Vintage manual typewriters have attracted young new converts. Many of these new fans weren't even born when manual typewriters were being manufactured. Unlike the office typist, these admirers don't confine themselves to a home office typing away alone; they pack up their machines and carry them off to events called Type-ins.
Groups of interested men and women gather to talk about beautiful and well-designed machines, trading them and showing them off to friends and other enthusiasts. Several Type-ins have been held in bars, pubs and bookstores to celebrate a post-digital style and freedom from the personal computer. Participants clank out manuscripts and fun typing games are played.
Type-ins are being held in cities across the U.S. In Snohomish, Washington, a three-hour type-in called Snohomish Unplugged was held, and several international cities have held events called "schreibmachinefest."
Social Typing Networks
Vintage Typewriter Gatherings Bring People Together With Type-Ins
Trend Themes
1. Vintage Typewriter Revival - There is an opportunity for entrepreneurs to create new business models surrounding yearning for vintage technology.
2. Community Events - Creating engaging events to bring people together and promote nostalgia can be a lucrative business venture.
3. Post-digital Movement - There is potential for disruptive innovation in developing technology-free spaces for people to gather, socialize and work on analog technology.
Industry Implications
1. Event Planning - Event planning businesses can capitalize on the desire for unique social events that promote niche interests.
2. Vintage Technology Sales - Companies can market vintage technology to tech enthusiasts who are looking for an escape from modern technology.
3. Shared Workspace - Entrepreneurs can create co-working spaces that promote a post-digital environment, where people can work on analog technology in a communal and intentional setting.