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Tom Hanks on Typewriters

nytimes.com

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Re: Tom Hanks on Typewriters

#51

Post by privateersman »

niftich wrote: post #4
news_to_me wrote: post #3

I'm very interested in this phenomenon where people seem to idolize certain outdated, analog technology. It seems to be some reaction against, or coping mechanism for, the increasingly digital world. I have a lot of fuzzy thoughts on it, and I'd like to read a book or an article that unpacks the idea more thoroughly.

The article makes a very astute point: that people are attracted to the physicality, the tangibility of "analog" things. Whether out of nostalgia (because we've been there) or retro fascination (when we haven't lived it firsthand), we can develop an emotional connection with a single physical objects that succinctly and permanently hold an abstract concept in a physical package -- like a letter, a book, a music recor…

Those objects are collectable, timeless and perfect for what they do. It's not like buying a laptop, which is useless a decade or two later. In my opinion, the older you get the more you appreciate stuff that lasts. Especially if you face hardship at some point and see the world for what it really is.

Re: Tom Hanks on Typewriters

#54

Post by digi_owl »

beat wrote: post #39
news_to_me wrote: post #3

I'm very interested in this phenomenon where people seem to idolize certain outdated, analog technology. It seems to be some reaction against, or coping mechanism for, the increasingly digital world. I have a lot of fuzzy thoughts on it, and I'd like to read a book or an article that unpacks the idea more thoroughly.

As a musician, I've recently started working with analog synthesizers. Digital synths tend to be very alienating devices, at least for me - you don't really program them, you just select a preset that sounds kind of like what you want. Software synths even more so. Then I picked up an Arturia Microbrute, and the visceral thrill of twisting knobs to get the sounds really turned me on! There are no presets. Want to rep…

Yeah i wonder how much of it has to do with instant feedback. Turning that knob or throwing that switch tells you without seeing what you have done. With touch, or key combos, you often have to glance at a screen to tell if it actually went through or not.

I think a similar thing is at play with people's love for the modem handshake squeal.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aV8DEJ8ydJQ

You could tell, once you heard it enough times, how well the connection was.

Re: Tom Hanks on Typewriters

#55

Post by egb »

cs702 wrote: post #2

In 2012, a podcast host who wanted to interview Tom Hanks sent a 1934 Smith Corona to the actor as a gift when requesting the interview. Within days, Hanks responded with this letter, typed on the Corona: http://www.lettersofnote.com/2012/10/damn-you-all-to-hell.ht...

I think that may have been Chris Hardwick's inflection point for going mainstream. At least that's when I first heard about him...

Re: Tom Hanks on Typewriters

#56

Post by clifanatic »

news_to_me wrote: post #3

I'm very interested in this phenomenon where people seem to idolize certain outdated, analog technology. It seems to be some reaction against, or coping mechanism for, the increasingly digital world. I have a lot of fuzzy thoughts on it, and I'd like to read a book or an article that unpacks the idea more thoroughly.

> coping mechanism for, the increasingly digital world

As I and my fellow vi fanatics can attest, this isn't limited to just outdated analog technology.

Re: Tom Hanks on Typewriters

#57

Post by yiyus »

news_to_me wrote: post #3

I'm very interested in this phenomenon where people seem to idolize certain outdated, analog technology. It seems to be some reaction against, or coping mechanism for, the increasingly digital world. I have a lot of fuzzy thoughts on it, and I'd like to read a book or an article that unpacks the idea more thoroughly.

I could be considered one of those people and, at least in my case, it is not in opposition to the digital world (which I also love, actually) at all.

For me, the difference between a typewriter and a computer, or a slide rule and a modern calculator, for example, is like the difference between a painting and a photograph. Of course the photograph is more accurate and it is not practical to make an oleo painting to remember where I parked the car, and there are very beautiful photographs, but I will always appreciate a Vermeer and will prefer it to a photograph of the same landscape.

Re: Tom Hanks on Typewriters

#58

Post by wrsh07 »

news_to_me wrote: post #3

I'm very interested in this phenomenon where people seem to idolize certain outdated, analog technology. It seems to be some reaction against, or coping mechanism for, the increasingly digital world. I have a lot of fuzzy thoughts on it, and I'd like to read a book or an article that unpacks the idea more thoroughly.

With regard to analog music, ie record players, I have some understanding. There's something novel about having a unique item, where it gets worn and changes. It's yours. It's physical. It's sensual [1].

You can give it away. You can loan it to a friend. Your friend can have the same record and yet ... it is different.

There is something special about having an analog night -- putting on the record player and reading a book.

[1]: https://www.amazon.com/Gift-Imagination-Erotic-Life-Property...

Re: Tom Hanks on Typewriters

#59

Post by wrsh07 »

bbctol wrote: post #12
niftich wrote: post #4

Earlier quoted context omitted.

The article makes a very astute point: that people are attracted to the physicality, the tangibility of "analog" things. Whether out of nostalgia (because we've been there) or retro fascination (when we haven't lived it firsthand), we can develop an emotional connection with a single physical objects that succinctly and permanently hold an abstract concept in a physical package -- like a letter, a book, a music recor…

I think as related sensation is the feeling of control, or at least understanding, over our technology. You can see exactly how a typewriter works; each letter you type is a direct result of your action, through a clear causal chain. When you type on a computer, letters appear on your screen through a much more convoluted process we take as magic, and especially for someone unused to the technology, that can lead to…

A typewriter never has inexplicable input lag. I think you've made an astute point.

Re: Tom Hanks on Typewriters

#60

Post by keeringplastik »

I went through a phase in my late teens where I used an old typewriter to record my screeds on life, politics and technology. It was fun to get that rythm going with the keys clattering and the hammers indenting. It made it feel like you were really writing something important (I would italicize but for the phone).

I guess I was a hipster before hipster was a thing. I might have to dig through my files and see if I still have any of it...

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