MSE Forum poll: How often do you write anything by hand?

MSE_JC

These days, voice recognition on our devices means you don't even need to type anything let alone use a pen and paper. But still, for some of us there are times where writing by hand is preferred.

How often do you find yourself physically writing something down?

BridgetTheCat

I write fiction. The first draft is always handwritten in a notebook.

twopenny

I used to write in copperplate, now it's scrawled.
I got some good results in contacting companies in that rather than emails. It cheered up their day after screeds of type written stuff and bought my request to the front of their to do list. 😉

Magnolia

A few times a year on birthday cards!

Claddagh_Noir

I usually journal to get my thoughts 'out there.'  It is quite cathartic at times. Especially if I have something on my mind or if I am particularly pleased about something. 

I have a week to view diary and a wall calendar and feel compelled to write in and on them.  

I also write a few 'to do' lists and add to a physical shopping list.  I always like putting pen to paper maybe since being at school and it was stressed how important it is to have nice calligraphy skills.

I know this sounds weird and judgemental, but I do like to look at people's handwriting and assess if they have nice penmanship.  

badmemory

Handwriting is a funny thing.  My mother's was beautiful, except if you weren't used to it you couldn't read it.  Mine always looked a mess but anyone could read it.  Unfortunately times change & some days arthritic hands mean I can struggle to read my own.  I do land up with the odd extra letter in when typing but at least it is easy to delete those.  Shopping lists are always typed.  So I guess you can figure out that I definitely do not have nice penmanship, I am happy wiith that.  It is nice to see nice writing though.

Jami74

I write my name most days at work because my signature is required. Other than that, not very often. 

As a kid I loved writing stories then, at the end of last century and thanks to Mavis Beacon, I found I could get my thoughts down as fast as I thought them.

vacheron

I'm an Engineer by profession so I have written almost entirely in block capitals for as long as I have been permitted to (leaving school) as it is more legible and less open to interpretation. Trying to write in cursive now is a definite chore that requires significant concentration.

These days, handwriting is usually limited to making notes and writing down codes or reference numbers for others or signing off reports / test results and technical documentation, though I also keep a scanned copy of my signature for such things.

However for thought processes, such as "back of a napkin" sketches or circuit diagram ideas, nothing beats pen and paper, also transposition of complex equations is SO much easier with pen and paper than on a screen.

horsewithnoname

I struggle to read my own handwriting these days. Hardly ever put pen paper. 

Eco_Miser

Pen and paper for creative writing, and for shopping lists.

Phossy

I take all my meeting notes by hand everyday. I also write things down to help me think.