Reader Under The Spotlight - Anthony

Today I would like to introduce you to Anthony. 

Hello fellow Philofaxers. I am Anthony I live in UK together with my wife. I took early retirement from work for what seems like a long time ago now. Since my retirement I have been fortunate enough to pursue my interests. This a short-ish list (I hope) which comprises computers, music, family history, botany in particular Cryptogams, none flowering plants, lichens, fungi and bryophytes and of course Filofaxes. I have a voluntary job, working in our local library helping people get to grips with the basics of using a computer and subsequently helping them to carry out a basic search and using Microsoft Word compiling their CV where necessary.  
 
1.  When did you buy your first Filofax and what was it?

I bought my first Filofax in Oct 2008 It’s a red Metropol in personal size. At first it took me a very long time to get to grips with it, but now it’s in constant use.

2.  What other brands have you used or considered?

Many years ago I used a small pocket diary which was essentially a daily record of appointments business and social things. During these years the diaries contained names and addresses and other useful information for instance a book list, music details and purchases. During the period from 1969 to 1984 I have used three Five Year Dairies which was filled with the daily actitities again these diaries contained a daily journal, names and addresses and the rear of the diaries. The cover of the first five year was in a light brown leather the other two were bound in plastic. In the period that followed I have used an A5 desk diary with WO2P or as it’s also known a Week to View. I tended to use the A5 desk diary more and occasionally used my Metropol. In retrospect I should used it much sooner, what’s that saying the benefit of hindsight. I’ve also used an academic spiral bound diary A6 size bought from Tesco’s. I have also used quite extensively two very old Twinlock A5 size black leather-look binders with incidentally only three rings. I wonder if anyone remembers them or in fact used them as a file? I look upon the above period as my formative years. At the moment I am quite satisfied with my current Filofaxes  I considered a Deco in personal size when it was first introduced but unfortunately the price seemed very high.

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

My current favourites are my Malden in Vintage Crimson in personal size, my Finchley in Imperial Purple also in personal size. The colours are really beautiful and the covers are really tactile, both 
lay flat every time I open them. I have experienced very little difficulty with them.

4. How many Filofax organisers do you own?

I own five, all in personal size. My favourites being the Malden which I bought from Anita and the Finchley. I have two Sketches one in red and one in brown then lastly my Metropol in red. This binder was my first purchase four years ago. The two Sketches were bought at a well know retail store which has discounts on clothes, jewellery, perfumes, luggage, household items and Filofaxes, the prices were heavily discounted and a bargain. I notice that there has been a lot of correspondence regarding how flat the binders lay. Speaking purely from experience my Malden and Finchley and the two Sketches and the Metropol lay absolutely flat without any attention. The two Sketches however did initially need a bit of persuasion to conform at the beginning and now they are perfect.

5. What do you use your Filofax for?

The main purpose for which I use my Sketch is where I keep a detailed record of appointments. The cover is textured and is hard wearing, it’s my general all purpose binder which I carry with me for most of the time. It contains current diary, a Week on Two Pages, Birthdays Anniversaries and special occasions list (January to December) address list, a page which includes dates to be transferred into next years diary. I am interested in family history and have a brief list of my immediate family members in the censuses from 1841 to 1911.

6. What was the feature about Filofax you like most

The best feature must be the flexibility and how it’s possible to customise the binder to your own needs, for instance personalised inserts photos and the like. The possibilities are endless also it is possible to switch pages within the binder. This feature is impossible in a normal bound diary. I must add that the Filofax binders when purchased new always have the diary inserts without lines, my question is why? Each year I have to send to Filofax for the Week on Two Pages with ruled pages.

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

This question for me is rather hard to answer I think that most of the binders one way and another seem to have covered almost every feature that you could ever want.

8. How do you carry your Filofax

I have a shoulder bag, I have noticed that some call it a Man Bag. I have only been aware of this phrase recently. I wonder do the ladies call theirs a Lady Bag? I would think not. At other times  my Filofaxes are on my desk 

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

I like all of the binders. At the moment I don’t think I’ll be buying another just yet but it’s not a statement that is carved in stone.

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

In July I bought the Malden Vintage Crimson via the Adspot which was a very reasonable £35. This is a superb binder I can see why so many people are delighted and care so much about the model.

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

I like everything, especially the Free for All’s the hints and tips, the video finds. Everyone here is so friendly, helpful and trusting in which I have had first hand experience. I wonder if there is another site with such good people.

12. What do you not like about Philofaxy

There is absolutely nothing to dislike.

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

The last CD I bought was by Malicorne “Concert exceptionnel aux Francofolies de la Rochelle 2010” They were a French electric folk group and flourished in the nineteen seventies but occasionally play concerts. Prior to that I bought their album “Vox” I’ve played both albums incessantly since purchase. Apparently they that’s Gabriel and Marie Yacoub named the band after a little village situated in the Auvergne region North-Western area of France.


Thank you Anthony for agreeing to be one of our readers under the spotlight.