I'm always critical of the photographs I take, I'm always trying to improve the quality of the photos, so that they show the detail and the accuracy of the colours etc, not always easy to do with some colours of organisers.
However, I'm sure we might be able to improve the reviews we publish. So what would you like to see included in future reviews?
I would like to see a review of the Classic Botanics: I know, it isn't a new model and it's about being discontinued in the UK: but I have set my heart on a Compact Classics Botanics Sage, and would like to know what other Phylofaxers think of it.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading the latest 'reader under the spotlight' yesterday I am looking longingly at a personal sized Corwain Higgler but the main issue for me is the lack of inside pockets. I am despeartely close to giving up my personal Holborn for one and trying to manage without the pockets so would love to know more about these binders. Any thoughts anyone???
ReplyDeletePersonally I love the reviews in general, a bit more detail on how some of the binders wear over time would be useful if possible, updates if you will as I have bought some lovely ones that have in a few months not been so pleasant due to wear and tear etc and would like some advance warning!
Thank you I will try to add that to the list of things we cover. I'm more interested in the criteria we cover rather than the specific models we review at the moment which are limited to the ones we can get for review from Filofax, or ones we already own.
DeleteThe Cordwain Higgler binders are gorgeous - I have a personal and a pocket one. The only downside is the lack of inside pockets, but I just use the various zip-up and credit card inserts, and haven't found it too much of a nuisance.
DeleteThanks Shaz, my hand is hovering over the order button for the purple personal dandelion one. I have no willpower!!
DeleteDefinitely wear over time. For me I know it would be very useful to see how FC inserts fit in any personal size binders and how far they overhang, but that may be considered inappropriate here! Love all the photos always!
ReplyDeleteShadow Wolf I have a couple of posts that show Franklin Covey Compact pages in my personal size Filofax binders. This post shows them in my personal Aston, Buckingham, and Finsbury, all of which were pretty bad: http://www.plannerisms.com/2012/09/franklin-covey-two-pages-per-day.html
DeleteThis post shows the FC compact pages in the Malden (better): http://www.plannerisms.com/2012/11/malden-update-and-franklin-covey-dpp.html
And this post shows them in the personal Original (really bad): http://www.plannerisms.com/2013/05/the-original-personal-size-filofax-in.html
I love pictures and pictures do show off the details so plenty of those are always good.
ReplyDeleteAlso if others have similar reviews of the same filofax, but a different color the links could be added to the bottom for people who are wondering how the different colors look?! No more need to go google crazy trying to find a proper picture of the color in question.
The wear over time is also a useful thing for those buying their first (few) planners.
This is a difficult one Steve! You've built up relationships and the suppliers send samples for review free of charge. It's therefore difficult to be truly critical of a product even if the workmanship or design is inadequate. However, I prefer reviews that are "robust" in their assessment, clearly explaining the good and bad points. For me, I'm less interested in exactly what shade of patent pink it is, or what other dazzling colours may be introduced. I'm more concerned with what it's really made of and from where it was sourced and the ethical dimension. So, "laminated PVC plastic from China" rather than "soft, textured, inspiring, leather-look cover". I like to know the build quality (it would be great if you could take the sample apart to reveal who makes the rings, the amount of card stiffening etc!). How is it likely to wear? (Difficult with a brand new item) and above all an honest assessment of value for money.
ReplyDeleteI suspect that samples would soon stop being sent out, if you did all this!
I agree with Tim. I am also interested in the construction details of binders; how the leather is cut, how the pockets are finished, where stiffening boards are utilized and such.
DeleteAt risk of sounding like a jerk, I also think that if a question is answered in a review or informational post on philofaxy, and the same question is posted (over and over and over) again on facebook, that we all practice "tough love" and direct the poster to philofaxy rather than answering on facebook. Sorry, stepping down from soap box.
I think the wear over time issue would be high on my list. Also, seeing pics and opinions on how each one can be used...wallet, business, personal, as a Project Life inspired journal. Let me see it in a purse! Does it fit? LOL That's a big concern for me because I drag my A5 with me everywhere!
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with Tim and Josh that constructions details of the reviewed binders should be focused on. However, due to my recent search for a suitable The Original A5 in yellow, I would like to add that especially with probably semi-hand and UK-made binders like the Original, it seems to be quite problematc to give a final and rather overall impression. Why? Well, the first one came with a short strap (thus old version) and rather stiff leather. The second one, which I ordered with a longer strap, was made of supple leather. And although it had the longer strap, it was returned as the outer pen loop - believe it or not - was too big (yes, in a filofax binder!) with an inner diameter of 1.5cm!!! The stitching was too far right, thus the middle case was too small...Fingers crossed for the third one to turn out being average (which is really all I ask for) Well, I hope you get my point: Have realistic expectations even after the most precise review of just one filofax (or very many ones).
ReplyDeleteRegarding the over-time issue: that would be really helpful I think. Especially regarding the bright-coloured filofaxes: irremoveable stains (from nail-laquer scratches etc).
Thanks for all the comments, I might be able to do something about the details of the construction without taking a stanley knife to the organisers.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure how we test for general wear and tear without accelerating the process some how. Otherwise in two or three years a particular model might have been phased out, sure it would help from buying a second hand one I suppose.
I can do a series of articles picking up some of these points on ones I already own, quite a few of those are pre-owned not all of them new. So some have had some use prior to me. So that might be useful to give some sort of indication as to things to look out for. Do they dent easily, are they prone to finger nail scratches, is the finish water repellent etc.
Value for money might be a little difficult that might be considered to be subjective? Dependent on your income etc?
Steve - I have been diligently reading all of the reviews (past and present) over the past few months. The pictures are always great. I would also like to know can the planner be used as a wallet? Is there a big back slot for bills and a big coin pocket for change? Are there any reported problems with the rings? Does the "leather like" material scratch easily, tear easily or just flake off (you should see the tab on my Pocket Piazza!) How much paper can it hold? Is it comparable to any other planner - i.e., Personal also can take Daytimer and Franklin Covey pages, etc. And finally, where can you buy it in the US on web sites, Amazon, FilofaxUSA, etc.
ReplyDelete