Moleskine Notebooks: The Ultimate Guide

Damn! I thought you were showing us a new improved way to hack our Moleskines :( I’m a Mole Person, by your standards, but I still have to find the perfect hack…

@Yaili: There’s a small feature in Todoodlist called the “Tagbook” that might interest you.

For the most part, I tend to steer clear of most of the ‘hacks’. I’m busy enough as it is! :D

Yeah, most of the days I don’t have have to eat, but I need some kind of organizing on me MS… I’ll give your ebook a try ;)

I’m afraid they still hurt my wallet too much. I pick up and put down notebooks left right and centre, tear through them scribbling and mind-mapping and jotting down middle-of-the-night notes. These scribbles would be wasted on the beauty of a moleskin. Cheap and cheerful from the corner shop does me.

Joanna

It’s a brilliant post though :-)

Oh no, you get us all excited then you put in the wrong link for the official Moleskine site. I had to insert “www” manually. With the keys on my keyboard. And of course now I’m back to paper, I’m forgetting how to use a keyboard…

@Yaili: Thanks! I hope you enjoy it.

@Joanna: They are quite expensive for notebooks, I agree. (Believe it or not, you can spend a lot more!) My local bookshop occasionally has a sale. If I get a batch of reduced ones, I’ll think of you.

@Tess: Oops! Good spot — I’ve updated the link. (Firefox 3 seems to automatically correct these things, so I don’t tend to notice them.) I’ll use your excuse that I’ve forgotten how to use the keyboard next time!

(A mere groupie writing.)

You forgot the no. 1 reason people buy Moleskine notebooks: the story. The story about Hemingway, Picasso, and Chatwin using it, so when I use it, I feel like a Hemingway or Picasso or Chatwin (depending on what I’m using my Moleskine for).

@Morten: The story behind the books is an interesting one. Believe it or not, I didn’t ‘forget’ to include it — I simply chose not to.

The reason is this: while Hemingway, Picasso et al. may have used notebooks like the Moleskine, it’s not entirely clear whether what they were using is the same branded notebook (with some exceptions).

In fact, Moleskine’s head of marketing Francesco Franceschi was quoted as saying, “It’s an exaggeration. It’s marketing, not science. It’s not the absolute truth.” [source]

I didn’t want to further propagate a myth that stems from a clever tagline with dubious factual evidence, hence the exclusion of this detail from the write-up.

Of course, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with enjoying the notebooks because great people used similar ones — if you can feel like Picasso when drawing in yours, go for it!

Absolutely fantastic post! ;-)

I use my Moleskine almost daily, for 4-5 years. Generally use fountain pens in them, most recently a Pelikan M800 w/ lamy Blue ink.

Nick, re Firefox, yes I’m wedded to it at home, but at work we’re stuck with IE. Not that I read your blog at work of course…

I bought mine just a few days ago, after going from trying to keep it all together using my expensive cellphone. Even thought it has Excel and Word on it, it doesn’t work. So I’m stepping down a notch. I have ordered a new one to just call people with, and bought a Moleskine to bring with me everywhere. Still haven’t found a way to do without my computer, though.

Forgot to mention, very glad I found your blog, added it to my list of daily feeds to read! ;-)

@Nick Cernis
“I didn’t want to further propagate a myth that stems from a clever tagline with dubious factual evidence, hence the exclusion of this detail from the write-up.”

I respect that, and to clarify: my point really wasn’t whether or not it is true; just that people buy Moleskine notebooks because they’d like to believe the story (even if it’s inaccurate).

So what! On my own rating scale I would give me a clear “8″, but here I am a flabby 5. I see, I have to work on it … ;-)

Swell. Official conformation. I’m nuts. And now I want an embossing pen. ;)

Where do you stand if you have four different Moleskines in your bag? I have the cahier large, cahier small, 12 month planner, and the small sketch (my favorite even though I don’t draw–I really like the thicker paper and it’s easy to glue things into it). I only can’t believe that I’ve held out this long on getting one of the Van Goghs. :)

Very cool, Nick.

Have you seen their 18-month diary? I swopped to paper last July. Great was my amazement when I found this baby to help me to the end of 2007 and give me a full 2008 as a bonus!

If you live on the wrong side of the equator, weak currencies can make Moleskins a little pricey. So I have discovered that Readables do a fair impersonation of Moleskins for half the price.

