From BBCi:
"Tips for Using the Moleskine Notebook
Although the book will fit in a back trouser pocket, if you’re going to carry it on your person, it’s less damaging to the book to put it in your jacket pocket. (Although the book is light, placing it in a shirt pocket is not recommended.)
Always use the elastic to keep the pages closed. The pages may be acid-free, but they are not waterproof. Keeping the book closed tightly with the elastic will limit any rain damage to the page edges.
The ideal writing instrument for the standard size notebook will have a fine point (ie a maximum of 0.7mm). Either pen or pencil will work nicely.
If you’re using the notebook as a creative writing aid, Bruce Chatwin recommended numbering each page for use as a reference guide.
Chatwin also suggested placing your mailing address in the inside cover, along with notice of a reward for recovery in the event the book gets lost. (The Modo and Modo version provides a space in the inside front cover for this information.)"
…
Burning sands, reticulated pythons, coffee grounds and crayons often take their toll on our little black books. What to do? Martha is busy taking notes from her courtroom seat so let’s take the cudgels.
- I keep mine in Ziploc® when traveling.
[BBCi excerpt added 3.4.04]
Update 5.12.06
Alexia has a photoset on FLICKR about Moleskine repair.
A friend of mine got me some fancy packing tape with skulls and crossbones on it – I used that to decorate the outside of my diary. I also used a silver sharpie to put a number 5 on the upper corner of each side, so I know which book it is.
I have to say, I really didn’t like the change they made to the weekly diary this year – it’s really hard to write on the narrow vertically aligned days. I broke down, abandoned the weekly and bought a daily diary. I love it, it has room for everything I need.
I also carry an expanding file and a large squared journal. I’ve used the address book for a book of lists (b is for books, m is for music, c is for crafts and commonplace – complete with a key in the back). And the mini address book that came in this years journal? I found an abandoned one at work, and am now using it in the back of my journal for a author alphabetized list of to read books.
Velcro works great. Put the loop side on the Moleskine so when you carry it without the pen/pencil the velcro won’t wear on your clothing
I’ve been using moleskines for over 5 years now. The page one thing was a problem for me at the beginning, but has since ceased to be one. I write fairly prolificly, so page 1 is just a continuation of the last page of the previous journal.
As for protecting my moleskines, I’ve found that a heavy plastic zip-lock bag and some 100 mile an hour tape works wonders. They got me through a year in Afghanistan and 18 months in Iraq.
God I love these journals…
100 mile an hour tape
What’s that?
-Joy
100 Mile an hour tape is basically euphamism for good old fashon duct tape. Usually green or some other “tactical” color. The term is used in the military. Basically the tape can hold on to anything going a 100 miles an hour. Paratroopers and Rangers swear by it and 550 cord (that’s another story). Rolls of it are passed around on the night before an airborne operation to tape everything down that could get lost in the prop blast.
http://www.schoolunif.com/8226.html
Enjoy
I use colored electrical tape on all of mine. I use the tape in 2 ways:
1) I decorate the book with different stripes/patterns, etc… that way I can tell the difference between each one at a glance.
2) I reinforce the accordian poocket in the back… I don’t know about anyone else, but these always fall apart on me.
Ive just got my first moleskine – japanese folding version – Im so excited to be amongst such a group of obsessively eager and keen lovers of these books. I darent use the word anal retentives because of course none of us are, are we? We just love our moleskines (some of us perhaps love them more than our kids
Im wondering if there is the equivalent to AA anywhere out there? You know, a group of like minded souls who stand up and say “Hi, my name is lulu and Im addicted to my moleskine” phew, such a relief to get that off my chest
Welcome to M A*
^_^
http://groups-beta.google.com/group/Moleskinerie?
I put “Negotiable” on the reward field
I’m sure this has probably been discussed in the past, but just in case….
I print things like small calendars and lists of information (key phone numbers, addresses, account numbers, etc) onto stickies. I keep and update a master file of information on my computer and periodically print it to stickies and place these on the front and back covers of my latest Moleskine. In order to print to a sticky, I first print the information onto regular letter-sized paper using a laser printer. I then place the sticky over the desired print area and run the underlying paper and sticky back through the printer.
