If you’ve been reading the blog, you may have noticed that I am experimenting with paper based solutions instead of web apps. My reason is that there is no way that any app can give you the flexibility you need. I decided to give an actually very old type of organization a go, the Moleskine notebook.
If you have no idea what I’m talking about you probably think this is some organization method using a binded notebook with buyable calendar, address pages, to-do pages and so on. In fact it’s a simple notebook. What separates it from the crowd is that it is a really high quality notebook. Pages are acid-free, they have rounded corners (no dog-ears) and they have stylish leather bound covers.
I have noticed that I am trying to simplify and organize myself with actually really complicated methods. I used Remember The Milk a lot, which works, but there are some things it can not accomodate and it’s getting really complicated. I think I’m going to try this simplified, puritan method as well and I will share my thoughts and experiences with you on the blog. Keep an eye out for the Moleskine Page in the menu for related content.
The type I chose was a calendar. The reason I chose this was that ruled books don’t have too many pages. This product has about 370 pages and looks much like a simple ruled notebook with the date at the top. I can use it as a normal notebook and a calendar combined. I am still thinking on how to do it best.
I am really excited about this, I will be sharing photos, methods and other random stuff, if I find a good method I will also post it on the main page. If you have any personal experiences please share them in the comments!
For history, tips, methods, ideas and my thoughts, visit the Moleskine Page
Geoff Bilbrough's Thoughts
at 11:01 am
I’m not the only one. Like you I’ve moved from Palm to xda to Moleskine. In July I bought the 18 month weekly planner and notebook and love it. I have a better view of my diary and my to do list than technology could ever deliver. It only takes a moment each morning to synch my online calendar with the Moleskine and I’m sorted. I highly recommend the return to paper.
Angela Parker's Thoughts
at 6:44 am
I’m returning to paper in many ways, after a lifetime of geekdom and a career that requires me to be on a computer many hours a day. I love technology, but the pencil and paper method is sometimes the best.
I’ve even moved my business books over to a simple columnar pad system with the post-it sticky dividers that I can use to organize each section.
After years of battling with the books of my simple business — and swearing off Quick Books, then MS Accounting, then GnuCash when I converted to Linux — I am actually enjoying doing my books for the first time ever!
I’m still working with moleskin and index card combos to make my own hybrid hip-PDA work — but it will happen. Best of luck as you take the journey too! I’ll stay tuned.
Daniel's Thoughts
at 8:28 am
Hi Angela!
I actually studied a lot of accounting and I have the qualifications (although I never did it professionally) and i have to say, paper is THE best if you do your own accounting (unless you’re a huge company).
The trip with Moleskine is truly a trip, you need to work at it, at least I do. I don’t mind though, I’m having fun with it