FOR LESLEY'S SIGNS SIGNS. Notice anything a little last century here?
This picture, taken just a week ago, is part of the decor at a big-box office supply chain store. The wall signs are supposed to point customers to the section they need.
.... But I'm pretty sure that if you asked any of the mostly 20-something clerks for a typewriter ribbon, they wouldn't have the slightest idea what you were talking about!
I wonder how long it's been since management actually looked at those signs!
I am "vintage" enough to remember learning to touch-type in school, with the keyboard covered and typing to music and my dear Mother buying me a Remington portable typewriter for my 14th birthday!! Those days are centuries away from my current Samsung Galaxy S Android SmartPhone-cum-diary/calculator/atlas/ GPS/bookshelf/radio/entertainment finder/email/map/dictaphone/-and anything else you can think of !!! (Not long before my 82 year old father died in 1994, he made the comment that he had been born too soon, as he was fascinated by the technology coming to light. If he were alive today, he'd most likely have a smartphone too!) Thanks for this post and for visiting my blog.
Posted by: Valerie | February 12, 2012 at 10:02 PM
About a month ago, my wife, granddaughter and I were at a second hand store. She asked me what one of the items was. It was a typewriter! She didn't have a clue...
MAN, we are getting old!
Posted by: pat | February 10, 2012 at 08:12 AM
Sallie, It's so good to see you back online. I liked this sign post. I'd forgotten about typewriter ribbons. Now you know I have to visit my local office supply and see what their signs say and/or see if they have typewriter ribbons.
Posted by: Margot | February 09, 2012 at 06:21 PM
Great capture! Ribbon? What is that?
Posted by: RedPat | February 09, 2012 at 04:54 PM
fun you should say that...at present l am trying to find a typewriter sppool for a child's typewriter. The looks l am getting...you think l had asked that for some thing rude!Hax
Posted by: lynda howells | February 09, 2012 at 11:55 AM
This is a wonderful sign for 73 year old ladies. It is sososo vintage. Can we even but typewriters and ribbons in a store? I use the flea markets and old so-called “antique malls” to search for one to photograph. I must admit this has to be at the top of my list of favorites for this week.genie
Posted by: genie | February 09, 2012 at 09:16 AM
I bet you are right, Sallie! :-)
Posted by: JM | February 09, 2012 at 08:14 AM
Good eye! I noticed the phone, too, was a model from when cell phones first came out! This store needs to get with the times!
Posted by: Pat | February 09, 2012 at 08:11 AM
Too funny. It is wild to think of how typewriters have disappeared in such a short time (or rather short time at my age).
Posted by: Carver | February 09, 2012 at 06:41 AM
Even the phone is out of date. Maks you wonder about how up to date the merchandise is.
Posted by: diane | February 09, 2012 at 04:32 AM
I learned to type on a non electric typewriter with a ribbon. There used to be a sift key to type in red. If they have typewriter ribbons they should donate them to a museum.
Posted by: Andy | February 09, 2012 at 02:18 AM
I wonder if they have any typewriter correction tape! This could be a perfect museum corner!
Posted by: Gemma Wiseman | February 09, 2012 at 12:53 AM
Hi there - that is rather funny! As you say "when was the last time you checked your shop sir!"
Cheers - SM
PS: 'not going to plan' was becasue my mother-in-law was taking into hospital at very short notice (I think there could have been flashing lights!), so that kind of takes over your life.
PPS: Thanks for the multiple comments!
Posted by: Stewart M - Australia | February 09, 2012 at 12:50 AM
Wonder if they have carbon paper or an ink drum for the mimeograph?
Posted by: Patricia Lichen | February 08, 2012 at 11:12 PM
Hahaha, I remember my Dad's Mr, Underwood, and ultimately learned how to change the ribbon.
Back to the future?
Posted by: Ebie | February 08, 2012 at 09:21 PM
I just saw a documentary about the return of typewriters
these folks are either very behind or very trendy
Posted by: dianne | February 08, 2012 at 07:54 PM
Do they still have typewriters?
Quite outdated!
Posted by: Halcyon | February 08, 2012 at 06:35 PM
LOL! At least you know where to go for a yard sale typewriter find. ;)
Did you get your earvines?
Posted by: Geogypsy | February 08, 2012 at 06:14 PM
oh, that is HILARIOUS!!!
Posted by: TexWisGirl | February 08, 2012 at 04:05 PM
Sorry Sallie. your link is fixed (again!)
Posted by: Lesley | February 08, 2012 at 02:39 PM
Wow...ribbons..haven't used one of those in years...
Posted by: Michelle | February 08, 2012 at 01:57 PM
and I wonder if those ribbons are still any good...!
Posted by: Lesley | February 08, 2012 at 01:22 PM
HA ha - very good, unfortunately true!
I love the check out ones who need a calculator to work out how much change they have to give you??? Example. Your bill comes to $90, you give them a S100 note. Out comes the calculator for them to see how much change they have to give you!!!! Result: I darn near have a heart attack!
Oh dear, such is life these days!
Cheers
Colin (Brisbane, Australia)
Posted by: Colin Huggins | February 08, 2012 at 12:33 PM
You know for the heck of it it might be funny to walk into my office supply place and ask for one. :)
I'll concede it's possible they might have a ribbon or say they can order one but I would have a hard time believing I could buy a typewriter.
A great find Sallie!
So glad to see in your previous post that you are doing better!!
Posted by: Carletta | February 08, 2012 at 12:27 PM
It is great to have your Blog up and running again!
Posted by: Hazel | February 08, 2012 at 12:03 PM
How true, Sallie! Yet there are certainly a few typewriters around and good to know one can get a ribbon for them. I still have an antique "Underwood"...
Posted by: Nick | February 08, 2012 at 11:26 AM
LOL! I bet they don't even know what a typewriter is!
Posted by: Lady Fi | February 08, 2012 at 09:30 AM