N.B. To buy any of the items featured in this post, see the “resources” section at the bottom of this page. 
Moleskine madness
There is a growing affliction amongst paper lovers: an addiction to the Moleskine brand of notebooks.
When I gave up on ta-da list and abandoned my PDA, my Moleskine filled the gap. This post is proof that a simple, quality notebook can give you just as much of a buzz as owning the latest iPhone, Palm, Blackberry or other device.
It will also introduce the Moleskale, a light-hearted tool for determining how high up the ladder your addiction to Moleskine has taken you.
Goodbye gadgets
After years spent tracking the latest gadget trends, handing over my credit card for a PDA upgrade every 4-6 months, and receiving odd glances in public for reading The Gawkish Geek’s Guide to Gadgets (monthly), I gave up my fancy gizmos and electronic organisers for good.
Hello Moleskine
In recognition of the intense effort it takes for a self-confessed gadget geek to drop his ‘habit’, I hope you won’t mind when I admit to replacing it with another: the love of Moleskine notebooks. These simple notebooks are both beautiful and relatively gentle on the wallet.
The Moleskine brand
So what’s the big deal about these little books?
The Moleskine brand offers a range of high-quality, expertly-bound books in a smooth fake leather cover dubbed “Moleskine.” The Italian brand was purchased in 2006 for 60 million Euros by French giant Societe Generale. The notebooks are a wonderful example of understated features and attention to detail combining to create something rather special. Rounded corners, an elastic strap, a hidden pocket at the back, and a bound-in fabric bookmark all add to the experience.
The crowning touch is the printing of “In case of loss, please return to…” on the first page of every book, a feature normally reserved for diaries, which reinforces the notion that Moleskine notebooks are objects to be treasured. The idea was suggested by author Bruce Chatwin, who was so fond of travelling with the notebooks that he ordered one hundred of them. Chatwin famously said:
“To lose a passport was the least of one’s worries. To lose a notebook was a catastrophe.”
The two most popular sizes are pocket (9×14cm) and ‘large’ (13×21cm).
Notebook varieties
Here are the common notebook varieties. (Not shown here: watercolour, storyboard, music and info types.)
The Moleskine diaries
In addition to the notebooks range, Moleskine offer a selection of diaries too:
Other Moleskine miscellany
There are a wide range of relatively recent additions to the Moleskine range. These include cahier, city guides, soft cover, and volant (coloured) editions. 
The cost (and value)
So how much does the ultimate notebook cost? At the time of writing, a large notebook will rob your purse of about £11 (or around $16 in the USA and €15 in Europe). For something that probably has a similar lifetime to a PDA, it’s not bad value.
Are they worth the premium price when compared to cheaper notebooks? That’s up to you. For me, there’s no contest. Moleskine notebooks are a simple pleasure. They’re significantly cheaper than their electronic cousins too. Plus, they never crash or run out of juice, so they’re far easier to fall in love with.
Which should you buy?
It depends! I suggest you try the following two:
My recommendations
1) The “large” lined notebook (hard cover): Great for your notes and todoodlists. At just 13×21cm, it’s very portable — “medium” would probably be a more fitting name for its size (just under A5 in ISO paper size equivalent). Many people prefer the unlined edition. Try both.
2) The 12 month weekly diary: The same size as your large lined notebook, you can carry these two around or slip them in a backpack with no trouble. Some prefer the combined 12 month diary planner with built-in notebook, but I like the extra space the weekly diary offers.
Recommended pens and pencils
Once you get into posh notebooks, you’ll find yourself drifting towards fancy writing implements too. It’s easy to go crazy here and spend silly sums of money. Don’t. If you must splash out on something as mundane as a pen or pencil, set a low budget and stick to it.
If you find yourself paying for a pencil on a credit card, you know you’ve truly lost the plot. Likewise, you don’t need an executive power pen to enjoy writing. You might like the idea of signing your cheques with the $600 “Compensator” you’ve seen in the jeweller’s window, but your family won’t be so impressed when you tell them it’s rat-on-toast for dinner again tonight.
Here are three cheap-to-mid-range items I use and recommend:
The Pilot G2 Pen
This simple low-cost pen is a joy to write with. Precise and comfortable, it’s one of the best high quality pens you’ll find for the money. Oh, and it’s refillable too. (Approx £2/$3 for the pen. Refills vary.)
The Parker Jotter Ballpoint
(with Gel ink)
This deliciously understated design from Parker is my daily workhorse. I use and recommend Parker’s gel-based ink for a wonderfully smooth writing experience. (Approx £9/$15)
Faber-Castell’s Perfect Pencil (UFO style)
For £24 (or about $45 in the USA) you can buy the best pencil you’ll ever use. The cap features a built-in pencil sharpener and a clip that allows you to carry the thing without spearing yourself. They come in black too, just in case you’re a graphic designer or something. (N.B. You only need buy the cap once. The pencil ‘refills’ are much cheaper!)
Do you really need this stuff?