Someone has to be the dissenting opinion, here I go: I don’t love Moleskines. Ok, I do like them. But I would really prefer a size between the large and the small. The small is too small for me to comfortably write in. The large is too large to comfortably put in a pocket so I can carry it everywhere. I know I’m picky, but I once had a leather-like journal that was the *perfect* size and I’ve never been able to find one that perfect again. Soft, flexible, plain, not too many pages to make it bulky–it was great. Oh where can I find something like it again???

In the meantime, the Moleskine will have to do….

Hey Nick,

Thanks for posting our train! Check us out in a couple weeks. We have a ton of new stuff from a ton of different artists coming. I promise its going to be flippin sweet.

Also a word to the un-initiated. Dont fight the addiction. Let it wash over you in gentle waves. You may be scared at first, and thats okay. It will hold your hand (or you will hold it in your hand) through the first phase and its weight will comfort you. Lots of contact with the book in the first few days will break you in gently. Giddiness may last for several days.

_jp

These look very nice, but I don’t think I’ll be buying one anytime soon. For one thing, I find that when I buy something beautiful to write in I feel like I have to write something “worthy” in it, so I never actually write. And I can’t imagine using something like that for to-do or grocery lists. I like to tear out and recycle those sorts of things when I’m done with them (or when they’ve laid there so long without me doing them that they’re obsolete). I tend to just use loose leaf notebook paper – then if I’m working on multiple projects, I can put them in order in a binder, or just recycle anything that doesn’t need to be kept. But maybe I’m just neurotic. :)

I’m a groupie. :-) I try very hard to either have my red Moleskine weekly planner notebook or my lined 3 x 5 black notebook with me at all times. After resisting the concept for years, I’ve been using the planner notebook for work *and* personal stuff. I’m using it way more than the Franklin Covey daily pages I bought last year and it was probably less than half the cost.

Oh how I love the Moleskine! The boyfriend introduced me to them a few years ago. I poo-poo’d them back then because I had just spent too much money on a psuedo-arty new journal and needed to convince myself it had been worth it. I believe I was threatened by the sleek and understated beauty… Once that overpriced book was filled though, I converted and will never stray again. No technological gadget could keep me anywhere near as organized as my trusty little brown notebook. It fits in my purse, is lighter than a laptop, and loves me unconditionally.

Leslie – I hear you. Nice notebooks made me feel the same way – like anything I wrote in them had to be worth the paper space. There is something different about the mole though. It’s just so… easy, so simple and trusty and unintimidating. Sometimes I feel like I reach further into my own creativity when I write in it. It doesn’t judge me when I jot down some drivle about my day, or use 2 pages for directions to a doctor’s office and a scribbled map.

Currently a 4 on your scale, but only until I receive my new embossing pen in the mail! Thanks for that uber-nerdy tip – I love it.

hello,
I’m not sure i understand how a notebook can replace the calendar of a mobile phone or its contacts, for example, since you can easily update it and do all necessary changes without ending up with a messy scribbled book. Also if i write a note in my mobile phone, its easy to download it into my computer and use it to e-mail or whatever function is needed. Actually i’m interested in independence from my Nokia, but i’m not sure if a notebook will be a convenient replacement, especially if i have to replace one tool with 3 or more notebooks!!(one for notes, one for calendar, one phonebook)
I’d like to hear experiences and opinions before getting rid of my mobile.

Per pens, I really like the Bic 4-colour pen — they last forever and never jam. Indeed, one of the reasons I left me last job was that me boss refused to buy me a set for my cube.

I haven’t gotten into a Moleskine yet…still using sticky notes. As for pens I really like Pilot G2 Pro pen. If you want a really expensive pen I found a link that shows you how to turn a G2 Pro into a Mont Blanc, by modifying an ink refill. Heres the link: http://www.instructables.com/id/Save-$200-in-2-minutes-and-have-the-worlds-best-wr/

If you like Moleskine journals check out Pentalic’s as well generally cheeper, look and feel the same. I love mine. Though it doesn’t come with the “if found return to…” Of course I just write that in myself so it’s not that big a deal.

I can’t stand the Pilot G2 pen, it often fails to write (even brand new) leaving choppy lines and scraping the paper… blagh. My office keeps buying them from some unknown reason… probably just because they are cheep.