I also use the smaller format Moleskines, primarily for to do lists. If you’re in the habit of keeping these in your back pocket, don’t–they’ll completely fall apart in a matter of weeks.
The Daily Pocket Diaries are great for keeping track of expenses, purchases, etc. This provides a record for warranties, repairs and taxes, etc. I also like to tape the sleeves to the cover with clear packaging tape, this keeps the year on the spine and makes it easy to ID the kind of notebook. Up to 2005 the sleeves were about 1/2 inch narrower than the tape. In 2005, they are the same size which makes it harder to cover, and they reversed the printing of the year on the spline messing up the symmetry. Love the size and feel of these books.
Death of the Accordian Pocket.
The Moleskine I’ve been carrying around in my cargo trousers/pants for the last six months has finally torn through the entire spine of the accordian pocket, leaving me with an accordian hole. Unfortunately, this means my supply of 3×5 index cards, stamps, wallpaper sample, spare £10 note and other ephemera fall out when I undo the elastic (unless the book is lying flat, of course). Time to retire this book only 20 pages short of the end and start an new one. I’m a bit miffed that I didn’t get to finish it, but that’s life.
Once I noticed the accordian spine going, I stuck small strips of Sellotape along the spine (ever tried to wedge these in the liner?) but it’s finally given up the ghost.
Here’s an idea for product improvement. How about Modo & Modo putting a 2 to 3cm strip of the oilcloth over the centre of the accordian spine? Sure, it’d make the pocket a bit more bulky but it’d stop the pocket ripping completely and having all your stuff fall out. I’d pay 50p to a quid more for that. Build quality.
just got my moleskine(s) a few weeks ago — never heard of them until then. i’ve always preferred spiral journals because they fold back. but i do like the large blank moleskine. i bought the x-large cahiers, but haven’t used them yet because they are soft cover and don’t have the elastic. i don’t like pocket size because my hand cramps.
in all of my journals i begin on the last page and keep a list of books i’ve read during the keeping of that journal.
What a great idea, Mary! I often get inspired to write because of a book I have read or a particularly good quote/passage. I think an interesting thing to do, would be to start an entry inspired by such a quote with the quote itself, person/character that said it and the book’s title and author.
I go through mine too quickly for them to wear out! I keep all sorts of notes in mine for articles I write about public transportation. I carry the pocket size and use the large reporter size for interviews and such.
Wow, and here I thought *I* was the only Moleskine addict out there. My first was a grid pocket journal to track camera settings, then I graduated to the large ruled notebook. I keep two going at a time – one at work and one to log the details of my daily hikes (I haven’t missed a day since December 30, 1997). I doubt that either will be of any value in the future, but putting pen to paper is a much better way of logging things than typing…like this.
I really personalize mine (of both sizes and all types of paper). I do a mini-watercolor or drawing and stick it to the cover with gel medium, coating the paper with gel medium, too.
I put tiny section dividers in, (narrow labels doubled over on a page edge, so that an 1/8 inch protrudes), to make a section of:
–lists, items to look for or enter quickly
–a bigger section about 10 pages in for chronological notes
–a little section about 15 pages from the end for the unknown that needs referencing less often than the lists, more often than the diary section.
I draw in the chron section but have sketchbook for elaborate drawings.
Love them all!
i keep my moleskine diary in a drawer desk only to be opened and penned at night. this way its protected from external elements and will last longer. I hope (!). when I travel I have it wrapped in cloth (the automobile wiping ones)and secured in place so that it doesn’t stress the bindings.
I lost mine for the fist time the other day. Left it on my car bumper and it fell off. A lady promptly called me and said it looked “really important”. I had $20 as a reward in the cover, but she didn’t want it. I insisted! Now the reward may go up to $40…
I’ve been using moleskines for many years now. Typically, I have two in use at any one time – a small one for ‘to do’ lists and a large one for general ‘stuff’. Both unlined.