No you don’t. Quite frankly it’s all just a wonderful luxury. You can spend a tenth of the money and still have a notebook and pencil that are perfectly functional. And, in the words of Hamlet, there’s the rub.
When you spend a lot of time writing, you don’t just want functional. You want beautiful. You need a writing experience. You seek a connection with the page that enhances the writing process; a combination of notebook and pen(cil) that encourages you to think of writing as a pleasure, not a mundane chore.
If you think this is a little over-the-top — that falling for an inanimate notebook is simply too intense — you probably need to buy one to understand. But be warned: once you do, there’s no turning back.
Introducing the Moleskale: ranking your addiction since 2008
There is a definite variation in the level of ‘commitment’ (read: insanity) from the Moleskine enthusiasts scattered across the globe. This simple chart that I’ve dubbed the Moleskale attempts to categorise them.
As well as showing you which level you fall into, I hope it will reassure you that you’re not alone! Let’s quickly break down those levels in detail.
Level 1: Wanting one
The first level consists of all the poor souls who’ve been convinced by friends, relatives, and strangers that they need to own one of the cursed things. For some of you, I suspect that reading this article has placed you firmly on this level. (For the record: I’m not sorry at all. The more people who like these things, the less insane I’ll seem. Welcome aboard the crazy bus! Destination: Moleville)
Level 2: Buying your first one
When you find a shop that sells them (see the resources section below), and strike up the courage to break one of your larger notes by buying one, you’ve climbed onto level 2. Congratulations! It gets easier from here on, I promise.
Level 3: Carrying it everywhere
When you’ve dared yourself to taint your prized possession by marking that first page, you’ll either discard it and wonder what the big deal was, or you’ll discover it’s something you want to carry with you everywhere. Like your keys and wallet, it will start to become one of the things you check for as you pack your bags and leave the house. You should probably stop at this level. Unfortunately, many people don’t.
Level 4: Visual customisation
If you’ve had your Moleskine notebook debossed (or done it yourself, like my todoodlist notebook below) you fall into level 4.
You can also have it done professionally. The results lack the ‘handmade charm’ you get when tattooing your own book with an embossing pen, but some may prefer the precision that pro debossing offers:
[Image sources: Apple Moleskine | WordPress Moleskine]
Finally, if you purchase a notebook that’s been customised by an artist or illustrator (like the one below), you’ve also reached level 4 in your addiction.
[Pictured: The Train by Modofly]
Level 5: Functional customisation (Moleskine ‘hacks’)
Now we’re starting to get serious. If you’ve reached level 5, you’ve got it bad. Congratulations: you’re a fully-fledged Mole person.
Moleskine ‘hacks’ consist of adapting your notebook to add additional functionality, such as a pen holder. Quite why you’d want to waste your time doing this baffles me (level 4 was bad enough), but it’s an important part of diagnosing the condition, which is why it’s on the Moleskale.
For documented evidence, check out the videos on the instructables website.
Level 6: Moleskine covers and cases
At this point, you might as well just give up and buy a PDA. That said, I equally admire and feel sorry for anyone who wishes to protect their notebook further than is necessary by enclosing it in a dedicated case.
In all honesty, some of them are quite fun. Who knows how I’ve managed to resist so far?
[From a range by Erin Leigh. Visit her shop at Etsy.]
Level 7: Moleskine collecting
The penultimate stage is characterised by a desire to seek, pursue, and make silly offers on limited edition Moleskine items.
One of the most sought-after right now is the Moleskinerie limited edition notebook from their first annual exhibit in January 2008.
Level 8: Writing “the ultimate guide” to Moleskine
I confess: I’m stark-raving bonkers. While I’ve not ‘hacked’ my Moleskine notebooks, bought a dedicated Moleskine cover, or actively sought to purchase limited edition notebooks, I fully admit that writing a guide about Moleskine should see me skip a few levels and put me on a wacky one of my own.
Lock me up and throw away the key if you must; just leave me a notebook to write on before you do!
Is there a cure?
No.
Seriously?
Sorry! The truth hurts, doesn’t it? Once you’ve been bitten by The Mole, there’s no turning back.
Resources and links
This post was not sponsored. All links and recommendations, including the ones that follow, are my own. Please use your own judgement when purchasing — I’ve not bought items from all of the sources below.
If you’d like to feature your link here, or know something I’ve missed, email me at nickcernis@gmail.com
If you enjoyed this feature, please digg it. Thanks!
Official Moleskine links
Moleskine city guides and blogs
Detour – Moleskine exhibitions and interviews
UK Moleskine suppliers
Moleskine UK [Good prices. Free UK shipping.]
Mojo London [Free UK shipping. Also ship internationally.]
US Moleskine suppliers
Worldwide list of Moleskine suppliers
Moleskine distributors worldwide
Fan sites, articles and other resources
Moleskine illustrations, covers, cases and more on Etsy
Moleskinerie [essential viewing!]
Moleskine hacks from Dave Terry.
