Unique thoughs, actions and traits

[Volenta]

Both atheists and vegans are minority groups, being different from the social standards and sometimes even not accepted for it. Belonging to those groups shows in my eyes the independency and intellectual honestly of your mind. It seems to me that these people have far more traits that are unique to them, because they aren't restrained from being different out of social pressure. So tell me some of your thoughts, actions and traits (can be anything you like) that are pretty unique in society but you wish for to be more common—so we can make it more common.

I start off by saying that I'm typing on a Dvorak keyboard layout for about 3 years now. It's just silly people still use QWERTY, a layout that isn't thought out at all to be comfortable (it would reduce RSI incidents if everyone used Dvorak) or to type fast on. This comic explains the history and benefits of it very well.

[Twizelby]

I'm still very much in the closet about both my veganism and atheism. I grew up a strict southern baptist family in an area where deer are bled out in peoples garages, so it isn't exactly seen as a good thing to my family. Anyway I suppose one thing that I do a little different is I volunteer with link and we pass out all kinds of food to the needy. I think I am regarded with some suspicion as an atheist volunteering at a catholic food distribution center.

[brimstoneSalad]

I start off by saying that I'm typing on a Dvorak keyboard layout for about 3 years now.

I'll have to get me some tape and scissors, and remap my keys. Thanks!

[Volenta]

I'll have to get me some tape and scissors, and remap my keys. Thanks!

I actually did not change the layout of my physical keyboard, since it's better to store the layout only mentally (to type blindly). But of course it can help when you're starting to learn the new layout. For me it was a great opportunity to also learn the 'official' way of ten finger typing. Still in QWERTY I had no structure in it at all (using only the left shift, two fingers using the same key, ...).

Just a small tip which helped me a lot: if you don't use caps lock that much, remap your caps lock to backspace. It's far easer to reach for your left little finger than your right little finger that needs to reach very far.

[TheVeganAtheist]

I cant imagine having to learn to type all over again. Once a physical habit is firmly reinforced through years of habit, it would be uncomfortable (in the least) to change. Ive actually never heard of the dvorak keyboard. Interesting.

Traits I wish were more common: skepticism, compassion.

[Neptual]

Well, looks like I'll be going back to looking at my keyboard when I type until I've mastered Dvorak

[Volenta]

I used some piece of software (forgot the name of it, but there are many out there) to learn it, which also instructed me in choosing the finger fitted for the key. It had a slow build-up, slowly introducing more and more keys—which I think is the best way to learn. It's great to do it this way using Dvorak, since all vowels (except 'y') and the important consonants are on the home row, so you can make a lot of words already.

But I have to say that you really need to be motivated, because you will get frustrated at first. If you're finally typing on a respectable speed, around 30wpm, then you'll be fine afterwards.

[Neptual]

Do they sell Dvorak keyboards? I think it'd be easier if I bought one to use.

[Volenta]

I wouldn't buy one specifically for a different layout. They are pretty hard to find to my knowledge, since it's easy to remap it yourself. I'm also not sure about the quality of those keyboards (I myself type on a mechanical keyboard, so I set the bar pretty high). Like I said, I myself prefer to just store it mentally and keep the keyboard as it is (I find the bumps on the F and the J pretty useful), but if you really want to learn it by looking at your keyboard, you can also order some transparent stickers to cover your keys. It's an cheap alternative.

Here is an overview with your options: http://www.dvzine.org/type/reconfig.html

[Anon0045]

About a year ago I actually decided to learn how to type properly, and it was very uncomfortable to rewire my brain, but it was worth it I think. I write about 30 WPM faster now. I was thinking about going with Dvorak, but decided against it because everyone is using QWERTY and there is no good evidence to that you write faster with Dvorak.