Robert J Samples Loc: Round Rock, Texas

Now a lot of you will think I am a dinosaur, having graduated from high school in May of 1953! Yes, and you are probably correct. Sometimes I feel like the only thing that my 4 years of high school did was make me 4 years older.

But wait, there is one thing I learned that has stuck with me all these years have passed, some 67, and that is typing. I have retained the skill of being able to type using both hands without looking all these years and do appreciate the ability to do so on a QWERTY keyboard. I suppose you know why the keys on a typewriter keyboard are arranged as they were.

When they were first invented the typewriter, they discovered that typists could type faster than the keyboard could handle, so they began to experiment with key placement so the keys would not jam on a mechanical machine. So, frequently used letters were placed further apart to solve this problem. I suppose once you have learned to type on a QWERTY your fingers never forget their place on a keyboard.

By a strange twist of fate, I was in an IBM training class when they introduced the IBM Selectric Typewriter. It was revolutionary in that it eliminated the old system of individual key and in their place was a small ball with all the letters and numbers distributed around on the surface. It was much faster, easier to correct and would also be suitable to be connected to a computer for the output of data.

Oh, you don’t know what QWERTY is referring to? It is the first 6 letter keys reading from left to right on the upper left side of the keyboard under the number keys. Unfortunately, typewriters are no longer manufactured in the U.S. and I am not sure anywhere else in the world, thanks to the computer. Just Sayin…RJS

Robert J Samples Loc: Round Rock, Texas

All you kids probably don't realize that in 1953, and several years after, computers were in their infant stagel People that programmed computers or worked with them were treated like high priests. These computers were in special air conditioned rooms elevagted about 1 foot off the floor and the operatoers or programmers wor white smocks. At the time an executive for IBM predicted there would never be a need of more than half dozen computers needed. Both he and IBM were wrong and missed the boat and a large fortune in the furure wave of personal computers.

My first computer was an IBM 360 with a color monitor, and printer. I paid almost $5,000 for it and the soft ware which cost almost half the total cost at the time. Just Sayin...RJS

ripogenu Loc: norfolk, MA

Yes sir! similar generation, learned on a Royal (35 wpm) then we got the selectrics and it jumped to 65 wpm. my grandchildren are amazed that I can type faster than they can cause I use both hands. and of course they no longer teach "typing" in school. I always look at it as the dumbing down of America. "caution this container may contain a hot liquid" WTF really?

Robert J Samples Loc: Round Rock, Texas

Ripogenu; You are right! Same thing for cursive writing and telling time on an analog clock. Just Sayin..RJS

Randyhartford Loc: Lawrence, Kansas

I also learned on a Royal in High School, and tested out at 42 wpm with 3 mistakes. I actually still use an old Royal, just like I learned on over 50 years ago. I’ve had to “modify” newer ribbons to work on the old Royals (I’ve had a couple of them) for many years, but I still like mine. Just old-fashioned, I guess.

Mauwehu Loc: Norwalk Ct

I took typing in 9th grade and thought I will never use a keyboard why bother? Then the computer was born with a keyboard and I wish I’d learned.
The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog hasn’t gotten me too far.

Kerry Hansen Loc: Bremerton, WA

When I went through college, typewriter, buy no Computers rather my Slide rule, POST LOG LOG DUPLEX DESITRIG.

Robert J Samples Loc: Round Rock, Texas

I went off to college with a new Remington portable typewriter. I knew my handwriting wasn't great, so decided to spend about 80 bucks for this portable, It lasted all during college and I am not sure, but i think I gave it to my little sister who was a freshman when I was a senior. Just Sayin...RJS

Eyecrosser Loc: Camdenton Mo. Lake of Ozarks.

Thanks for sharing RJS. Interesting post. Glad you put in your HS graduation date; you made me feel like a kid—HA.

Stay safe, my friend.

Robert J Samples Loc: Round Rock, Texas

Well, I chased a lot of girls and played a lot of tennis. Just Sayin...RJS

Graywulff Loc: Cortez,Co.

I never took typing in high school, I use the bible method and can type 50wpm. Not too bad for a old fart, I guess.....

Robert J Samples Loc: Round Rock, Texas

Wow! I would really like to know what the Bible method is. i have never heard of it. Just Sayin...RJS

Graywulff Loc: Cortez,Co.

Seek and ye shall find.....😆🤓

Graywulff Loc: Cortez,Co.

Others have called it the chicken method...... Hunt 'n Peck

ripogenu Loc: norfolk, MA

how long does it take you to type " abbreviation?"