really put your mind into the order of letters and words. In my case it is modern Greek. If you need a new challenge, it is not a small one. Thanks a lot for your videos and please keep on.
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.
@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
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.
As a long-time typewriter user, I highly recommend getting a Royal KMM. Fantastic machines, easy to find and to repair, and cheap. They are workhorses. Mine is from 1947 and it just types wonderfully. A very satisfying machine for distraction-free creative writing. Also, check out Phoenix Typewriter's channel for repair info!
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.
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.
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.
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.
I think the biggest thing is that having something physical has permanence and a bigger impact. It's like having photographs from film prints vs thousands and thousands of photos on your phone that you either never look back on because there are too many, or if you do you don't really remember a lot of them. A printed piece of paper is going to stick around and be more impactful than a digital file that you save and forget about because you have a thousand other digital files. Plus the fact that a digital file takes less effort to create makes it less precious and easier to brush aside/forget about/delete. It's also just easier to manage physical things from an intellectual/organizational perspective. It's more natural. How many of us have thousands of emails we haven't dealt with? Yet physical mail we can manage no problem.
My #1 has always been similar to your own. Typing requires forethought. It requires you to think about what you are saying before you hit the keys. It's much more natural than editing live. I've gotten rid of all of the distractions and whatnot that comes with a computer with the cheapest possible Chromebook I could find. One that can't do anything but type. It's perfect for writing drafts... but I have to force myself to type without editing.
I'm in a big creative rut and fuck me, yesterday I was just considering buying a typewriter. Then I thought it was pretentious hipster bullshit. Today I thought "did Van talk about this? Why am I seeking for external validation?". And then I got to the end of your video and saw "fuck it" on the front of your typewriter. Fuck it, I'm in.
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.
NEW OLIVE DRAB SWEATSHIRTS & T-SHIRTS: spiritedman.com
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 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
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
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😂
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? :)
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 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.
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.
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.
I'm 64 years old. My mother was a typewriter at a Brazilian Government institution. I used to go to her office and have my first experience with this machine. Later I got myself a typewriter certificate. It is the only diploma I had in my who fucking life. When I started writing for theater, all was done in a type writer. I needed to literally cut the paper and paste in the pages when changes were done and the photocopy the whole thing. When computers came, it was a wonderful thing. But Van is right. Computers are so distracting. What I do, I keep and old computer with no connecting to do the writing. But sometimes, you really need a connection to research and stuff. So, I turned myself into a spirited man and don't let my spirit get distracted with all the BS that the connection offers. Loved the video and the idea of bringing this topic to life.
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 😊
Writing with a typewriter "Captures your voice" I love that analogy! It put how I feel about this into language...thank you!
Talking about a typewriter seems dull, until the spirited man elevates it to something that triggers intellectual curiosity. Thank you, Van!
The pencil does the “voice” thing for me- I wrote my best essays with a fresh Ticonderoga. ✔️Great video.
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.
just bought a typewriter, my feelings are exactly the same. Great video!
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.
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.
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.
😄🤣
Your videos are so human. It’s so hard to find these days and it’s appreciated
I agree. We need more of it.
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.
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
My great-grandparents crossed the US many times in their Turquoise International Travaelall towing an early Airstream trailer many times, repairing typewriters for money as they went. That was after they sold their hotel in Canada and their trailer park in Acapulco, migrating annually between the two countries.
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.
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 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.
An excellent way to usher in the gift giving season! I'm proud to support you in your journey!
The fact that you can't delete anything on a typewriter and it captures your voice is why i almost always write with a pen and never with a pencil. I like to see my mistakes and don't be tempted to erase it.
Plus 10 for the Smokey Yunick reference! Love your channel
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 asked myself the question - “I wonder what is the best typewriter for me?” And that is why I have over 50 of them. I love them all, it turns out.
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
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 this is edited (or not edited) is brilliant! Makes the video feel so alive and well rounded! Like the typewriter! 🤯
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.
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!
OMG love the low tech spell check on the top of your Corona. Mahalo for sharing! : )
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.
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!
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.
#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.
Your typewriter is a Corona 1C Series. Serial numbers between 1C 76,123 and 1C 160,323 were manufactured in 1937.
