The FastDay Forum

I read something recently that brought to my attention something I do automatically and without thinking.

If I make a spelling or grammatical error whilst I am typing and I notice it within a few words, I will use the backspace key to delete everything I have since typed and re-type it all in seconds. According to what I read this is "what a true typist does".... a non-typist will use the mouse to click near the error, correct it and then click out again. (I'm now 50 and learned to touch type at school, some 35 years ago!)

I'd never realised that I do this until I read that article and made a point of noting it.... I do it so instinctively, I don't think I could actually stop and use the mouse...

How do YOU correct your errors? (If you make any, of course )

PS Just to clarify, if I have typed up a great long post and then re-read it, having not noticed an error, or if I want to change the wording, I will obviously use the mouse then, it's just the instantly-noticed stuff gets deleted and re-typed....

Same as you

[Betsysgr8]

Me too. Though I learned to type on a manual typewriter when you couldn't just back-space to make corrections.

My posts tend to be short as I am a one finger typist- I use the mouse

I downt kneed too chaynge anyfink zo hit dusant afect me.

2 many capitals simon...

I would delete words too and correct, or else correct everything at the end with the mouse, but I can't touch type and never learned a 'correct' way to do computer related stuff, so it's not because I used a typewriter (though I did have one when I was little).

Me too. Though I learned to type on a manual typewriter when you couldn't just back-space to make corrections.

Me too!!! Those were the days.....

Doing this on an iPad. Sometimes it has a mind of its own and capitals happen. I do apologise for my many mistakes but am figuring you all get my drift. Sloppy and slack I know.

I marvel am old enough to have used original old typewriters changing the tape which was black and red, to then getting a Brother electric typewriter, next early computers I did assignments on, all the way to now sitting up in bed with my IPad. Touch screen to fix errors. My phone is even more fancy though a pain as is smaller and my eyes struggle

Loving all the gadgets when they work

Same as you. Even if it's an entire sentence. ..using the mouse tales FAR too long! X

I definitely delete a lot unnecessarily.

I made spending money in college typing up people's term papers and whatnot. I had an electric typewriter I bought for myself with babysitting money.

I cringe when I look back at mistakes in my posts here. Most are from when I was using the dictation app. I have no idea what I meant sometimes!

I use the back space key most of the time. I learned to type on both manuals and electrics in high school. I think it was my senior year when I got one of those "fancy" Brother typewriters for my term paper. It had the tiniest display the same size as a small calculator. I used it all through college instead of going to the computer lab. But, proofreading was a nightmare backspacing or arrowing for miles to read on that tiny little display. Good Times. LOL

Doing this on an iPad. Sometimes it has a mind of its own and capitals happen. I do apologise for my many mistakes but am figuring you all get my drift. Sloppy and slack I know.

I marvel am old enough to have used original old typewriters changing the tape which was black and red, to then getting a Brother electric typewriter, next early computers I did assignments on, all the way to now sitting up in bed with my IPad. Touch screen to fix errors. My phone is even more fancy though a pain as is smaller and my eyes struggle

Loving all the gadgets when they work

I remember this too gillymary! And I also remember especially typing scripts on a manual typewriter - double spacing, pica font (easier for presenters and actors to read) and then - horror of horrors - having to duplicate them on a BANDA machine!!! This was at the BBC Bush House in 1980 when I worked in English by Radio ... then I moved jobs to Broadcasting House ... and a golfball electric typewriter fun days

PS I too use the back space all the time!

As you, backspace unless it's found when proof-reading.

Remember the days when if you typed too fast the 'arms' got muddled up & stuck together, and using tippex & blowing on it to try it

Me too. Though I learned to type on a manual typewriter when you couldn't just back-space to make corrections.

Me too!!! Those were the days.....

.... and me ..... touch type by secretarial training ...... love the reaction I get from people when I'm typing away but looking at them and joining in their conversation at the same time!! It ain't rocket science, just ingrained in my soul