The Slow Communication Movement

I was surprised and honored to receive this card in an envelope from Canada.

Of course, the movement of slow communication precedes the Slow Communication Movement and my Manifesto. If we keep it slow enough, it will outlast and outwit the most artificial Artificial Intelligence that can be devised. But if, in due time, you'd like to write a letter to Mark Leier and request your own membership card, you can look him up at the Department of History at Simon Fraser University. My own letter of thanks is currently wending its way there.

Late-semester jitters and typewritten balm

At the request of Michael, a philosophy major, Free Thoughts sprang back into action yesterday afternoon. We set up the typewriters indoors (it was cloudy and chilly outside) and waited in the lull between classes.

It wasn't long before some students started to drop by—just enough to keep us thinking. At this time when most leaves have dropped from the trees and the semester's grades are coalescing, many students seemed anxious. Some of them are nervous about passing tough chemistry or biology classes. Others are facing challenges in love, or are wondering what will become of them after graduation. They all appreciated our listening and our reflections.

Another philosophy student, Junie, found us and wanted to give Free Thoughts a try. Junie had never used a typewriter before, but proved to be a natural.

The glorious clatter of typebars rang out in Alter Hall.

 Here are some thoughts I typed:

This one brought tears, and afterwards Liz sent several friends our way:

Free Thoughts has become a small, improvised tradition at Xavier. Those who participate either as typists or as muses often tell me that it means a lot; they remember these moments of genuine connection, and treasure the typewritten mementos. 

Try it where you live or work!

Typewriters = privacy

 

Note from an educational institution under siege

 

People are wondering ...

Well, this is interesting.

My recent post about what AI can't generate (namely, typewritten text) has quickly accumulated 19,000 views, almost matching my most popular post (on typewriters' Achilles' heels, posted in 2015).

This suggests that a lot of people out there are wondering: is there anything AI can't handle? And maybe their research will lead them down the rabbit hole of you know what.

Costume party type-in at TB Writers Plus

TB Writers Plus in Dayton hosted a costume party/type-in last weekend. It was a treat to attend.

Here's the new room, bright and spacious:

My border collie, Della, came along and was eager to explore and meet everyone. She was so well behaved! Meanwhile, Keenan wears fine straw headgear as he does some work.

New employee Torii told me she loves the chance to unwind by fixing typewriters.

The Brumfield boys, Clayton and Sam, dressed as a newsie and a reporter.

Tyler Lewis, who also used to work here, dressed as a musketeer and wrote an autumnal poem for me.

Josh DiMora brought a lovely 1889 National.

This 1916 Rex was available to type on.

People in and out of costume gradually joined in.

I also called myself a reporter ... 

This necktie was a gift from Robert Messenger.

One of the nicest experiences was meeting 21-year-old Cesar Martinez, who came up from San Antonio, Texas.

Cesar has started his own typewriter business, Eagle Eye, which currently operates from his garage. He's a thoughtful young man who does a great job of representing the new generation of typewriter technicians.

Here Cesar tries out my Gossen Tippa Pilot. 

All told, this was a friendly and interesting event. I look forward to my next visit to Dayton!

PS: Check out Gery L. Deer's three-part story on TB Writers Plus:

Part 1- "A career from another era"

Part 2- "I can't do it alone"

Part 3- "Typewriter enthusiasts: a close-knit community"

Southworth air mail stationery

What a spectacular box of stationery I found at my neighborhood antique mall this afternoon! I love the lettering and imagery on the box and the lightning-bolt motif.

Southworth paper has special meaning for me. Not only was this the first company to produce paper especially for typewriters, but it was founded by my great-great-great-grandfather Wells Southworth.

Click on any image to see a high-resolution (600dpi) image.

 

Typewriter repair = chess?

"Mateo" usually beats me.

 

Free Thoughts, October 2024

This time I was joined by Sayo, a Xavier student, to type "free thoughts" for the public. We had plenty of requests, and I captured only a few of the results in photos.

Sayo was new at this, but he proved to be a gifted on-the-spot thinker. Afterwards, he said that the experience made him feel like a better person. I know what he means! I recommend giving this a try if you want to create meaningful moments for yourself and for the people you'll meet.

Some of my efforts:

This one isn't readable but the students' expressions are better than the thought! (Topic: why are pickles smaller than cucumbers?)

Some of Sayo's work:

Good, huh??