Recap of The First Online Tappa Tappa Meetup
Video posted, above: This was from the livestream of the first online Tappa Tappa event. The initial stream got interrupted (by me and my analog ways) but this is the bulk of the event.
I sit here on my couch with my trusted 77 on a 1/2” piece of pine that I’m using as a makeshift laptop table as it rests on my legs. My feet are up on the ottoman, dog resting comfortably next to them, and my wife on the couch beside me. Am I comfortable? No. Do I feel inspired to write my next article and want to ‘spend time’ with my wife as she works on her own crafts? Hell yes.
Today was the first online edition of Tappa Tappa. Born from commenters’ laments of not having meetup options anywhere around them. Some are too shy and others in remote areas where it just isn’t possible. There were four active participants in the chat. We had some conversation before I inadvertently ended the stream. I got it started again, don’t you worry! All I’ll say is that they should have a safety message pop-up when you hit the big red ‘stop’ button that asks if you’re sure you want to end the stream… We got it sorted and headed back on our merry way, though!
10 minutes of conversation, 20 minutes of focused writing followed by a quick 10-minute break followed by another 20-minute writing sprint and then an ending recap. It was received well and we were even joined by someone who doesn’t own a typewriter but wanted to participate! We had three New Englanders, a Californian, and someone from Spain! It’s such a trip to interact and hang out with someone outside the country. Typewriters, it seems, transcend culture.
It’s a strange thought to use a digital medium to connect those looking to enjoy an analog hobby. Some may say it’s sacrilegious to infect the analog with the electronic. I understand their concern and wouldn’t judge them for it. However, seeing how it helps connect those of us otherwise isolated, and even helps introduce new people into the hobby, I can’t help but appreciate the modern integration. After all, Reddit is where I’ve found my greatest sense of community and Reddit is how I initiated the first in-person meetup. Digital tools are just that: tools to help with a given task.
There was enough interest to warrant another online meetup. So, next month we’ll meet again—this format will remain just as important as the in-person event. Truth be told, I planned on doing the online event if only one person requested it. While I wouldn’t put as much effort into the prompts or other elements, it costs me very little to get together for an hour if someone needs that connection. That’s not to claim that I’m overly altruistic, but I do know what it’s like to need acceptance and to feel seen. If an hour of focused typing and chatting can make someone feel better about their place in the world, I’m here for it.
So, dear reader, if you find yourself in need of a little connection, even if you don’t have a typewriter, I encourage you to come visit the next online edition of Tappa Tappa. You’ll find the details HERE. Come enjoy a cost-free community. Write with others or just gab about this shared interest. The world is lonely enough—we’re here to help bridge that divide.
Until next time, be good to each other.
Dave
Embrace the mistakes.
Celebrate imperfection.
