paper vs computer

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   Falsor Wingposted 14 years ago

   I find I brainstorm more effectively with a pen and paper than on the computer does this happen to anyone else? Does it make sense to anyone?

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      mtsi1098posted 14 years agoin reply to this

      this happens to me mostly in the hours that I sleep and wake up with an idea...otherwise it is computer when I am awake

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   2. 78

      Uninvited Writerposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      I take my initial notes on paper, I find it easier to gather my thoughts that way. That way I also put it in my own words and lessen the risk that I will accidentally plagiarize.

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      IzzyMposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      You write???
      As in......longhand?
      how last century! I've totally forgotten how to. Can you teach me?

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      Brenda Durhamposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      I don't.
      Not during brainstorming.
      But I always prefer a hard copy of anything over a virtual copy.
      I think it's sad that newspapers are going under.  Accountability goes out the window with all the new technology cyber-action.

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      LegendaryHeroposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Computer - much easier to keep track of notes and it's readable to others.

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   Justine76posted 14 years ago

   makes sense to me, I love to get real letters in the mail too. 

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3. 73

   FranyaBlueposted 14 years ago

   I do like paper and pen but I find that my hand can't keep up with my thoughts and then my writing is totally unreadable.

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4. 81

   timorousposted 14 years ago

   It depends what I'm doing.  If it's writing an article, I stick with the computer.  It's way easier to cut and paste than using an eraser all the time. 
   
   If it's more graphic, or I'm designing something, then a quick sketch with pencil and paper is the way to go.  Or if I need to make a quick note that I can take with me somewhere.
   
   It also depends what software you have at hand, and whether that enhances or detracts from the creative process.
   
   Besides, I like to save paper as much as I can.  I don't print anything unless I really need to take a copy with me.

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   Justine76posted 14 years ago

   plus, I hate typing

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6. 79

   Shadesbreathposted 14 years ago

   It happens a lot.  I personally am happier on the keyboard but many of my writing friends and associates insist that writing by hand focuses them, slows them to the right pace, and is essential to their writing process.
   
   Whatever works is the way to go.

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7. 0

   girly_girl09posted 14 years ago

   I am totally addicted to Excel; use it for everything -including notes. Once you start realizing its potential, there is no going back! Pen and paper can't sort your ideas in one click.

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      Uninvited Writerposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      I'd love to see a hub on how you organize using Excel

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8. 58

   lender3212000posted 14 years ago

   I'm much better at organizing my thoughts on the computer. My handwriting isn't very good either...

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9. 59

   William R. Wilsonposted 14 years ago

   I can't write by hand, only scribble notes.  My brain works to fast for the pen to keep up. 
   
   I prefer to write in notepad.  Hubpages makes me mad because I can't write out the html and just paste it in like I can with my wordpress blog. 
   
   I too use Excel for organizing my thought sometimes.  I also like to use mindmaps although I usually don't have the patience. 
   
   Mostly what I do is write a sort of outline:
   
   1. Main idea
   a. smaller idea
   b. second smaller idea
   
   blah blah blah. 
   
   I've tried typing on an old fashioned manual typewriter.  I found it fascinating how my brain had to work in a totally different way with no cut and paste and no backspace. 
   
   More to the point of the original post - Falsor, if you organize well by pen and paper you might try mind mapping.

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      LegendaryHeroposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      How does one use Excel for organizing thoughts?

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   2. 61

      Falsor Wingposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      MIND MAPPING IS THE SHIT! freeplane ftw. I'm actually working on a hub(s) about mindmapping software, why doesn't everyone have it?

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10. 61

    The10DollarMarkposted 14 years ago

    You mean I can't pick a stone tablet?
    
    Kidding aside, I choose neither. I usually brainstorm in my head and then I go directly to the computer to write it.
    
    I do also use excel to keep track of topics that I may use for hubbing, but thinking of the actual content for that hub is still all in my head.
    
    Sometimes, very rarely, I'll actually jot down ideas and chances are it'd be on paper, though if I'm lazy notepad would be my next choice.

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11. 39

    lilly_densposted 14 years ago

    computer is much easier than paper since all you have to do is type it right away while paper sort of takes time BUT i prefer to use paper than computer since it gives me more ideas on what to write. Once i start writing on paper and have lots of ideas at the end of it i found out that i've already written quite enough

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12. 83

    Rafiniposted 14 years ago

    paper when I'm on the go, computer when I'm home.
    paper if it's temporary, computer if I need it to keep.
    paper for others to see, computer for my eyes only.
    paper for private, computer for virtual exchange.
    
    it all depends on my mood & whatever it is I'm writing.

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