The best part about the Parker Jotter is that it can use Fisher (Space Pen) refills. On Moleskine paper, it’s the closest you can get to putting down words by merely thinking them.

I love Moleskines! Except I haven’t bought one myself. I got the 2008 Diary for my friend last Christmas, she loved it.

I totally agree that the understated and simpleness of it is the most appealing thing about it. The reason why I haven’t bought one is because I’m always afraid that I’m going to ‘mess it up’ because it looks so perfect!

I’m kinda anal about that..

As you noticed, I’m spreading your post. Hilarious, I can see myself here XD

I just had a fun encounter in a big department store. I asked in the stationery section if they stock any Moleskine notebooks. The assistant shook her head sadly and said, ‘No, they’re going to be very hard to find. But we do have some in buffalo skin.’ [Buffaloskine?]

this is an awesome post! I love my moleskin and couldnt live without it. I have 3 or 4 in different sizes and pages

Wowsers. I turn my back for a day and tens of moles come wriggling out from the darkness. Welcome, all! Grab yourselves some sun screen and take a seat by the bar.

@Speedmaster: Fountain pens are great. Unfortunately, I get more ink on my jeans than on the page whenever I carry one. Thanks for stopping by!

@Tess: Firefox rocks. You’ll love version 3 when it hits prime time (if you’ve not dabbled with the beta already). It’s about twice as quick.

@Jan: Hooray! Another one who’s downgraded. Don’t worry — I couldn’t leave my computer altogether either. I’d never call for a complete technology blackout; it’s just something we need to embrace selectively.

@Morten: Completely agree; stories sell. I’d buy almost anything on the back of a good one!

@Susan: Only three steps to go to madness! Step 5 is respectable enough if you ask me. :D

@Cynthia: I had no idea this post would increase sales of embossing tools overnight. I’ve had about 15 email confessions from people who’ve rushed out and bought one!

@Dustin: Four Moleskines in one bag, eh. You’ve got it pretty bad, I’d say. You’ve got to be at least a level 4 with that type of commitment. :)

@Albert: I’ve never held one of the 18 month ones. I imagine they’re a little bulkier than the 12 month weekly books? Thanks for the Readables tip.

@Victor: Perhaps cut a large one in half? No! Wait — what am I saying? That would be akin to sacrilege!

@Jordan: No probs! I completely fell in love with your designs when I saw them. It’s just lucky I’ve already got a good stock to write in, otherwise I’d have been sorely tempted! Look forward to seeing your new designs.

@Leslie & Jenny: I used to be exactly the same. I didn’t want to write in the thing because I felt I was somehow “spoiling” it. Then one day when I didn’t have anything to write on I just got stuck in, and I’ve never looked back. Once you learn not to be too precious with the contents, they’re easy to fill.

@Laura: I agree with you. Sometimes cheaper is better. It’s just a shame so many of us have to find out the expensive way!

@Michelle: “Uber-nerdy” — what a wonderful compliment. (I think.)

@Maha: It’s more to replace personal organisers than mobiles, which definitely have a place from a communication and safety angle. I’m simply suggesting that a cheap phone and a notebook can be far better than the latest PDA.

@Prolific: I remember having a 4-colour pen as a young lad. I spent hours trying to get all four colours writing at once. Suffice to say, it broke!

@Shawn: Thanks for the link. I’d not seen the “upgraded” G2 before either.

@hyrcan: Thanks for the tip, and for sharing your experience of the G2.

@E. Night: I had no idea about the Space Pen refills and the Parker Jotter. Thanks for the info!

@Atka: Thanks for spreading the word. :)

@m_s: That’s priceless! There’s an untapped market there, I’m sure.

@Danny: Another multi-moler. Welcome to the gang!

–

Have a great weekend everyone.

I shocked all my friends by saying: “Look, I bought a new notebook — and it is just about *this* big” (size of a small moleskine) Knowing the kind of geek I am, they invariably thought I bought some really small ultraportable laptop.
No one really believed me that a paper-based notebook could actually be useful enough to spend 11 Euros on it, but then again they haven’t tried yet.

THANK YOU for todoolists, indeed, life is simpler with them. And thank you for mentioning the moleskines — I couldn’t find anything more suitable for notetaking than a small blank moleskine.

How much for “Goodbye gadgets, Hello Moleskine” on a t-shirt with the associated graphics? Seriously Nick. Great work as always. Damn you!

