Now that I’ve had my Moleskine notebook for a little while (and have actually carried it with me and used it too), I’m finding that it’s quite a niche player in my organization toolset.
I have trouble organizing information in it: when to start new pages, when to leave space for future notes on a topic, how to find information I’ve entered, etc. Basically, I use it when a digital device isn’t suitable, then transfer the data to Tasks Pro™ as soon as possible so the information is searchable.
This doesn’t seem like an ideal usage to me, but Jason and Scott confirm that they use their Moleskines the same way.
Sorry hipster PDA folks, your tool just isn’t for me. I guess I’ve been digital too long.
I’m intrigued by the Logitech digital pens, but there isn’t a Mac version1 and I know better than to depend on a tool that isn’t cross-platform.
Ironically, my old Newton would be almost ideal in most of the situations I use the Moleskine in. I hope the Einstein project continues to progress well.
- As a friend of mine said, “If there was a Mac version, it would probably work better.” [back]
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Tim Verpoorten adds this Comment:
I am finding the wonder in Moleskine too for the first time. Here are a couple wonderfull sites that will give you some ideas for getting started and laying out your Moleskine.
http://www.diyplanner.com/node/241 and then check out, http://www.43folders[...]/index.html, and then I always check out the 43 folders on googlegroups, it never fails to have some organizational thread going on that catches my attention.
September 29th, 2005 at 2:48 pm
Alex adds this Comment:
I’m well aware of those sites (my Tasks software gets discussed from time to time in 43folders) - but they seem to go to tremendous lengths to attempt to duplicate the functionality I already have in other tools. Plus, I really like being able to search my data.
September 29th, 2005 at 3:08 pm
Geof F. Morris adds this Comment:
See, exactly. I might use a notebook for such things, but I’ll want it digitally in the long run. This is the main reason that, ten years ago, I began composing exclusively on a keyboard.
Of course, it has had the side effect of my handwriting becoming, well, completely unintelligible. Oh well.
September 30th, 2005 at 8:21 am
Tim Verpoorten adds this Comment:
Alex, The diy website above I gave you has a great idea for using a “manual” digest. It suggests that you take the first 2 pages and the last two pages of the Moleskine and list your pages and write keywords for each page in the home made index. Then all you need to do is transfer the homemade indexes to an electronic database for referencing all the material in your Moleskine. Otherwise you’re just copying your written words back into electronic format. The index idea is unique and working with keywords is something everyone is familiar with.
September 30th, 2005 at 8:44 am
Alex adds this Comment:
So, to be able to find things I’ve written down, I need to write them down twice?
September 30th, 2005 at 9:34 am
Geof F. Morris adds this Comment:
Yeah, that screams inefficiency to me.
I mean, I get it if you like working with pen and paper, but … people go a long way to justify their tools of choice [myself included].
September 30th, 2005 at 10:45 am