I’ve carried them daily, and never had one rip or tear. All in all, its hard to imagine the $10 cost bringing more utility or enjoyment. (Despite the hype, and pseudo mythology, not because of it!)
I bought my first Moleskin for a present for Christmas and promptly went back for one for myself! They were the small lined ones. The person loved the Moleskine better than all the art supplies and books I gave him! Then at a book store I spotted some different ones and bought the small blank (drawing one) and have been thinking about what other ones they had!!! Yesterday I stopped by the first art store to look again and bought the large drawing one. Now I want the one with the pockets! Geesh.. I’m obsessed! I also was afraid to ruin it with triviality so I started on the third page in pencil!!
Lots of great tips!
I also ironed the bookmark too, Hey it was wrinkled! LOL!
I always used to carry a little notebook and I would put an elastic around it to keep it together, so nice to find a whole line like this….I’m sooo hooked!
I have several, all of which I keep in a sort of small messenger bag, with the spines facing up so that I can read the labels.
As they are the only thing I really n e e d to carry with me, the bag has few extra pockets. When I go through a Moleskine, I read back over it, and index everything i’ve done on the last two pages.
As not to put my precious moleskines in danger, all old ones are kept on a shelf in my office, arranged by kind.
I’ve found beautiful bags that fit the Moleskine at the Sunbula website, which markets products that are handmade by Palestinian craft producers (www.sunbula.org). Go to the online craft market / mini-purses and handy cases page and check out the all-purpose mini-purse and the makeup purse.
I use the large lined Moleskine for diary writing and regular writing. I received some of the new “Cahiers” as a Christmas gift, and find that I like to use them as a reading notebook. They are soft cover, but this is not a problem as I use the Claire Fontaine hardcover portfolio to keep all of my printouts and articles and such together, so I prefer a slim softcover notebook that can fit inside the portfolio. I like the size for essay work, the way I like the size of the large notebook for fiction work.
When I start a new M, I first number the pages, leaving about four or five blank in the front for the Table of Contents (T/C). I number the T/C pages down the right side, a page number on every other line. I find I actually keep the T/C up to date because it’s such a powerful reference tool. If the page is from a meeting or event, I note the date on the beginning of the T/C line. Each journal has an ID number based on the date it was started. In an excel spread sheet I keep a copy of the T/C. This allows me to quickly reference back to a date or subject by doing a search on the excel spreadsheet. Its a good combination of digital and hardcopy techniques.
Reward: Good Kharma
I also attached a small clear envelope with a priority mailing postage stamp in it – as long as I lose it in the US, I’ve got a chance at getting it back…postage paid!
I love these books!
All this chatter has made me itch to go buy a new moleskine. I used to use the pocket size diaries until they changed the layout to columns, which I decidedly did not like. I love the sound of the larger sized notebooks – I’ll have to see if they are available here in Australia.
Viva le moleskine!
Like your page and everyone’s comments. Been using Moleskines for about the last 8 years. Found my first one while looking for something durable that would survive my life being homeless while I journaled the experience. Love the feel of pen or pencil on these pages, so smooth and perfect flowing. Like the smell too. I now use the large ruled to write song lyrics. Like small but gives me hand-cramps, but like it for small purses for quick jotting ideas. Recently discovered the cahier large size, which I like but it doesn’t withstand much and the pocket is far to flimsy. Wonder why they bothered. Really want to try the x-tra large cahier and the large or extra large reporter notebook. Also am curious about the music notebook and new volant, but am unable to find the extra large cahier and reporter notebook as well as the music notebook, even online. Any suggestions or resources?
Wish they would add elastic band and bookmark to the caheir and pen/pencil loop to all. Also wish for 8 1 x 11 for journals, etc. Am also having problems with the tear out pages and pages coming out of caheirs. Anyone else? Wonder why they did the tear out pages for the caheir and reporters.
In Moleskin pages we trust.
ShipTheWeb has all of the Moleskine varieties. The music and storyboard types are on the page of “Pocket Notebooks.” Reporters and Cahiers (all sizes) have their own pages. http://www.shiptheweb.com. Great company, I buy almost all my Moleskines from them — they give volume discounts and ship for free.