A t-shirt would be cool, really ;)smartly designed of course!

Ack! I missed the party, Nick – a seriously great party, I might add, I loved this a lot.

I rank a Level 5 on the Moleskale (err, sort of, my hack consists of a symbiotic relationship with a Hipster PDA and a nice gel pen – the hPDA is like the computer memory, and the Moleskine is the hard disk), and I love my Moleskines. A few people ask me about them. They don’t understand… (the feel of the ink on the paper, the smell…)

Still laughing at the picture of the mole – cute little guy.

Thanks for the words – Brett

Wow, impressive guide. I have a Moleskine but I can’t justify spending so much on them when all I’d do would scribble and doodle in it. And when they are so classy and expensive how could I ever even do just that?

BTW, I have a collection of Moleskine hacks, is it worthy of adding to the list Nick?

I’ve been at Moleskale 1 for months and months, feeling I needed to *earn* the precious thing. After reading this, I’m over that—going Moleskale 2 today!

So glad I found you through Brett’s Commentluv, or I would have had to wait until my 100th post…AGES!

Your influence is a dangerous thing, don’t let it out at night unattended ;)

Great post – I do believe you’ve covered all the levels of Moleskine addiction and I have to say I’m hovering between level 7 and 8!! I’m right there with you! Portable, practical, tactile, sensuous. Yes, I really said that! I like the feel of book – the paper quality, its compactness (I like the how the pocket size fits my purse beautifully), the ephemera pocket, ribbon marker, and the elastic. Thanks for the Moleskale – it made me laugh!

Ooh, I was just mentioning my beloved Moleskine in my own blog! Imagine my shock to find that I am only at a level 3 addiction. To my credit, I had no idea these other things were out there. Embossing? Custom designs? Oh, me. I know where all my disposable income goes forthwith.

I’m a level 3 (thankfully!) ;)
Though I do tend to buy ‘em three at a time.

After years of trying, I’ve yet to find a PDA/mobile device that’s as easy to get information into and out of as a Moleskine. :)

Never suffered from any data loss either.

J

the PILOT G2 PEN is a GOD SEND! I just went and bought a pack of 10 from Wal-Mart for $6.99 I believe and I love each and every one of them.

I just purchased my first moleskin about a month ago, mainly for design sketches and blog post writing, but I find that I’m using it more for “idea / mind mapping” on business related topics. Definitely going to grab 2-3 more soon to have them ready to go.

I personally don’t like keeping my “to-do list” inside the book. feels like a waste of saved space. A year from now, I’d rather look back and see a bunch of business ideas and drawings of website layouts rather then “get swiss cheese, get a hair cut, sleep more” lol. Plus, I have a huge stack of stick it notes, so those are my “to do list” papers, but mainly keep everything on one of two whiteboards I have on the wall.

Great post. As far as pens I happen to like Tul gel pens, they are great stuff. When it comes to Moleskine notebooks I happen to love them because among other things they are left handed friendly (unlike spiral notebooks!)

Thanks!
Matt

@Matt – yeah, I forgot to mention the whole left handed friendly aspect of a Moleskin as well :) I hate spiral notebooks for that reason.

Hi Nick,
I tend to wear cargo pants for my “job” and the Moleskine fits comfortably into one of the large pockets.

I’ve found it to be much quicker to just jot notes and cross out when accomplished.

Level 2 for me.

Best,
Coop

Stumbler here.

I think a good pen for noting thing is a bic atlantis. It’s a standard pen, not gel. But I have found they work for a long time and write really smooth.

Good things for small notepads, and when you carry only one pen.

well, i’m not too sure which level i am. i’m a multi-user and carrier (level 3) but have a large supply waiting and in it are several of those beautiful First Annual Exhibit Limited Editions (level 7)… humm…

Have just found you via Naomi Durnford.

Have just read Todoodlist – which is fantastic.

And, now Moleskins.

What a brilliant post! Have been a Moleskin addict for more years than I care to admit. I buy the packs of 3 Moleskin ruled journals for daily workbooks – it so gratifying to write in them – can’t describe it any better than that.
Thanks for being so entertaining – an oasis of joy in a desert of mediocrity

Moleskine alternatives: For about half the cost check out Black n’ Red Quad ruled 8.5 x 6 inches, spiral bound. Good quality paper. Folds flat for lefties and for taking notes on small lecture-hall style desks. They also come with a bound spine. I’m also a big fan of Miquelrius notebook – all kinds.

