My computer is exponentially more powerful than the same machine that helped pilot Apollo 11 to the moon. However, my favorite application contained within this aluminum pizza box of wizardry is likely its least impressive. Don't worry—I'm getting there.
As a writer by trade, I am acutely familiar with the word-processing gadgets and gizmos at my disposal. Such tools can correct my spelling, grammar, recommend alternative words, gauge the "tone" of my speech, or even—heaven-forbid—replace me with an AI essay-composing robot.
Are these tools helpful? ::sigh:: Yes, yes they are. But they pale in comparison to my favorite computer application /slash/ writing tool of all time—the plain text word composer!
"Like, a word doc?"
No, think more basic.
"Like, the Mac Notes app? Maybe TextEdit?"
Hsssssssss...no. That still contains Spelling & Grammar checkers—those judgemental dotted underlines.
No, plainnnnerrrr.
Believe it or not, I actually had to go download a separate Mac application that would grant the functionality (or lack thereof) that I was looking for in a word composer. I call it a "composer" because the only "processing" this thing can perform is adding my keystrokes to a blank white screen in ONE FONT or make them go away once upon pressing "backspace"—which I wish it wouldn't even do that.
In my case, this is a free application called "Noto." Not "Noto — Elegant Note" — as there is little that is elegant about this stripped-down glorified virtual typewriter.
[I've since discovered that this application will, in fact, perform spellcheck...but I'm going to pretend that I didn't know that.]
"Why is such a basic program your favorite computer application of all time?"
There are times in life when you neither need or want suggestions.
You just want to turn thoughts into words, sentences, lines, and—you know—works.
When this is the case, Clippy and Grammarly need to can it.
Your phone's autocorrect can buzz right the hell off.
You just need a program that can follow orders.
"Right away, Sir or Madam Writer Person. Whatever you want, no matter how technically incorrect, you got it."
No squiggles. No dotted underlines. No derailments. Just the freedom of the open...page.
"Well, just use a typewriter."
Don't you think I would if it didn't mean I'd have to type this all up again to share it with anyone?! Pshhhh, just let me be a techno-hypocrite.
[I'm sorry I raised my "tone" at you—I'm sure Grammarly would have a lot to say about that.]
In the meantime, the plain text composer has helped me reconnect to the joyous craft of writing. It is quite a thing, to see how your mind opens up behind the keyboard whenever you know that no squiggles will furl their brows, no Clippys will make you question your sanity, and you can work in the peaceful glow of the ugliest Courier font available because you have no other choice.
Consider this your invitation, nay, your escape, to the spellcheckless frontier of the plain-ass word composer.
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