Reader Under the Spotlight - Thomas

Yes the series is back for another run of readers going under the Philofaxy Spotlight. The first willing volunteer is Thomas from Germany, being my fellow 'co-star' recently, he hardly needs any introduction does he.....!

My name is Thomas, for those following me (or not) on Twitter @Tommes_S. I'm a true Filofax user and into everything internet as well since the mid-nineties. I have a blog of my own at http://tommes-s.net.

Most entries are in German, because my addressed readers are mostly German friends and family. Lately, there have been some English entries as well. You are welcome to read and comment, but I have to admit that most topics aren't Filofax-related.

And I would like to say thank you to Philofaxy for the honour of being a 'Reader under the Spotlight'!

1. When did you buy your first Filofax and what was it?

My first Filofax was a Personal Richmond, which I bought in 1998. Unfortunately, I bought it via internet, because I wanted a genuine Filofax very badly. It looked alright on the photos. But, when it was sent too me, I was pretty disappointed. The colour was so much different, and the 'touch' was just not right. I still use it as an archive for note paper to refill my everyday Filofax. And guess what? It still does not lay flat after 13 years...

2. What other brands have you used or considered using?

My very first planner was a no name brand. I bought it 1992 just because I didn't have the money for a Filofax. It was at a reasonable price, but didn't last too long, because it showed traces of use very soon, and - I do have to admit I was a pioneer of cream inside a planner - I poured yoghurt in it...
I have never thought of using anything else after buying my first Filofax. I tend to be true to a brand, once I'm decided.

Besides my Filofax, I use a lot of Moleskine notebooks. I have a couple of plain ones, which I generally use in my job. Lately I have bought a Moleskine Passion notebook 'Gardening' to keep track of my bonsai developments.

3. Out of the organisers you own which is your current favourite (Style and Size)?

My everyday Filofax has been the Personal Hamilton right from the start. It's similar to the Kendal, oiled leather, almost no 'plastic', and it has two pen loops. Actually, this was the very reason why I was so enthusiastic about it. But the sections are very comfortable for me as well. It's got a card section in the front, plus a big pocket over the whole front with an opening from the right. Lots of space! It has a zipper pocket in the back and another 'full size' pocket on the outer back side. After 12 years, it still has a great 'touch', and I haven't been tempted to replace it, so far. There are some pictures of it at http://twitpic.com/photos/Tommes_S

4. How many Filofax organisers do you own?

Right now I have three Filofax organisers: the Personal Richmond, the Personal Hamilton, and a newly acquired Malden Mini. I'm not sure if any may follow...

5. What do you use your Filofax for?

As mentioned above, the Richmond contains a lot of note papers to refill my Hamilton. The Hamilton is my everyday planner, and it contains almost everything I need: diary, notes, addresses and contacts, lots of 'useful' information sheets and notes, some passwords, a collection of loose sheets, quotes, tons of Post-it's, a fountain pen and a pencil, some money cards, a 10 and a 5 euro note for emergency, to-do lists and things to remember. It's very 80ies style - if I lose it, my life would be ruined ;-)
Lately, I have given up the idea of 'One life - one planner'.

Inspired by Steve using a Mini as a wallet/purse, I bought a Mini Malden at the London meet up in March 2011. It now serves as my accounting Filofax. When travelling, it's the holiday purse, which is sometimes most useful when I have to use foreign currencies. Now I don't have to mix them with the money in my regular purse. Being at home, I use it to keep track of my expenses. So it's definitely a one-trick-pony, but it's doing a great job! And it might become more involved in the 'happiness project'...

6. What was the feature about Filofax you like most?

When I started using a planner, Filofax was THE brand, probably also driven by the movie. Although my first planner was no genuine Filofax, all my inserts were 'originals'! It's just the variety and versatility you get from them. I still believe that they create the broadest range of things you can put into and use. They even set a standard with the ring sizes, you can buy a lot of different accessories from other brands, that still fit in a Filofax. And yes, I have accessories from other brands.

Over all, I think it's the flexibility it provides you, by giving you the chance to create a planner as individual as possible, with a wide range of styles and sizes. And of course, the individuality can be best experienced at a Philofaxy meet up!

7. If you could design your own Filofax what would it feature?

Well, I'm male and practically oriented, so it would most likely be an 'all-in-one device for every purpose' - an 'egg laying, wool and milk producing pig', as we say in German;) It must contain the best of every model Filofax has ever produced. And so it will remain a dream forever...

8. How do you carry your Filofax?

Well, this has been a major topic at the London meet up in March 2011. For the Mini Malden I don't have any special way of carrying it around. It's just put in my pocket or the backpack. Since it's a Mini, there's no problem at all, it fits anywhere.

With the Personal Hamilton it's quite different. The oiled leather tends to catch any possible scratch and even more;) But, on the other hand, since it is oiled, every scratch can be easily removed with a slightly moistured cloth/finger or anything else.

But as picky as I am, I'm in constant fear some severe damage could harm my beloved Filofax. So usually it's in my office bag, which has a cloth coated interior. Nothing can happen. When travelling, it's normally in a backpack, being tossed around and colliding with other items. This has been a true horror for me!

So I was looking around for some sort of 'protective case', but couldn't find any. In the end, I decided to make one of my own. There is a 'how to do' on my website, as well - if anyone else should care...

9. Which Filofax in the current range do you like the most? Are you going to buy it?

I think it is definitely the Malden! It's the look, the touch, the scent, and the colours - just gorgeous! I have bought a Mini Malden recently, so there are no plans to buy another one...

10. What is the most you have ever spent on a Filofax? Which model?

That must have been around 90 Euros for the Personal Hamilton. Filofax planners used to be more expensive in the past, but when I bought it, it was a reduced, because discontinued one.

11. Turning to Philofaxy, what do you like the most?

In fact, Philofaxy is a great example for an on line community! We share a common interest, and are highly engaged in the topic. The website itself is so packed with information, and still the authors are doing a great job in rising new(s) issues.

I love the various series, and I am always amazed how many users take part in the discussions. It's most amazing how many people post a comment for the first time. It clearly shows the great acceptance of the website, its idea of a community, and 'the love of everything Filofax'! And I definitely agree with Steve, who recently said that it would be great to transform this Philofaxy community into one's real life situation.

Last but not least, the meet ups are definitely a point I love about Philofaxy!

12. And what do you not like about Philofaxy?

The website, the editors, the contributors, and the readers - everything is perfect! If I had one wish for free, it would be an annual worldwide Philofaxy convention with all of you ;-)

13. What was the last music album CD you bought or downloaded?

My last CD was 'I find you very attractive' by 'Touch and go', a CD I was long looking for, because it wasn't available as a (legal) download. It's electronic and dance oriented pop music from the nineties. I'm really a 80ies and 90ies guy!

My last download was a concert from the German punk band 'Die Toten Hosen' (the dead trousers), recorded unplugged in Vienna. A great piece of music!

Thank you Thomas (my old mate!), I look forward meeting up again in September in London Town.