Smokey Yunick is a very apt example of a spirited man.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
LC Smith (the Smith of Smith-Corona) made wonderful SxS shotguns, highly coveted today and, when compared to modern, highly technological autoloading shotguns, completely analogous to the typewriter. LC's (pronounced Elsies) are lovely to hold and look at, delightful to carry. Sitting on a log, studying the lines, the finish, the fit and tolerances, feeling glad just to own the thing, is a wonderful break during the hunting day. Most of us shoot better with them too.
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! 🙌🏽👌🏽
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!
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.
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
It’s crazy that my grandfather had one of these and now as a millennial it’s my prized inheritance.
all week waiting for an upload from you, really excited when the notification appears
Whatever helps Van create his great art is a good thing. I really enjoy his videos.
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. 🙌🏻
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.
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.
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.
I now have a typewriter because of binging your content. I'm excited to start using it for writing my scripts for my content.
The finish is most likely japanning. It’s also found on hand tools made between 1850ish and mid 1900s ish. Super durable.
#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! :)
Just the notification along saying Van has uploaded a new video makes my day..
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.
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.
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 UA-cam. Happy Keyboarding!
Rest easy "Smokey", another spirited man that made us all faster !
You have the greatest voice. Especially when you’re excited about something. It’s fantastic.
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 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.
welcome back from the abyss. your content has always been inspirational
This Spirited man looked up the Corona typewriter when Van's series started, but then realized it was just my "acquiring" mindset speaking. You know...the thrill of the hunt?
I really love the style and function of that typewriter, but I really can do without it for a good number of years.
I would love to continue writing my books, but I have ear marked that for later in life. Until now, I will use my ergonomic keyboard complete with a wonderful backspace key.
Glad your brother got his stuffs back yall stay safe on the crazy coast
I guess the best part is that your don't lose thoughts because of fear of being wrong. Great video Van. I'm a worshiper of the Neistat Church. 🙏🙏
Thanks four your point of view. Much appreciated.
I have another reason to use a typewriter, but I understand it is a bit unusual, so by sharing, hope it to be a worthy contribution: learn another language. Since you have to make an effort not to be mistaken, you really put your mind into the order of letters and words. In my case it is modern Greek. If you need a new challenge, it is not a small one. Thanks a lot for your videos and please keep on.
love the work you're doing, this is going to inspire many people, including myself, to write more authentically
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.
@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
Thank you, I’ve tried to watch so many UA-camrs and was always left with a sense of you could have done it this way. You did. Thnx xoxo
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.
As a long-time typewriter user, I highly recommend getting a Royal KMM. Fantastic machines, easy to find and to repair, and cheap. They are workhorses. Mine is from 1947 and it just types wonderfully. A very satisfying machine for distraction-free creative writing. Also, check out Phoenix Typewriter's channel for repair info!
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.
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.
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
Explaining your way OUT of Hipsterdom - good job!!
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.
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 :)
I think the biggest thing is that having something physical has permanence and a bigger impact. It's like having photographs from film prints vs thousands and thousands of photos on your phone that you either never look back on because there are too many, or if you do you don't really remember a lot of them. A printed piece of paper is going to stick around and be more impactful than a digital file that you save and forget about because you have a thousand other digital files. Plus the fact that a digital file takes less effort to create makes it less precious and easier to brush aside/forget about/delete. It's also just easier to manage physical things from an intellectual/organizational perspective. It's more natural. How many of us have thousands of emails we haven't dealt with? Yet physical mail we can manage no problem.
One of the best videos ever about the creative process
this channel is a godsend.
My #1 has always been similar to your own. Typing requires forethought. It requires you to think about what you are saying before you hit the keys. It's much more natural than editing live.
I've gotten rid of all of the distractions and whatnot that comes with a computer with the cheapest possible Chromebook I could find. One that can't do anything but type. It's perfect for writing drafts... but I have to force myself to type without editing.
That contraption to roll down seamless backgrounds looks pretty great. 👏🏽
I love the pureness of your videos.
I'm in a big creative rut and fuck me, yesterday I was just considering buying a typewriter. Then I thought it was pretentious hipster bullshit. Today I thought "did Van talk about this? Why am I seeking for external validation?". And then I got to the end of your video and saw "fuck it" on the front of your typewriter.
Fuck it, I'm in.
in this UA-cam channel not only UA-camr is genius but also viewers also genius
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.