Thanks to you, I’ve hacked my first Moleskine and I carry two of them with me everywhere. One for my tasks/appointments/blog related thoughts and one for the spur of the moment, don’t forget that number/item/address etc. lists.

Just a quick note re: pens. The “Bullet” Fisher Space Pen is an absolute joy to use with Moleskines. They’re brilliant for portability, especially if you’ve got one of the pocket Moleskines (as I have), as well as writing very well.

Just picked up my first pocked lined one a few days back along with the memo index to help keep my wallet clutter free. I’m also a gadget geek, but there are times when I just want to jot notes down on paper and not keep tapping away at a mini keyboard.

I always use the pocket Moleskines – I do have a large sketchbook at home but it’s been empty for months as I’m afraid to use it! After burning through a couple of lined pocket notebooks, I pulled out the squared notebook I’ve had for a couple years now and I’ve found I actually like it better. For one, I can tilt it 90 degrees and write with the pages oriented landscape (like a Nintendo DS), so that it works more like one big page. I find this far less awkward for writing on the bus than holding it like a book. I bought another one today, my first unlined, for sketching, but my next will probably be a squared again.

Hey Nick,

My wife thinks I have major Moleskine issues. Obviously I don’t after reading this post. Some real notebook sickos out there. I have Moleskines by vibes, creative book, spiritual/journal, business, I do confess to customizing the covers with a laser. It really is not unlike someone who takes cosmetic surgery past the tipping point. Thanks for the post, I can show my wife I should not be committed for my Moleskine fetish. Ruled and plain are my flavors. Keep up the great site, I enjoy it!

Gotta agree about being addicted to notebooks… after years of trying fancy planners, PDAs, web software… I returned to exploring notebooks. Tried them all – spirals, binder-style, hardcover… nothing seemed to come in the right size, thickness and general appeal that could be used as a portable writing device.

And then I came across Moleskins!!! The perfect thickness, fit beautfully into my backpocket or comfortable carry in my hand, and the sheer beauty of its simplicity! I think I fell straight through to the fifth level, and currently jumping to Level 8 where I’m documenting my elaborate system of hacks for the ultimate in organizing awesomeness through Moleskin… will post link here when it’s up. Meanwhile, write on Moles! (eugh… that was corny and lame… sorry!)

my name is jake, and I have a notebook problem…

i keep buying new blank notebooks, especially moleskins. but the pressure is too great to write in them… but i buy more.

…i love paper…

My favorite Moleskine is the small notebook, with graph paper.

In the back packet? An iPod Touch! [Yes, it fits great]

Best of both worlds!

As someone who has been journaling between 1/2 hour and 2 hours every single day for the last 20 years (ok, give or take a day or two), I am, by necessity, an avid aficionado of fine (yet affordable) paper and pen. Moleskine does make a great product… the paper is velvety smooth yet substantial. However, I have stopped using their notebooks because, DANG IT, they do not carry a spiral-bound version! God knows, they carry every other type, including graph paper. When I’m sitting there writing (I write on my patio, with my notebook on my lap and my feet up on a chair), I need to be able to have a notebook that not only opens, but STAYS put on both sides, without my non-writing hand having to hold it. Otherwise, it’s just too awkward.

As for pens, I have tried dozens and dozens, and Pilot G2 is a good one for everyday use. However, I will not use it to do my writing. If I’m writing anywhere from 5 to 20 pages in a sitting, I need a pen that won’t tire my hand. The only pen that will do the job is a fountain pen, which I’ve been using for years (a $40 Waterman). I can write for hours and hours and my hand never gets tired. Not to mention, it’s a joy to use.

I’ve only ever used Waterman, because it was relatively cheap compared to other fountain pens, but if someone has suggestions as far as other brands/models, I’d love to hear.

Great post… I’m a level four if you include covering your moleskine with all sorts of stickers. Found them years ago at Charrette and just can’t get enough. Might have to look into embossing. Thanks for the good read!

@jstorerj

Helle,

great article!!

This won’t be for advanced moleskine-users, but you should take a look at pocket-mod if you ever feel your notebook is too big. I always carry a pocket-mod with me, because it is so small:
http://www.pocketmod.com/

I call it my Personal Analog Organizer :D

Bye

@ Gabrielle do check richardink.com he hand makes fountains pens and they are just superb. He is also still selling them far too cheaply……..!