Don’t know anything about a “new” Volant — thought they were discontinued forever, although STW has a page for them (shows “Under Construction” when you open it). If the Volant is coming back, then Modo & Modo listened when people complained about the loss, I guess. But they certainly are keeping it a closely-guarded secret.
On the Cahier pocket, I reinforce mine with shipping tape around the two outside edges (use the nylon-reinforced tape for max durability, also put a strip down the spine). I do this because the Cahier is always in my back pocket and the tape helps it endure the stresses of being sat upon. The pocket is good for a business card or two, a bus pass, maybe a receipt, but it isn’t intended to be as substantial or to hold as much as the pocket in the hard-cover Moleskines — and there’s no reason why it should be anything more than it is, in my opinion. People make the mistake of thinking that the Cahier is a “substitute” or a “cheaper version” Moleskine, and it’s not. Different products for different users for different purposes, therefore different construction. One might as well complain that the touring bag on a bicycle won’t hold as much stuff as the trunk of one’s car. OK, time to stop ranting and go back to work.
Any suggestions for making tabs for the smaller Mols?
Rollo – try the Post-it Durable Tabs. They come in two widths. The wider ones (2″) would provide something like one-third tabs in a pocket-size Moleskine, and the narrow ones (1″) would work out to about one-fifth. Office Depot carries them, so you could most likely find them at Staples and Office Max too. And there are probably store brand versions of the same thing.
See http://www.3m.com/us/office/postit/products/prod_ft_dur.html
There are also Post-it Durable Filing Tabs, but they are quite a bit larger.
I picked up the small plain notebook version to use to jot down ideas for jokes while on the run (I am a stand-up comedian).
I also plan to use a larger one to write down my travels trying to make it as a stand up comedian. DAY ONE will begin very soon! I also will be chronicling the same travels on my daily blog version.
The Moleskine inspires!!
http://tommyfusco.efx2.com
I have been a notebook nut for years but my search has now come to an end. I bought my first moleskine the other day i plan to use it for technical notes and drawings. I will most likely buy a diary as well. These books are really something.
I’ve been hooked on these for a few months now, and did quite an extensive internet research on usable hacks. My favorite models are the squared and blank pocket book, and the blank reporter notebook, as well as the small blank or squared cahier for individual projects or trips. Here’s what I came to (and this is just my implementation of other peoples’ ideas):
1. Writing implements
Pilot G-2 is the smoothest, darkest, silkiest pen around. Best for general use. Mini version available, called XS or Pixie.
Pilot G-TEC-C4 writes the finest line ever. Great for stuffing lots on info on a small paper landscape.
Fisher Space Pen, for the adventurous ones. Very pocketable and strong, impervious to the elements. Nevertheless, in regards to the writing pleasure, it’s still just a ball pen.
Leadholders (2 mm, 2B) are classy and versatile for writing and sketching.
Mechanichal pencils (0,7 mm, HB) are really fine for writing, especially on the blank paper Moleskines.
Pencils are the way to go for the traditionalist, the artist and the cost-concious out there. You do, however, have to carry a knife or sharpenner to keep going anywhere. Best to chose a good brand like Staedler, and a B or 2B grade for softness and darkness.
2. Labeling Moleskines
Since I use three or four Moleskines at the same time, for different uses, I paint the rims of the pages with a highlighter. Just close the book, hold it tight, and run the thing through. Green is for my geocaching logbook, orange for my diary/planner, yellow for my profession, and blank for my personal use Moleskine. Can spot them a mile away.
3. Extras within
3×5 sticky notes on the front inside cover used for lists and handouts.
3M page color labels on the back inside cover for marking sections on the Moleskine.
Half a dozen 3×5 ruled index cards used for notes, page markers and blotter use (this is important with the G-2 pens).
Numbering pages seems to be mandatory, and I did it, but never actually got to use them as hyperlinks. Don’t bother anymore with those.
