08 July 2016

Free For All Friday No. 399 by Anita

Whilst waiting for my husband to pick me up from work, I was sat outside in the sun and jotting down some thoughts in my Filofax. A lady that I know came over to say hello and seemed a bit taken aback that I was writing on actual paper with pen. To my amusement, the conversation went something along the lines of her politely asking if I couldn't afford a smart phone and that there are some cheaper models available too!

She really did seem quite surprised that people still use paper so much, let alone something like a Filofax. Whilst I don't think that she was a convert by the time her lift arrived, she did thank me for taking the time to explain. It was useful for me as it's helped me consider further what I'm looking for in my set up and some changes that I would like to make.

Have you had a recent conversation like this?

And as always as it's Friday, please feel free to discuss anything about your ring-bound binders. Have a great weekend.

19 comments:

  1. As happens to many of us, far too often, I'm currently re-thinking my organiser setup. I'm wondering if anybody produces a folder with zip closure, less than A5 size, which contains at least two elastic pen holders. It doesn't seem much to ask, but I haven't found any as yet. If not, what about solutions for adding extra pen loops, but preferably ones that don't make the folder look botched up? Any ideas? :-) Cheers!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Have you thought of trying the Microsoft pen loops that attach to the surface pro's, it may solve your problem.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I punch holes in Flex pen holders. You could try Leuchterm adhesive pen holders.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Thanks! The extra pen loop is not my preferred option - I don't really like sticking things to the folder. @Shin I hadn't thought about those Microsoft loops - on my Surface the pen attaches magnetically. The colours would clash with my folder, though. @BlackStarBlues I have a Leuchterm loop - I think it looks messy. I had considered cutting up the pen loop in my Flex and using that - that might work.

    But .... any ideas about the folder?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think you might be looking at something in the Franklin Covey line. They take Filofax inserts plus their half inch wider inserts as well. This sort of thing perhaps: http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Compact-1-25-Rings-Black-LEATHER-FRANKLIN-COVEY-ZIP-Planner-Binder-USA-/311458174985?_trksid=p2141725.m3641.l6368

      Delete
    2. Thanks Amanda. Yes, that sort of thing. Franklin Covey is hard to get in Germany, though. I saw that the Filofax Cuban has two pen loops, as did my old zip-closing Graphic (unfortunately now with a broken zip), but neither seem to be available any more. :-(

      Delete
  5. Yes Franklin Covey may have something suitable. I really like their products. In the meantime, not sure what type of planner you have now, but does it have an inside secretarial or top loading pocket? With my Franklin Covey compact I was able to hook a pen to each side and it still closed well

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Elena! I'm using Filofax compact Calipso and Finsbury, and a mini Finchley, which is lovely but the pen loop isn't elastic and finding a pen to fit it is a nightmare. The compacts don't have much space for pens, which is why I'm looking for an upgrade.

      Delete
    2. Are you clipping your pens on or trying to fit them through the loops? I carry 2x pens in one loop by the clips.

      Delete
    3. I fit them through the loops. Many of my pens have loose clips or no clips, and also, because the clips are at one end of the pen, using them loses symmetry - the other end of the pen sticks out past the bottom of the organiser.

      Delete
  6. http://www.filofax.co.uk/metropol-zip-organiser-1.html#year=2016&color=Black

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Mac. That's very similar to the Graphic - I hadn't seen that it has two pen holders.

      Delete
  7. I just used the filters on the Filofax UK website, and up it popped. Its not as expensive as a Malden or even a Calipso or Finsbury, but it does what you want....smaller than A5, zip closure, 2 pen loops. My pleasure. Personally, I look for practicality over price when it comes to organisers.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Anita,

    I hear this a lot actually. It amuses me because I can pull out my Filofax, open it, write down something and have it packed away again faster than most people can tap their way through several menus, then tap out a note on the tiny keyboard on their phones. My husband has, for a long time, done everything on his phone but is now carrying an A6 sized notebook to write down random notes and things to remember, especially class assignments. He has come to see the wisdom of my ways :)

    ReplyDelete
  9. Graham Is there a way I can perhaps message you?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sure ... graham ((at)) grcdi ((dot)) nl

      Delete
  10. Hello people... I recently had a similar conversation with my bank manager who for security reasons can't use a digital/online diary, he told me Paper diary so are widely used amongst bank managers, I'm not sure how much more secure it is, but hey. I use paper as I work as an art tutor at college so as much as I take note I also draw diagrams and sketches to remind me of lesson plans etc. I often find myself drawing over or adding to a doodles months later as the clipbooks always with me in the art studio with various art materials.

    I do prefer an a5 clipbook over an a5 Filofax, for the smaller footprint mainly, I have crammed it with colour paper and some Kiki K plastic dotty pouches, a lectrum penloop holds the Lamy Safari pencil nicely. But the pen loops not ideal, any pen with a rubber grip such as any hi tec c coleto won't squeeze into the penloop, I am looking for another pen loop, I will try the ms surface one. I wonder if anyone knows any others worth purchasing? Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Has anyone noticed that the BIG 400 is up on FFAF next week? Who gets the "honour"?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Laurie.... and it is already written :) We do them in name order, Anita, Laurie, Nan, Steve, it keeps it simple!

      Delete