The best pen on the market is the Pentel EnerGel 0.5 mm. The Pilot Precise V5 is another good one. The G2 is for amateurs.

Try using a Sharpie Ultra Fine Point with your MS. The results are fantastic.

I’m definitely at #8: I designed my website around the moleskine!

You are stating ~ £9 for the Parker Jotter Ballpoint. I can only find them for around £30 online. Do you know where to get them cheaper?

Regards,

Ballpoint

Thanks for the great response everyone!

@Ballpoint: I found several sources selling it for even less than £9 by searching Google for parker jotter ballpoint. Try here.

@Gabrielle, I felt the same way about scribblin’ books…spiral or nothing. I don’t like fighting to right on the backside of the page. BUT…

The reporter moleskine works a treat! Not a spiral, but the binding on the short edge is trouble-free whichever side of the page I’m writing on. I’m a third of the way through my pages and it still behaves well.

May not be the right answer for you, but maybe worth a try? ~CW

Can there be a category of just being OK/meh with it? I’m in number 2 but am not so happy with it.

I’m also a bit bitter about the price point. Normal notebooks are so much cheaper. In my part of the world I would have been able to buy 55 regular notebooks for the price of a Moleskine. These guys must be making a killing. No way could their special paper cost that extra extra more.

While I understand the love that other people have for these things I think the hype level should be brought down a little bit.

I’m at level five. I can’t quite justify a full-sized one. I prefer spiral bound for writing since they lay flat. But my pocket Moleskine goes everywhere with me. My full-size notebook is actually a Reveal sleeve. Sort of like those portfolio’s for legal pads. But made for spiral notebooks. P.S. I tried to subscribe but somehow your feed url redirects to your homepage.

@Chat: You’re right — it’s just a notebook, after all. I feel the hype is deserved in this case, and nowhere near the attention that the iPhone gets. I wanted people to realise that simple, relatively low-cost objects can trump high-tech gadgetry.

@Stephan. Thanks for the heads up on the feed issue, which I’ve now fixed. Feel free to subscribe here: http://feeds.feedburner.com/PutThingsOff/

You should try this: http://www.pocketmod.com They are smaller, cheaper and customizable to your heart will.

I thought for a moment that I was okay having just two Moleskines, one large one, and one smaller one for my back pocket – but then I remembered I also have 3 limited edition Sigur Rós Moleskines that I picked up at a gig (The single best post-gig purchase I have ever made!) so I guess I’m edging much further up the ranks then I first thought!

@Paul — I’ve seen the Sigur Rós Moleskines, and wish I’d bought a few. Great music, great notebooks, great taste! Thanks for stopping by.

hmm….
I have done 1-3, started the ongoing 4,5,and 6 combined, and am looking into 8(no debossing yet though) where does that put me? I love the cahiers in squared!!!

Oh my. I think I fall squarely in level six. I get all my Moleskines laser-etched and keep them in beautiful cases made by Working Class Heroes.

http://www.workingclassheroes.com/

I highly recommend their work.

Does sewing my own cover make me Level 7 1/2? :)

Hey Nick — have you seen this: http://www.engraveyourbook.com

It’s QUITE the idea!!!

I recently stumbled across these:

http://www.renaissance-art.com/catg114/categoryMaster.aspx

Very nice leather covers for your Moleskine products, in a variety of styles colours and sizes.

You know, if you want to step it up a level… :)

not sure if this has been discussed, but pronunciation is debatable. i used to say “mole’-skin” but then i called the European Paper Company (the moleskine supplier in the U.S.) to re-order, and they answered the phone with “mol-a-skeen’-a”. whoa. so i checked on their website and found it there, too (http://www.moleskinenotebook.com/moleskine-about.html.

perhaps this more italian pronunciation should be reserved for a moleskale point between 5 and 6 called Molesnob (pronounced “mole’-snob” for the general public, but “mol-a-snob’-ee” for those in the know).

thanks for the great post!

No mention of this clever “hack” (perhaps an oversite): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OalKhjiKRbk

@Yaili – what do you write in a moleskine?

There are a few points not made here and other Moleskin loving websites that I believe deserve to be spoken about.

