Free For All Friday - No. 886 (20th anniversary edition)

Photo by Matthew Ball on Unsplash

 

Twenty years ago, I set down my frustrating electronic organizer and dug my Filofax out of a shoebox in the closet. In a world dominated by Palm Pilots, Moleskine notebooks, and index card solutions, I needed a community. And then I found a lonely blog started by a guy who called himself Philofaxer. I immediately offered my services. People started commenting on my meagre posts. I noticed that some of those comments were better than the aforementioned posts, so I asked their authors—Steve and Laurie—to help with the workload. 

Soon, these two talented individuals took the idea of a Filofax community and ran with it, quickly creating a global clan of like-minded individuals, many of whom have become dear friends well beyond having a favorite organizer in common. And with that bit of history, I'll let my co-bloggers take it from here.

— Nan 

 

I'm very grateful to Nan for putting her trust in me and inviting me along with Laurie to join her on Philofaxy back in 2009. It has been quite a ride since then. I never imagined back in 2009 what we would create together and all the different things we would do. Like Nan I've made lots of friends via the blog, meeting lots of people face to face in meet ups in USA, Canada, UK, France, The Netherlands and Belgium. 

Our social media presence has grown to thousands of people on Facebook and Instagram and other platforms too. 

I would also like to thank the various manufacturers that have supported Philofaxy over the years and sent us samples to review. A big thank you to Filofax UK, Van der Spek, Gillio, William Hannah, MeePlus and others. 

The blog wouldn't be the blog with all our favourite guest posters, and of course all the people that comment on the blog. 20 years and forty-eight thousand comments, that's quite a total against the 6900 posts! 

–– Steve

 

I first discovered Philofaxy way back when my second child had just been born and I was dealing with a lot of change, international moves, and generally feeling like I needed something to help me feel more in control of my life. 

I remember checking the blog every day, hoping a new post would be up and someone, anyone, would give me some Filofax advice! I did several lengthy (and cringeworthy) comments under the username worldwide, until Nan generously invited me to join Philofaxy as a regular contributor.

Now Philofaxy is a wealth of information about all things Filofax, thanks to all the contributors including Nan, Steve, Anita, Eve, and all the readers who have commented over the years!

Philofaxy has gone from being my lone resource of Filofax related information, to a beacon in the overwhelming storm of information available online. As always, this is the first place I come for Filofax inspiration. 

Many thanks to the wonderful Philofaxy community including those of us who have been here a long time as well as newer readers!

–– Laurie

 

I bought my first Filofax back in the mid-1980s, and at the time no one else I knew had one. Discovering Philofaxy years later was like finding my people! It’s amazing how this community has brought together so many planner enthusiasts from around the world. 

Over the years, I’ve learned countless tips, been inspired in more ways than I can count, and most importantly, made genuine friendships. 

I’m so grateful for this community; for Nan, Steve, Laurie, Anita and everyone who has kept Philofaxy going strong. 

Happy 20th anniversary, and here’s to many more wonderful years to come!

–– Eve

 

I purchased my first Filofax in 2009 after reading David Allen's Getting Things Done book, but only discovered Philofaxy a few years after that. I joined Philofaxy in 2012 and then rejoined again in 2019 after a break due to family commitments. It never occurred to me back in 2009 that there would be such a wonderful community, and like the other have mentioned, I've met many lovely people and been so inspired by the kind contributions from others. Thank you to all of you for your continued support and engagement. 

–– Anita 

 

And as always on Fridays, please feel free to discuss anything organiser related. I hope that you have a great weekend.