4. Organising the pages
I just start by leaving a few pages blank at the beggining, for the more permanent stuff like calendar and dated matters. Just draw the calendar myself for the next three months or so, depending on the life expectation of the book. Next comes the main section, which I will divide only when needed to create a new category. The last pages ae set aside for contacts and other type of reference material. Doodles get to be backward written from the end of the main section. Important lists go to the main chapter, shopping and transient lists go on the sticky notes or index cards.
5. Wallet use
When travelling light, just stick VISA and ATM cards on the back cover pocket, ID and car documents amongst the last pages, close it up with the elastic band, and it’s good to go.
6. Miscellaneous
A knot tied at the end of the page marker keeps it from sliding with the book closed, and from unravelling. Simple and efective.
Reward offered on the first page: a brand new Moleskine for whoever returns mine, if lost. Or, if preferred, a couple of gin tonics and a coffee appeal to lots of people (to me, it does).
Regards from Portugal.
I am a big fan of the very small cahier type moleskins. I don’t notice it in a jacket pocket and it is always there for notes, to do lists and for writing down potential titles for my paintings. I title my abstract paintings with peculiar phrases or modern usages that catch my ear and always having a little notebook with me all the time is perfect. My little black book is six months old and is still going strong. It’s nicely battered and worn in and survived the dreadful glue spillage of August 2005 with only superficial scarring!
Also, by accident my 3 year old took a highligter one afternoon while I was watching the news and drew on EVERY page. I was devastated at first, but now I love opening a new page to find his next message to me! Being in highlighter pen means it does not intefere with my notes.
I have written in the reward section of my moleskine notebooks :
As a reward:..My sincerest Gratitude!
Havn’t tested it yet but I hope it will work.
My Moleskine notebooks:
====================
- A small sketch book (my first) for going to coffee shop with Sunday papers, etc.
- A large reporter notebook for taking notes while reading non-technical, non-paperback fiction books (e.g. Blink). The reporter format makes it easy to put next to a book.
My Molenskine hacks:
====================
- Blank post-it notes on inside backcover
- Printed 2006 Calendar taped on last page
Two problems with Moleskines:
====================
(1) In summer, it’s hard to carry even the small notebook in pants/shirt pockets.
(2) I sometimes feel some notes are just too “miscellaneous” to put on these nice pages. My penmanship, or lack thereof, doesn’t help either.
Therefore,
My Non-Moleskine notebooks:
====================
I recently bought a dozen 5″x8″ notepads ($5 total! from Staples), keeping one in my car, one on home desk, one on work desk. This way I can write whatever on these small pads whenever I need and pages can be torn away as needed. If something worth keeping, I can transfer onto computer…or Moleskine.
I am a very recent Moleskine convert. I recently purchased an 18 month weekly planner and absolutely love it. The week one one side lets me write down my appointments and meetings and a few have to be done today to-do list items and the other side (lined page) lets me write down a weekly to-do list, shopping list, and other random things that need to be done.
I found this page looking to care for my bookmark which was unraveling at an alarming rate. I wanted to know if a knot or superglue/nail polish worked better. The know is definitely the way to go.
My personal Moleskine Hack follows:
The front of the diary has tons of information in it, but it was lacking a few things of absolute necessity to me, the major one being a tip-table. I use this whenever I am out eating, and hated not having one. I went over to my previous planner’s site (PocketMod.com) and printed out his tip-table and conversions and formulas sheets. I printed a pocketmod using blank pages and the pages with the info that I wanted on them and printed this out onto a whole sheet of white sticky lable paper. I cut out the info that I wanted and stuck them onto the blank (or almost so) pages at the front of the Moleskine. This way was the easiest way to add a tip table and other necessities into my moleskine. Thanks for turning me onto a great personal organizer, especially one with this kind of history.
-Matt
Moleskine…What a weird thing that such a simple device can capture the hearts and thoughts of so many of us. I’m a semi-pro photographer and it goes with me everywhere tucked into a pocket of my Domke bag. Shot ideas, contacts, lighting notes, you name it and in it goes. While hiking (a comon occurrence where I live)it stays in my hip-strap bag where I can whip it out and make notes of thoughts and ideas as I course along the trail.