1.) Moleskin is not just any notebook. Yes, you can buy a cheap notebook for 1/5 the cost of a moleskin, but the pages are that eye-searing shade of white, the paper is thin, ink always bleeds through, and your precious thoughts and to-do lists will not be kept well. There is no archival-quality paper, and it’s hard to find a notebook that will lie flat, unless I’m willing to break the binding, or go for a spiral which will get bent out of shape. There is something to be said for sheer quality. My moleskin is going to keep my thoughts and notes intact for a long time. I take it to the beach. I let it drop. I generally abuse it, and it survives. That’s quality, and it is worth paying for.

2.) On digital vs. paper… I myself am a techie. I love electronic organization and all that jazz… Still use it. But, there is more to writing than it just “feels good.” For people like me, writing, more than typing, helps me REMEMBER things. It imprints it in my brain. It is a memory tool. Besides, I can’t doodle or sketch next to my notes on a PDA. Nor can I chuck my PDA around like I can my Moleskin. My moleskin will never stop working if I accidentally drop it.

3.) I am a perfectionist by nature and love to come home with nice shiny new journals and notebooks, just waiting for brilliant epiphanies and monastery-caliber caligraphic handwriting to pour out sublime genius onto the blank pages. But, I am smart enough to realize that that is never going to happen, and even if it did, I won’t notice it at the time and if I’m intimidated to write upon such a beautiful thing, nothing will ever come of it (brilliant or otherwise.) Therefore, everytime I get a new Moleskin, I take the cheapest Sharpie I can find, open up to the first page and scribble the most unsightly scribble there. The notebook is thus now imperfect, and I can pour out all manner of drivel and scratch-0uts and inane daily musings upon the following pages without a single shred of guilt to hold me back.

4.) Pens. I like fountain pens– cheap ones, since I can only dream about the more expensive ones. I feel it is better for the environment than just chucking out ever used-up Bic I’ll find myself finishing. Plus, when I am extremely inspired I will write faster and clutch the pen harder, and a fountain pen helps me ease up so I don’t get a bad writers cramp.

Finally, design goes hand in hand with function. If it’s simultaneously beautiful and functional, it will appeal to many. If it is only beautiful and not practical, it doesn’t make sense to use, if it’s only functional, it is not very inspiring even if it works, I believe that the Moleskin is appealing because it is both beautiful and functional and a quality item.

To get more of my favourite Moleskine Cahiers, I traveled to Madrid from San Sebastian then walked half the city to locate the only shop in the city that sold the Cahiers – then I bought nine of them!

I just bought one because of your post.

I was not sure what kind of pen(cil) to get, but then I saw a package of 144 golf pencils.

They are the perfect size, and having 144 means sharpening is optional for awhile.

@Morten –

Very interesting. I got into Moleskine books around 2002 or 2003 before they were actually popular in the U.S. (or at least in northern California). I didn’t care for the story about Hemingway, Chatwick etc. who have used it. It didn’t matter to me.

What I liked was quality, consistency, availability, and functionality. I first used Moleskine for my own personal journals, then as field research notebooks, and then on to reading notebooks etc.

What I like about the Moleskine notebooks is that they can lie-flat when being written on. This is really important and a feature often missing from other thick blank journals. Many blank journals, including expensive ones, are bound in such a way that they cannot lie flat when opened making writing in middle portions of the book a very tedious, uninviting experience.

The other feature about the Moleskine notebooks I like is that they have an elastic closer to keep the notebooks shut which I like.

And finally, my favourite kind of paper to write on is graph (square-lined) paper. In the United States, it is very difficult to find blank journals that come with graph paper. In some countries, using graph paper to write is quite common but not in the U.S.

I despise regular lined paper because it forces you to follow its own line-spacing. Sometimes I want something smaller than single-space and sometimes I want something in-between double-space etc. Graph paper is able to accommodate this habit of mine.

Blank paper would work okay for this habit but the graph paper guides me in a straight line else my lines tend to go upwards.

Finally, with graph paper, I have the freedom to insert a table or chart with ease.

In other words, graph paper acts an invisible grid for me. It is actually visible but once the paper is written on, my eyes don’t pay attention to the graphed lines in the background any more.

Currently my favourite Moleskine are the large size in graph paper in the format of hard cover, soft cover, or the cahier variety.

@Thibault –

Oh…I also wanted to say:

why not recommend fountain pen for the notebooks?

