Well, I'll be brave and start this FFAT off...... :)
After deciding last December to just use bound journals for my planner needs, I came to the conclusion last week, that I may have been too hasty in that decision, and decided to (once again....) get back into a ring binder.
After much reflection, I decided to go back to A5 size as I know that insert-wise that is really the best for me in my work situation. Even though I go through the 'wouldn't it be nice to carry around a much smaller binder' thoughts at some point after having an A5 for a while.
I say that it's best regarding inserts because I think the best inserts available for my specific work needs are in A5 size. And find then when I experimented in past with smaller size inserts, it feels like I am forcing myself to try and make them work for me, all due to the desire for carrying a small binder.
As for A5, I managed to get a good 'like new' used Lockwood Garnet Red with strap closure, arrived today. Very handsome binder and like the Garnet Red color much more than expected, as it has a bit burgundy red color. So, not the bright red color I feared. Not that I don't like reds, but at work and all the meetings I go to, I don't want my binder to be the center of attention.
Anyway, that's where I am at as of now.....hopefully, it will stick for a while....
Hope all the above is clear and has some logic to it......
I came to that realization too. I love the personal sized binders but the pages are just too cramped, especially when I need to see my whole week and have some space to write. As for the Lockwood, I have one and I love it. The leather is great and the pocket layout is just right.
You mentioned that you purchased a leather cover similar to a Travelers one before December. Did you use the cover and journals at that time and then rely on just the bound journals in December?
I have a leather cover without strings. I place a notebook in one of the pockets. The covers with strings are popular online but I do not know if I would like the string on the outside of the cover. Did you not prefer the strings or the size of the paper of the bound journals?
I agree completely with you. A5 is very good size for a planner. I always used to use and carry an a5 binder with me everywhere but during the last some... years I´ve needed to retire them from active use, due to physical issues that can no longer be ignored. Still I hanker after my a5s. I am now thinking of keeping one as just a desk binder with daily pages, but then I already have a double coiled DPP-diary in its covers for domestic purposes. I also do have a diary for meetings and more official gatherings- another double coiled but this is a WO2P. This contains only "professional notes" as it is intended for just that use, I don´t need the person next to me to know when my fridge cleaning day is (it´s Wednesday. It´s noted on the a5. Moving on...) and when I polish all my shoes (Friday) and I need this diary to remain clean and easily readable in haste. I also have regular TN that is my EDC and has all. This system works like perfection. Yet... I miss the rings. I am so much more organized in rings. I even dreamed of my Malden and FC two nights ago (I have issues, obviously). I suppose you can take planning out of the rings but it is very hard to get over the memory of such ability to be organized. In fact, I have toyed with the idea that stymied from one of the podcasts. When Steve enthused over the portability of an a5 sized binder in small rings. I have tried a lot of things. I have not tried an a5 in small rings. And that knowledge is bothering me. It is bothering me so much...
I forgot to mention the size of my "official diary" and it is a4. Incredibly wonderful size for a diary! And when flipped so that you only have one a4 page in front of you, it really doesn´t eat much desk space.
The only A5 size I've used was a Frankley Covey 'classic' sized planner. Really loved the style and texture of the material, but found it just a tad too big to carry - especially when I downsize from my work tote to a purse.
I do use a bound journal ala bullet journal-style for work only and it stays on my desk at all times. Other than that, I need the flexibility of rings as well
Well, I'll be brave and start this FFAT off...... :)
ReplyDeleteAfter deciding last December to just use bound journals for my planner needs, I came to the conclusion last week, that I may have been too hasty in that decision, and decided to (once again....) get back into a ring binder.
After much reflection, I decided to go back to A5 size as I know that insert-wise that is really the best for me in my work situation. Even though I go through the 'wouldn't it be nice to carry around a much smaller binder' thoughts at some point after having an A5 for a while.
I say that it's best regarding inserts because I think the best inserts available for my specific work needs are in A5 size. And find then when I experimented in past with smaller size inserts, it feels like I am forcing myself to try and make them work for me, all due to the desire for carrying a small binder.
As for A5, I managed to get a good 'like new' used Lockwood Garnet Red with strap closure, arrived today. Very handsome binder and like the Garnet Red color much more than expected, as it has a bit burgundy red color. So, not the bright red color I feared. Not that I don't like reds, but at work and all the meetings I go to, I don't want my binder to be the center of attention.
Anyway, that's where I am at as of now.....hopefully, it will stick for a while....
Hope all the above is clear and has some logic to it......
Happy New Year,
Mark
I came to that realization too. I love the personal sized binders but the pages are just too cramped, especially when I need to see my whole week and have some space to write. As for the Lockwood, I have one and I love it. The leather is great and the pocket layout is just right.
DeleteYou mentioned that you purchased a leather cover similar to a Travelers one before December. Did you use the cover and journals at that time and then rely on just the bound journals in December?
DeleteI have a leather cover without strings. I place a notebook in one of the pockets. The covers with strings are popular online but I do not know if I would like the string on the outside of the cover. Did you not prefer the strings or the size of the paper of the bound journals?
I agree completely with you. A5 is very good size for a planner. I always used to use and carry an a5 binder with me everywhere but during the last some... years I´ve needed to retire them from active use, due to physical issues that can no longer be ignored. Still I hanker after my a5s. I am now thinking of keeping one as just a desk binder with daily pages, but then I already have a double coiled DPP-diary in its covers for domestic purposes. I also do have a diary for meetings and more official gatherings- another double coiled but this is a WO2P. This contains only "professional notes" as it is intended for just that use, I don´t need the person next to me to know when my fridge cleaning day is (it´s Wednesday. It´s noted on the a5. Moving on...) and when I polish all my shoes (Friday) and I need this diary to remain clean and easily readable in haste. I also have regular TN that is my EDC and has all. This system works like perfection. Yet... I miss the rings. I am so much more organized in rings. I even dreamed of my Malden and FC two nights ago (I have issues, obviously). I suppose you can take planning out of the rings but it is very hard to get over the memory of such ability to be organized. In fact, I have toyed with the idea that stymied from one of the podcasts. When Steve enthused over the portability of an a5 sized binder in small rings. I have tried a lot of things. I have not tried an a5 in small rings. And that knowledge is bothering me. It is bothering me so much...
ReplyDeleteI forgot to mention the size of my "official diary" and it is a4. Incredibly wonderful size for a diary! And when flipped so that you only have one a4 page in front of you, it really doesn´t eat much desk space.
DeleteThe only A5 size I've used was a Frankley Covey 'classic' sized planner. Really loved the style and texture of the material, but found it just a tad too big to carry - especially when I downsize from my work tote to a purse.
ReplyDeleteI do use a bound journal ala bullet journal-style for work only and it stays on my desk at all times. Other than that, I need the flexibility of rings as well