Computer or Notepad?

Computer or Notepad?
By Don Terrill (c)2005

Computer argument:

• Only have to write the content once
• Spell-Check
• Grammar-Check
• Faster writing
• Easier on the hand
• Feels more professional
  
• Easy duplication and transfer of content
  
• Editable

Notepad argument:

• Can be taken anywhere
• Crossed out content can still be seen
• Closer connection to the work
• Easier to focus on the content
  
• Free from hard drive crashes
• No need to "save" your work
  
• Not slowed by spelling and grammar corrections

My preferred method:

• Outline on the computer - Nothing beats the computer for doing an outline. It makes it so easy to edit.
  
• First draft is handwritten - Spelling and Grammar Checkers seem like good ideas, but for this stage of the writing process I find them to be momentum killers. This, along with the portability of a notepad, make it a clear winner.
• Finished on the computer - This is a no-brainer - eventually the material has to be turned into a digital format.