I think I finally figured out my path
Regarding the video posted, above: This is the complete analog portion of writing a this blog article, recorded in real time using an Underwood Noiseless 77.
This is my process, from start to finish—complete with long pauses, a dictionary search, and editing with red pen. After the camera turns off I retype the article onto the computer so I can publish it on this site.
This is a look behind the scenes at how I think and work. My hope is that it adds some calm to an otherwise energized world and that it helps beginners see that it's not about a constant flurry of words to the page. The process is the journey. Don't rush it and you'll be rewarded for your efforts.
I think I’ve finally figured my path—a clear direction of what gets me energized coupled with a mission greater than ‘I want to help people’. Helping to uplift the typewriter community has been the first time where I have reacted in such a quick, timely manner without it feeling like a chore.
Recently, for those that don’t know, I started an in-person typewriter meetup called Tappa Tappa. That quickly saw the creation of an online version, to help facilitate the folks that don’t have access to a local community. We haven’t met for that, yet, but it’s coming up in a couple weeks, followed-up quickly by the next in-person meetup (the second, only).
I’m very excited but more importantly, very focused. I’ve done this ‘creator thing’ for a while, choosing to focus on my media production skills to help other people in the same field, but it’s felt hollow for a long time. That space is saturated and virtually all the comments from the audience are on gear-related topics. Gear is fun but it’s not where my focus is. I want to be a part of a community that engages in deep conversation. I want to get to know people and to give them a safe space to be themselves. That has been a journey that’s been hard to figure out, until now.
There’s a hunger in this typewriter community. We’re kind of seen as misfits. Cool misfits (depending on who you talk to), but misfits nonetheless; When I posted the first ‘anyone want to meet up’ post, I was no different than anyone else. I was nervous people wouldn’t show up and that the interest people expressed would be superficial only. Of course when the event started and nobody was there yet I felt a little disappointment. But five minutes in, the first person arrived. A few minutes after that we had some more. It had worked. Taking a chance paid off. A small community had been connected, if even only for a few hours, one time. After that, I was hooked. [You can read about that meetup, here.]
Even if none of the other events amount to anything (which could still happen), the proof of concept was achieved. The potential was truth. This was something I could build on. So, build I am.
More will be coming as the weeks continue. But, this morning I launched my Patreon community. My focus is FREE content, but it provides me a place for more casual and loose discussion or sharing. Pictures of paper resting on a typewriter, notebook thoughts by candlelight, and other behind-the-scenes things that don’t warrant a website post. That is my ‘kitchen table’ approach. Things I would share with you in an informal way, like you were invited over for coffee. I’d love for you to join the conversation there. Again, it’s free—I’m not looking to put up a velvet rope around interactions. There is a paid tier but it’s merely to show support, not create a boundary.
Whether you join us over there or not, thank you for being a part of this journey. I’m happy to be a part of this community and elated that I may be able to help it grow.
Until next time, be good to each other.
Dave
Embrace the mistakes.
Celebrate imperfection.
