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Do you still use one?
I have noticed recently that a number of my friends still have a pocket diary they use either in addition to, or instead of, their mobile device, and it got me thinking as to how much I actually missed my pocket diary.
I think I will give one a whirl again, and see if it is all just nostalgia, or if there remains some merit to using one.
What does STW do and think?
Not a diary, but I do always use an A4 hardback lined notebook that I write everything work related in
Nah, cloud calendar accessible from every internet connected device on the planet and shareable with the rest of my family trumps it every time.
Nah, cloud calendar accessible from every internet connected device on the planet and shareable with the rest of my family trumps it every time.
...until you're somewhere where there's no internet.
The flip side being I've generally always got my phone within reach but not an A4 notebook.
I've tried using pen and paper to keep track of tasks and journalling but never really stuck at it. In the new year I started using Notion.so instead and that's actually quite good.
I don't use a pocket sized one but I use one of the big soft back moleskine ones as both a diary and notebook. Its flexible and resilient enough to fold and stuff into a pocket if I need my hands free. It has a week to view on one page and a page for notes opposite. I buy the 18 month academic ones in December when they get discounted and use first few months for notes too.
I use phone / laptop for reminders/alarms but prefer a notebook/diary and pencil for meetings and site notes. Its quiter and faster, the battery can't run out, I'm not worried about it getting wet, and its warmer to sit on when you're waiting for a train.
As an in-pocket note book I use Glasgow's finest Alwych notebooks. I keep one stuffed the cargo pocket of my work trousers for situations that are too dusty/muddy/greasy/gluey/painty to want to have your phone kicking about. When a floor board gives way during a discussion about whether an existing floor is strong enough and you end up with one leg wedged bollock deep between two joists - its turns out to be quite good protection against snapping your femur 🙂
Not as such, but I do generally carry an A5 notebook on jobs or meetings as it is easier to jot stuff down than to type it. Easier to draw too.
I think most of mine, if not all, have been vendor freebies at events. It's almost a challenge now to turn up to an event without a notebook and pen and get one from the freebies before I have to start taking notes. My current one is a rather fetching orange Cloudflare one.
…until you’re somewhere where there’s no internet.
TBH the only time that happens is when I'm half way up a mountain on my bike, and in that case making entries to my diary/calendar is the last thing on my mind.
like most people I spend 95% of my time either at home or at work, both have good internet.
TBH the only time that happens is when I’m half way up a mountain on my bike, and in that case making entries to my diary/calendar is the last thing on my mind.
That's the only time it happens to you.
It happens to me all the time, when i'm in various MOD Defence Munitions sites which don't allow phones.
Lots of people work where there is no reliable internet.
A pocket diary isn't going to alert you to when you've got an appointment or something needs doing - so Google Calendar for me on that one.
I found a pocket notebook so started using it for work related notes. It was really good and I enjoyed using it right up to the point that it disappeared. Now I've lost that information (probably for ever) and realise that One Note/Keep is still better for me.
YMMV obvs
when i’m in various MOD Defence Munitions sites which don’t allow phones.
I often have to sign NDAs that prevent me using a having a phone or tablet at work. Often backed up security who get very on in your face about it 🙂
It happens to me all the time, when i’m in various MOD Defence Munitions sites which don’t allow phones.
Shhh! Don’t tell them about our defences you agreed when you signed up to be a secret mod.
I usually have a wallet-sized notebook and A5 notebook in my work bag; both used many times a day.
'My name's Mike and I have a Moleskine habit.
Moleskine habit.
Not to be confused with Brants latest venture into hipster ecclesiastical vestments.
hipster ecclesiastical vestments
Are those a thing?!? 8o
It has a week to view on one page and a page for notes opposite. I buy the 18 month academic ones in December when they get discounted and use first few months for notes too.
I do this too, but I get the hardback A5 one.
Goes everywhere with me at work - it's more for collecting my thoughts and planning rather than reminding me that I should have been in a meeting 5 minutes ago - that's what Outlook and it's shitty cousin Blackberry (doesn't) "Work" are for.
I still use an A5 Filofax!
Are those a thing?!?
Sure.
Skinny fit Selvedge Cassock with a turn up.
Skinny fit Selvedge Cassock with a turn up.
Nice! I've been looking in the wrong catalogues.