I have long since moved away from ballpoint pens which I generally don’t like because they are too thick. Even the ones with the fine tip are not fine enough.

I have occasionally used rollerballs but also don’t like them much because the ink flows too fast, the tip is too thick.

I gravitate between technical pencils (i.e., lead-holders) and my two fountain pens.

Fountain pens are a joy to use. With each fountain pen, you get at least two nib sizes automatically. Hold is the regular way and you get your “regular” tip (whatever it be) or hold is so the broadside of the tip is closest to the paper and you get a finer tip.

I am obsessed now. I currently am using plain graph cahiers. The graph paper sure helps with customization and organization. I have also added green dots to the cover of the one I use for random junk and carry everywhere, so it is easily distinguishable from the rest of mine.

You fail to mention the “Moleskine smell” which is a big part of the Moleskine addicition. It smells just like new money (in the US anyway) – which is probably why a little notebook costs $15 in the first place. :)

I carry two moleskins with me at all times. My general notebook (reserved for notes, grocery lists, etc) and my academic planner. I have a series of colored micron pens and each element of my life is color coded and recorded in either of those two notebooks. Sometimes both. I feel naked without them in my purse/backpack. I also keep many of my class notes in the larger soft cover notebooks. I love how you can bend them back.

Got my fist one today. It is the 2008 2009 Planner Notebook. I already love the feel, and the comfort of it in my hand. I will definitely be getting more of these wonderful books. I got mine for a discount using my Borders Reward Coupon.

Well hello.

I stumbled upon your blog today and I’m delighted to “meet” you.

Especially since you also spell organised with an s :)

I’m from South Africa, by the way, and I’ll join you with the tea stereotype (in fact, I’m drinking a mug of Earl Grey as we speak).

And that Pilot 0.7 pen is my absolutely favourite – I have them in almost every colour and I don’t think I’ll ever change to anything else. They are absolutely yummy to write with.

@Marcia Francois, Organising Queen – I bought two more Moleskine products today. I bought an address book and a soft, lined, 5×81/4 notebook to use as a journal. Three products in a weeks time. I am becoming addicted. I use a pilot G2 pen to write with. Uh Oh

I love that website. I just purchased the basic satchel. I bought it for myself as a birthday gift. I have not received it yet as they had to make it. I am sure I will buy a cover for my moleskine journal.

Originally Posted By Brett LegreeI recently stumbled across these:

http://www.renaissance-art.com/catg114/categoryMaster.aspx

Very nice leather covers for your Moleskine products, in a variety of styles colours and sizes.

You know, if you want to step it up a level… :)

saweet, i just found my new note book!

In the movie “Bottle Shock”, I think a reporter was using a Moleskine notebook.

I too am a paper addict. I love planners, diaries, stationary, lovely pens and pencils, so this post appealed to me. I use a Franklin Covey day planner and I have a few Moleskine-like notebooks. But after reading about the joy of a real Moleskine, I drove around town yesterday looking to a store that carries them. Finally found my 1st notebook at Barnes & Noble Bookstore.

What level am I on now?

I bought my first Moleskine about 7 weeks ago and immediately fell in love with it. I lost it two weeks later and was bereft. I immediately had to go out and buy a new small lined one to write my thoughts and jot down small reminders. There is something magical about them. They ‘MAKE’ you write or draw in them. 7 weeks later Ive also bought a big one to use for notetaking and to do lists at work.. I’ve already purchase some G2 pens and a whole pack of coloured gel pens to add colour to i.. As you can see it’s already sparking an addiction. Together with my iPhone I think I have the perfect tech/non tech combo. .

Very nice information. Thanks for this.

Excellent description of a Moleskine! I just bought one today and I’m pretty excited about it.

I wanted a Moleskine for the longest time, but my fountain pen bleeds through the pages.

I would have thought a brand that boasts Picasso and Chatwin as having used their product would have made something suitable for the pens they used.

Disappointed.

I have to say that I am really impressed by it is to go through your blogand getting things rolling, this is an excellent site.

I love my 3 Moleskines! Awesome Books for every Lifetime! I can´t live without!

I’m on my third as well, and this time I’ve done some slight hacks to separate work notes from other areas that I’m interested. May have to move up to the hacks that have multiple bookmark ribbons.

This is a long shot but does anyone know of any company’s that do branded moleskin diaries in South Africa (preferably Cape Town)?