Moleskine: What's the attraction?

[nbmaine2007]

I think they are great for many of the reasons noted here. I use mine mainly for keeping track of things on the go, thoughts, and my to do list. Pricey? Maybe, but how many are you going to go through? I may go through three in a year. So $30/year for something that makes me more productive and holds up I will make that investment all day long.

I wanted to try a leather cover, so now I am carrying mine in a Saddleback cover (link below). Combining two awesome pieces of craftsmanship.

http://www.saddlebackleather.com/categories/114

[Rawls]

The small softcover Moleskine is NOT expensive. It is $10.95 but mine has lasted more than a year and looks very nice. On a per day basis, given what I put it through, it has held up amazingly well and in terms of a days of use per dollar is mind bogglingly cheap.

It is probably more appropriate to say they have a high cost of entry.

[jehan60188]

they're really pretty. most people in this world choose form over function, and they're also well marketed. I prefer rhodia paper, but most people aren't as discerning when it comes to day-to-day things.

[somber]

they're really pretty. most people in this world choose form over function, and they're also well marketed. I prefer rhodia paper, but most people aren't as discerning when it comes to day-to-day things.

I've never seen an ad for Moleskine.

I would say that the 'form' is also what provides the whole function of the notebook, without the materials that make it look 'pretty' it wouldn't be as good of a notebook.

If I'm not mistaken, aren't Rhodia notebooks almost exactly the same, except even more expensive?

The Moleskine-size notebook seems to be a popular style and now Rhodia has produced its own version. This hardbound leatherette notebook has 96 lined ivory sheets of 90 g acid-free, pH neutral, PEFC paper wrapped in a compact and sturdy cover. Measures 3.5 x 5.5 inches and is great for travel.

Source same package all for $24.50

What's your point? Too trendy for you, so you need a 'new and different' item to raise your smug nose?

[mlau]

I agree about the Rhodia has better paper (sometimes they're on sale at Blicks for cheaper than Moleskins).
The moleskins are classic, simple, and well made.
The only thing, is that they're quite pricy, and getting way too trendy.

For myself, I carry a 8.5x5.5" canson sketch pad for ~$5, and a small Strathmore 400 drawing pad (~$2).k
It fits my hands better. I find less feathering with inks (than a moleskin I've had).
And I like that the layout is much more free.

[Emthigious]

Unfortunately the paper quality of Moleskines isn't really consistent; some of mine work great with fountain pens (but not all my fountain pens), some of them bleed through like crazy. Hard to get something nice that does work overhere in The Netherlands though (for normal prices), so I'll stick with 'em.

[iacchus]

So, what is the attraction to Moleskine notebooks? Is it a craftsmanship thing or a functionality thing?
-Chris

Yes

[scríbhneoir]

I

I like the smaller series, I forget what they're named, as well as the soft covers particularly. I think I have 12...

Ah, yes, the little Volant...I keep buying them in all the different colors. Each become dedicated to one particular topic, like all the stuff I've canned, all the stuff I've planted, etc. I really like that the pages are perforated as well. I buy a soft-cover weekly planner every year.

[Mister Scribble]

I just like the look and feel of the small thin ones with the Kraft-like covers and inside pocket. I also have two of the larger hardback ones with leather covers from Renaissance, very nice work.

I don't travel a lot these days, however, so they mostly stay at home. When I do use them I tend to do it in a more organized manner. If you enjoy writing or journaling, doing it
with high quality materials is nicer.

For pocket use I use a Mead top spiral small notebook for my shirt pocket, or something similar. I've become partial to the newer ones with plastic front covers. They seem more durable.

I have always been a compulsive note taker. I have lots of pocket notebooks with info, and lots of notes in my DayTimer spiral refils, but I have not had the time or inclination to compile or index them.

Incidently, the paper that DayTimer uses for its pocket spiral dated notebooks also bleed with a fountain pen. I bought a nice small Sailor fountain pen that fits my DayTime leather binder fine, but the fine point spreads very wide in the DT notebooks. I've had better luck with the MachPen II 0.4 liquid pens
made in South Korea, available (like the Sailor) from Jetpens.com, one of my favorite places as a pen addict. Jetpens also sells notebooks but I haven't
tried any yet.

Moleskine went out of business a few years ago and another company started it up after a while. Maybe the originals that garnered the big reputation
were better; I don't know. I have heard that Clairefontaine notebook paper is much better. I also like the small Rhodia notebooks with the grid paper.
They're rather unique.

But Moleskines are still a lot of fun.

Lots of famous writers and artists have used Moleskines over the years. But they haven't made me famous yet.

Do I get my money back?

[Mister Scribble]

It is like the difference between the monkey brain and the human brain--it is the small things, in combination, that make all of the difference.

I knew there had to be some explanation for the difference between politicians and the rest of us.