Add-ins: A 2006 calendar taped to the back page, a few yellow sticky note pages in the back pocket and a Palm Pilot I use for calculating sun rise/set, moon rise/set and tides. I see the Palm as a mere adjunct to the real business in the Moleskine.
Favorite pen: Waterman Carene fine tip fountain pen. Tried all kinds of others but this one just feels…well, right.
I have an obsession with journals and notebooks, pens and pencils. After buying every squared journal I run across, I am now the proud owner of a Moleskine squared pocketsized notebook, the accordion file folder, the pocket addressbook, the large softcover weekly 18 month planner (2006-2007). Latter being an impulse buy and I am willing to sell this one as I have ordered the limited edition red pocket 12 month planner. But I am not sure if I will like the hard cover. Maybe I will order the softcover pocket planner. These aquisitions have triggered more buys, namely for pens and pencils. I now have a collection of mechanical pencils with different lead sizes, all sizes labeled on the pencils. Not to mention the expensive box of colored pencils by Prismacolor.
It has been a few days now that I happily stare, touch and plan on how to use my Moleskines. I just can’t start writing in them.
I am so glad to have found this group who may understand my obsession.
I am so happy to have found fellow pen and paper obsessed individuals. Recently, a dear friend introduced me to the world of moleskine, and let me say, I am completely HOOKED!
To say I’ve never written on anything better is the understatement of the year.
There is a pen that I love to use with it that sadly has been discontinued — the Pentel Hybrid Gel Roller, 0.5, just perfect for use on moleskine paper.
I have just a few of these pens left. Would anyone happen to know of any similar pens? I’ve seen the ones Pentel came up with after, but they’re too bulky for my taste.
At this time i have three of these wonderfuly notebooks. Two of the Larger lined types and one of the smaller lined books. i use one of the larger ones as a daily devotional journal, the other large one i use as a notebook for commonly used information regarding aircraft maintenance (i’m a airplane mechanic). the small one my wife and i used to write the rules of different card games that we play. i’ve only been using these books since Dec. of last year, but they are wonderful. My wife thinks it’s kind of crazy to pay “so much” for one, but i think they are every bit worth the money. i’m glad i’m not the only one who has an addiction to the black cover, elastic strap, and smooth pages.
Just received my first reporter, plain and ruled notebooks. The PDA is on its way to PDA heaven. Like many who have written, my obsession is with pens. I am using a Parker Sonnet with medium nib. It allows smooth flowing writing, but does require blotting paper. Its a joy to write on such fine material.
I got a Moleskine a year ago. I love to write, especially with a pen. I bought this for use as a journal on a trip. I loved it and used it on the entire trip until i got a laptop. I started using the computer always. Then one day i picked the little thing up and started writing in it. I remembered how much fun it was and now i take it everywhere with me, along with to school everyday and use it to take notes along with everything else.
I LOVE these little black books!
A fan and future writer( I’m 15)
REPAIR of SPINE caused by PEN:
Two questions:
1) I carry a pen with my Moleskine and slip the clip of the pen down the spine opening. This makes it so that I always have a pen with the notebook. I can’t seem to find other users doing this, though to me it is the obvious way to carry a pen. Any thoughts, or sample, or advice?
2) The binding/spine tears over time due to the pen clip. What should I use to repair this in a simple strong fashion that will not turn googie in my pocket as electrical or duct tape will?
Thanks for taking the time to answer. Best, -PM
will somebody tell me what they think of the cross ion and tell me what kind of pen i should get. i need something that writes small and fits in a pocket well. Thanks for any feedback. please leave some.
The right forum for these questions would be our GoogleGroups, here:
http://groups-beta.google.com/group/Moleskinerie
i found a pen today. It is called a micron it is made for “journaling” and manga drawing among a few described. i loce it already.! Thanks armand for the advice.
I keep my Moleskine pocket size and some coloured pens in a universal zipped PDA case from Targus that I bought a couple of years ago. The closest thing I can find thesedays is here
http://www.targus.com/us/product_details.asp?sku=PDAT01
Makes for an easy protected way to carry around my journal and some pens etc…