In Defense of Paper, Part 2

March 8, 2010

Those boxes revealed many treasures. There were some stories I had written on the word processor (more paper back-ups). I remember them vaguely, and if I can bear to read them I'm sure they'll end their days in the recycling bin. But it will be good to compare my writing with that of years ago.

Many items take me on a trip backwards in time: calendars and organizers, address and appointment books. There are journals dating back more than 30 years, and just who was that kid in 1977? The first journal had held a love note from my 6th grade girlfriend. The note is gone (thrown away after the infamous spin-the-bottle incident) but the journal still smells of the perfume which she had sprayed on the note. Try doing that with a blog.

There are postcards, birthday cards, wedding invitations, and many letters. As I wondered why I had kept all that stuff I came across one answer: a letter from a girl in high school who had died our senior year. Messages, marked with ink by a human hand, are more valuable to me than any e-mail.

Spiral bound notebooks hold stories, scenes, scraps of ideas, notes scribbled at 3am. Will these be of any use? I am reminded of Ray Bradbury who in his youth wrote down lists of words that brought forth memories that he mined for many years for his stories.

None of this paper needs to be decrypted or converted. No software license or terms of service hold sway over my ability to access these writings. This is not to say there aren't some disadvantages.

Paper is heavy and bulky, and needs periodic weeding. But so does the electronic ephemera which I give little thought to deleting. Paper fades and crumbles, yet will last longer than I do. This box of papers will someday be labeled: "Recycle upon my demise." Yes, I know BURN is much more dramatic, but this is an eco-conscious age.

I'm not a luddite (this is a web blog after all). I do think digital media should serve us, not the other way around. And sometimes it's better, easier, and more valuable on paper. Sometimes.

Don't think I can fit it on the paper
Don't think I can get it on the paper
Go ahead and rip up, rip up the paper
Go ahead and tear up, tear up the paper
-Talking Heads

Comments

Thank you for this post. I,

Submitted by Christine Clark on Tue, 03/09/2010.

Thank you for this post. I, too, love paper. Every story I've ever written got its start with ink on paper. Thanks, too, for the reminder of what's important, what's irreplaceable... letters written by a human hand.

Thanks for the comment,

Submitted by Todd Wheeler on Tue, 03/09/2010.

Thanks for the comment, Chris. Not only do you start on paper, you write the finest first drafts I've ever seen.

It's nice to have your

Submitted by rick o on Fri, 03/12/2010.

It's nice to have your perspective, since you are so much more comfortable with technology than I am. You also very gently reminded me of the value of handwritten letters. I treasure all that I've received, and one of my resolutions for this year is to make sure I write and mail some to the people I care about.

I have some notes sent by you

Submitted by Todd Wheeler on Sat, 03/13/2010.

I have some notes sent by you from way back when. Ah yes, we were young once.

What a treasure, Todd. I can

Submitted by L.A. Mitchell on Sat, 03/13/2010.

What a treasure, Todd. I can just imagine you bringing that journal up to your nose. The truest form of time travel: memories. A good reminder that all this technology should never replace the human connection.

Hope you are well, Todd :)

I try to work in time travel

Submitted by Todd Wheeler on Sun, 03/14/2010.

I try to work in time travel when I can. ;-)