Cyber Index Cards May 19, 2007
Posted by James D Hartland in Index Cards, Links, Software.trackback
I came across this and this article today about using Google Notepad to plot your ideas, and at first I was impressed. Here is a system which is potentially better than the old method of using index cards, allowing you not only to organise your ideas clearly, but to also collaborate online with other people if you wish.
Because surely there has got to be a better solution to covering your desk with millions of cards? But you know what…. The idea of using software to replace index cards sounds horrible to me.
I feel that half the battle with ideas is turning them from mysterious bolts of electricity inside the brain into real, concrete tactile things you can see and touch and move around and pin up; so for me the idea of writing something down on a computer rather than a piece of paper is just plain wrong. Having that idea expressed as pixels on a screen rather than something you can feel in your hand, to me at least, makes the idea seem less real. It’s still floating out there as electricity rather than a real concrete item.
If you ever go on the Celtx message boards you will see that index carding is a much asked for feature, and its something that the latest versions of Final Draft can already do. But do people really want to write their ideas on a computer? Objectively I can see why it would be better to do it on a computer, especially integrated into the application that you write the script with, but meh, I just cant get over this feeling that it’s wrong (for me at least).
That is at least until the software becomes a lot more sophisticated in being able to replicate the experience of writing on cards and blu-tacking them to walls.
James,
I agree with you… I use regular index cards myself… Always have. I have tried to use ELECTRONIC METHODS and they just do not inspire my creativity the way having a card to move around on the floor, the bed, or the corkboard does.
However…
The reason I did make that post (not that I am attempting to justify it — just clarification), is because I keep meeting new screenwriters who simply cannot get on board with holding something in their hot little hands… LOL.
In other words, everything they do is ELECTRONIC. The same why you or I might carry our index cards around with us and tweak them while standing in line somewhere is tantamount to these new generation screenwriters using their computer for everything except taking a dump and to be honest, they probably have the laptop right there with them when they do that.
These are definitely the kinds of writers that are going to benefit from things like Google Notebook…
I cannot tell you how many writers I’ve tried to get into the whole index card (organic outlining) thing and they just cannot commit to it. On the other hand, give them some kind of program that emulates the same thing and they’re HAPPENIN’!
I guess it’s just the usual passing of the guard… LOL.
Unk
That comment about passing the guard would suggest that its a generation thing, but clearly it cant be because I am but a young writer myself.
I am indeed on the computer 24/7 except when I take a dump, but I still think when ideas and brain storming is concerned paper is where its at.
The fine folks at Final Draft used to have a companion software named 3×5 that they folded into FD. This is where the scene cards come from, and it’s a very useful feature. I do wish Celtx had the same thing.
Generation of screenwriters… Not a generational thing. LOL. More and more new screenwriters; no matter what their age — are outlining and writing their screenplays on computers…
Probably because it’s easier for them and or they are already on the computer…
My first script was on a typewriter and outlined on index cards… I’ve met people 20 years my senior (I’m 49) who are new to screenwriting and do EVERYTHING on the computer…
Hence, the passing of the guard.
Unk
Maybe I am missing out then.
I do think that people can get it into their head that “this is my work method so it must be right for me”, when in reality you can adapt and change your work method to make you more productive. Its like the equivilent of teaching yourself to have a better golf swing, you gotta go against what feels natural at first but it pays off in the long run. (I think, I’ve never played golf so I am just guessing!)
I think this is why people are going back to Moleskine and other types of paper notebooks instead of jotting down their thoughts electronically. Recently in Fast Company they talked about how lots of companies including Microsoft are solving problems by sketching out diagrams with paper and pen instead of using tools like visio.
Thanks for your blog post. I’m a first time screenwriter and was about to use cards, then electronic, and now I’m convinced to write by hand on cards! I think the onerous process of writing it out will help me refine the ideas for each scene even better.
i write screenplays when i have time. recently, my cousin has taken up short story writing. she has asked me for lots of advice and i do my best.
index cards vs. electronic cards.
i recommend to my cousin to do everything by hand. the cards, the note cards, as well as, hand writing the first draft on paper. you can take paper wherever you go. you don’t have to worry about anybody stealing your laptop, and i’ve never had a notebook crash. LOL.
also, during the writing process if i get stuck or blocked, what i like to do is go back and type what i’ve written. this way, i can make changes grammatical, plot, and dialog wise. if you think about it, by the time i finish, the script is actually a second draft.
everybody has to find what works for them. i do believe writers need to be careful of the habits they adopt. i know some friends who can not write unless they are infront of a computer.
using the method i’ve mapped out you get accustomed to writing by hand and by computer. so you’re never limited.
i hope i’ve been helpful.
amy