The writing off the wall

For all the talk there is in the world about writers, songwriters, screenwriters and such, it's rare that we see any actual writing. In public, a pen usually appears only when a signature is required and even among family and friends, it is rare to see "writing" beyond an occasional inscription in a birthday card or a gift tag.

The most writing many of us see might well be the legendary writing on the wall.




For the most part, we "read writing" as type- on a page or on a screen. It's easier (more efficient, time-effective, convenient, etc) to read and allows thoughts and ideas to be more widely shared... at least potentially.

The same can be said for typing, a la email, the net and texting. Thoughts and ideas are recorded and dispersed at amazing speed.

But something's lost when something's gained. I think type's ability to highlight the 'information' depends in part on stripping away most of the person communicating..

Here are some images of writing, by writers, in their own hand...

Kurt Vonnegut

John McCrae

John Lennon

I think it's a very different read. More intimate. More clues. More communication. It reminds me of the difference between talking to someone on the phone and talking to someone sitting across a table.

What about you?


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