Though they're overpriced and maybe a bit of overkill for what they are, I always have a feeling of satilfaction and admiration every time I put my little hardbound Moleskine notebook in my pocket when I leave the house. It's silly really; I'm a modern person tech-wise, with iPhone and smartwatch and so on, but the notebook is just so... elegant, I guess. Sewn-in bookmark ribbon. Elastic cover retainer. There's even a loose file holder inside the back cover for me to stash a few index cards in (that comes in handy to make a note to hand someone).
Whoever thought of these is a genius, and could teach even Apple a thing or two about "aspirational marketing" and practical design. Not to mention addiction-- I'd go into withdrawal if I didn't always keep a spare in a desk drawer. 😉
My phone does have applications to take notes and make task lists and reminders, but if I did that, how could I enjoy using my fountain pen? 😎
@_4_d_4_m_
One of those free-standing display rack dealies went up loaded with all manner of styles and sizes at a local office supply store maybe ten years or so ago. First time I noticed it, I was entranced and stood there spinning the rack around for about five minutes. There were a couple of unwrapped display samples to pick up and examine-- they don't do that anymore-- and I was amazed at the extra engineering that went into such a simple thing. Still am, and the fact that I so clearly remember my first encounter with them tells me something. 😉 (Likely that I'm just a hopeless nerd.)
I've come THIS CLOSE to getting one of their digital note-taking sets, and were I still working I'd probably have one. Can't really justify that to myself nowadays, amazingly cool though it may be. Other companies make similar devices but I just know the Moleskine would have more attention to detail and extra features, 'cause that's who they are. Or have convinced me they are, anyway.
@AndyLowry I love this ode to the #notebook. I've had Moleskine diaries for YEARS and loved them but have reverted to Leuchtturm, love the soft covers, double ribbon!!, remind me of my annual Frankfurt visits back in the day...
@galand2dogs
I somehow managed to be ignorant of those; thanks for enlightening me! You know, I WAS wondering why there didn't seem to be any competitive products in that space. There was, I just didn't know about it. They look very nice indeed.
@AndyLowry They are gorgeous. The smooth finish of the paper stock is divine. Sorry, I'm a bit of a paper/binding nut... I used to buy them in Germany, never found in the UK until this year.
@galand2dogs
I understand completely! Let's fly our nerd flag with pride! 👍
They do deliver to me if I decide to do that, and I see that Amazon has them too-- although not much in my favorite pocket size. Will order one shortly just to have a look. Two ribbons is so over-the top that I can't help myself.
@AndyLowry 😂 Let me know what you think.
@galand2dogs
Will do, and thanks again for the pointer.
@galand2dogs
Ordered a Nordic Blue 187-page dotted. Was excited to see that it has numbered pages-- that's really nice and gives me an idea of specific purpose I can use it for. And actually a couple of dollars cheaper than a comparable Moleskine, oddly enough. Supposed to be here Saturday. Will write report!
@galand2dogs
Speaking of smooth paper, high-end Japanese calligraphy paper is UNBELIEVABLE. Fooled around with brush and ink kanji a while back to see if I could do it. I can't, but it was fun to try.
@AndyLowry I have 7 notebooks of all shapes and sizes sitting here... with stuff in all of them...