Moleskine hacks from Organize IT
Moleskine hack from Wess Daniels
The Perfect Pencil
Perfect Pencil in Brown [UK & international]
Perfect Pencil in Black [UK & international]
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April 2nd, 2008 at 10:25 am
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…
April 2nd, 2008 at 10:29 am
@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!
April 2nd, 2008 at 10:38 am
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
April 2nd, 2008 at 11:22 am
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
April 2nd, 2008 at 11:46 am
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…
April 2nd, 2008 at 11:54 am
@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!
April 2nd, 2008 at 12:02 pm
(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).
April 2nd, 2008 at 12:22 pm
@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!
April 2nd, 2008 at 1:09 pm
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.
April 2nd, 2008 at 1:10 pm
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…
April 2nd, 2008 at 1:10 pm
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.
April 2nd, 2008 at 1:15 pm
Forgot to mention, very glad I found your blog, added it to my list of daily feeds to read!
April 2nd, 2008 at 1:47 pm
@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).
April 2nd, 2008 at 2:13 pm
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 …
April 2nd, 2008 at 2:23 pm
Swell. Official conformation. I’m nuts. And now I want an embossing pen.
April 2nd, 2008 at 2:34 pm
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.
April 2nd, 2008 at 3:20 pm
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.
April 2nd, 2008 at 3:24 pm
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….
April 2nd, 2008 at 3:32 pm
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
April 2nd, 2008 at 4:06 pm
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.
April 2nd, 2008 at 4:42 pm
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.
April 2nd, 2008 at 6:43 pm
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.
April 2nd, 2008 at 6:56 pm
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.
April 2nd, 2008 at 7:19 pm
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.
April 2nd, 2008 at 7:46 pm
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/
April 2nd, 2008 at 9:31 pm
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.
April 3rd, 2008 at 6:11 am
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.
April 3rd, 2008 at 7:04 am
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..
April 3rd, 2008 at 12:22 pm
As you noticed, I’m spreading your post. Hilarious, I can see myself here XD
April 3rd, 2008 at 1:39 pm
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?]
April 3rd, 2008 at 1:49 pm
this is an awesome post! I love my moleskin and couldnt live without it. I have 3 or 4 in different sizes and pages
April 4th, 2008 at 3:37 pm
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.
@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.
April 4th, 2008 at 6:23 pm
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.
April 5th, 2008 at 11:43 am
How much for “Goodbye gadgets, Hello Moleskine” on a t-shirt with the associated graphics? Seriously Nick. Great work as always. Damn you!
April 5th, 2008 at 1:51 pm
A t-shirt would be cool, really ;)smartly designed of course!
April 5th, 2008 at 7:37 pm
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
April 6th, 2008 at 2:48 pm
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?
April 6th, 2008 at 3:38 pm
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
April 6th, 2008 at 7:39 pm
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!
April 7th, 2008 at 3:01 am
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.
April 7th, 2008 at 4:05 pm
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
April 9th, 2008 at 4:33 am
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.
April 9th, 2008 at 1:32 pm
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
April 9th, 2008 at 6:51 pm
@Matt - yeah, I forgot to mention the whole left handed friendly aspect of a Moleskin as well
I hate spiral notebooks for that reason.
April 9th, 2008 at 7:34 pm
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
April 10th, 2008 at 8:40 am
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.
April 10th, 2008 at 2:12 pm
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…
April 10th, 2008 at 5:25 pm
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
April 11th, 2008 at 6:23 pm
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.
April 17th, 2008 at 7:10 pm
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.
April 18th, 2008 at 4:29 pm
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.
April 20th, 2008 at 1:58 pm
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.
April 21st, 2008 at 11:51 pm
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.
April 27th, 2008 at 4:40 pm
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!
April 28th, 2008 at 11:58 pm
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!)
May 4th, 2008 at 9:52 pm
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…
May 4th, 2008 at 10:12 pm
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!
May 4th, 2008 at 11:42 pm
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.
May 5th, 2008 at 1:58 am
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
May 5th, 2008 at 7:53 am
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
Bye
May 5th, 2008 at 11:19 am
@ Gabrielle do check richardink.com he hand makes fountains pens and they are just superb. He is also still selling them far too cheaply……..!
May 5th, 2008 at 4:59 pm
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.
May 5th, 2008 at 6:50 pm
Try using a Sharpie Ultra Fine Point with your MS. The results are fantastic.
May 6th, 2008 at 8:07 pm
I’m definitely at #8: I designed my website around the moleskine!
May 6th, 2008 at 9:58 pm
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
May 6th, 2008 at 10:08 pm
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.
May 7th, 2008 at 1:58 am
@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
May 7th, 2008 at 9:41 am
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.
May 7th, 2008 at 7:16 pm
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.
May 7th, 2008 at 11:10 pm
@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/
May 11th, 2008 at 11:41 am
You should try this: http://www.pocketmod.com They are smaller, cheaper and customizable to your heart will.