Care and Feeding

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.

Comments

[Simon Moores]

As a writer, I go through a Moleskine every three months or less. It's my 'Little Black Book' of notes in a digital world and I'm lost without one.

One immediate benefit is that the batteries never need charging!

[Lohr]

I protect mine in Ziplocs there in my briefcase...

[Liz]

I take mine to the spa! But seriously, I use my Moleskine as a diary and do take care of it. I guess its just good sense to make these things last.

[Edelmak]

I periodically clean the cover of my Moleskine notebooks with Armorall (sic?) wipes for leather. These wipes work great as they both clean and protect the material.

[Lohr]

The Armor-All idea is excellent... My one obsessive concern, though, is protecting the little orange wrapper... And--all my Moleskines have orange wrappers. Does that mean something in particular? What do pink, red, blue, signify?

[Witold Riedel]

The different colors of the wrappers stand for the different kinds of paper in the Moleskines. All your books probably have the same wrapper, because they are all of the same kind of paper... : D
yey

[Lohr]

Now *that* is interesting... But what kind of paper corresponds to each wrapper color?

[Witold Riedel]

hmm... I remove the wrappers and tend to replace them with varieties of tape... : )

[Edelmak]

Help me out... why would you put tape on your Moleskine after removing the wrapper band? What purpose does that serve?

[Delanie]

Avid journaler for 20+ years and only found these wonderful notebooks four years ago when I moved from the States to Scotland. I have now filled 15 of them of sketches, photographs, and other tidbits. I think I would be a lost soul instead of Lost in Scotland (sorry thats what I'm calling these series of notebooks)...

I just recently started a search on Moleskine online to see what others are doing. Thanks for a great blog. I'll post a pic of some later...
Del

[Michael Wamsley]

The colors of the wrappers are indeed an indication of the type of paper. Red is for address books, yellow is for Japanese pocket albums and blue is for sketch books. I don't what the accordian files look like.

M

[Dan Moniz]

One of my Moleskines, a daily memo book filled with random ephemera and more, has developed a small yet severe tear in the spine, at the top corner of the front, where the spine meets the front cover. The other remaining corners of the spine are showing signs of wear, where the black paper material has come away and is starting to show white underneath, smaller tears also on their way. Has anyone found a way to retard this, or at least to keep the notebook from falling apart?

[Armand]

These instructions from the UIUC may help.

[Dan]

Nice, that works out really well, lol. They know their notebook repairs.
...
Don't know if this is the right place to post this, but anyhow...

Has anyone figured a good way to attach a pen to the moleskine notebook? Making some sort of cloth loop seems ideal, but I don't think glueing it on would work out. Perhaps a velcro strip... but that wouldn't hold the pen as well... Give a response with your thoughts...

[FIREChickNY]

here's a question for you all... what kind of messages do you put in the reward section of your moleskines? My feeling is that one doesn't know the value of their notebook until it has both been given content and then subsequently lost. Anybody have any ideas or suggestions...???

[Il Postino]

Hi FIREChickNY:)
You may want to check this previous post.

[Alex Coxe]

I wish I had taken better care of my sleeve. Mine is blue. It's gotten a few wrinkles/creases in it since I had left it on my desk, but I really like it. It just looks good, lol. I also love the saying on it.
"The Large sketch-book
that evolved
from a legendary
pocket-sized notebook."
If you can't already tell, I have a large sketchbook Moleskine, ^_^.

-Alex

[terromur]

You all *really* keep the sleeves on your books? How do they stay on? That's like keeping the tag on your jeans that broadcasts your size to the world. Not the leather branded patch you slip your belt through, but the paper tag. I keep mine pristine (although I honestly don't know why), with the info pamphlet, in the pocket at the back.

[Pragmatik]

I don't keep the sleeves on mine. They just get in my way when I try to write or put it in my pocket.

But I guess it wouldn't be such a bother with the larger ones and would actually help identify them from other types of Moleskines (I'm always grabbing the blank book when I want the planner/diary and vice versa).

To each his or her own.

[Alex Coxe]

I have my 2nd M now and whenever I'm not using it I keep the beautiful orange sleeve on. I have 2 large M's so to tell 1 from the other, it's nice to have the sleeve.

[nina]

i just found out about moleskines today and am in quite a rush to get one.. online ordering takes two days, which i can manage, but i am wondering if there are any stores in which i can purchase one? perhaps an art store, or something.. i live in the san francisco bay area, so it probably isn't that hard of an item to find, but wow, that notebook knocked me off my feet... i have a hobby of writing and plan on doing it for a career, so i'm quite particular about my pens and notebooks, and am sick of tearing bits of paper off of my assignments..

[Billy]

So glad I'm not alone in my obsession. I can't wait to get my Moleskine's filled as I love the look of a slightly used, dog-eared Mlskn, as opposed to a pristine one.
By the way, has anyone purchased the new Volant version. I love the soft back idea but why is this alternative version so bloody thin???

[Hans Moleman]

I love the elastic band feature, and sometimes, when I'm alone, I like to use the elastic band to....oh, i'll just say it...to keep my current page easily accessible instead of using the ribbon bookmark provided!

Gosh I feel better for having got that off my chest. Has anyone else tried that....or is it just me....

[barney gumball]

glad you brought that up, hand, because i unfortunately broke my elastic feature when my brother tried to read my diary!

when i saw him reading it, i just snatched, and then by motor function, i just ripped the elastic feature out and flicked it at him! im so embarrassed!

x x x

[Hans Moleman]

There, there Barney! There's no need to be embarrased- it's happened to us all (hasn't it guys). Now, I have an ideal, if somewhat temporary solution to your problem. Just take an elastic band, or if you'd like the luxury of a cotton coating, perhaps you'd prefer to use a ladies hair bobble (which come in a variety of colours and thicknesses- just pop to your local chemist to see the array)to wrap around the edge of your Moleskine. Thus you can keep your personal etchings private once more, until you purchase a new, even better, Moleskine.

I hope this has made you feel better Barney.

[barney gumball]

wow! i wasnt expecting such a speedy response! well, i am actually still able to use the elastic band feature, as the nice man at the hospital was able to remove it from my brother's eye!

but now security is much tighter around the diary, i sleep with it in my bed at night. sometimes i awaken with the soft leather pressed against my flesh, and ill tell you, it doesnt feel too bad!

xx

[bob]

I've repaired Moleskine notebook elastics in the past. It's not too hard.

You just need to peel off the liner paper from the inside of the back cover (very carefully!!), reinsert the elastic end that has pulled out, glue it with good glue (some kind of contact cement will work fine, elmers will also work) and press it closed for a while.

After a night of being under a stack of books, the notebook was fine again.

bob

[barney gumball]

thanks for the advice, but ive fixed the problem now- i purchased a moleskin bookmark which i lightly glued to the inside back cover- works a charm!

i do, however, have another problem for which i do need advice; as i said, i sleep with the book in my bed. however, recently, me and my partner were being 'intimate', and erm... how can i say this... something was accidentally spilled onto the front cover! it does make the diary look far less innocent, and i'd like a way to remove the 'substance' without ruining the exterior! help much appreciated!

x

[Hans Moleman]

Hmmn, I do have experience in stain removal from moleskines myself. However, in order to give sound stain advice I'll need to know a little more about the type of stain we are dealing with. Could you give a little more detail please, Mr Gumball?

[barney gumball]

howdy again hans! well, the stain is (if you use your imagination) a cross between glue and toothpase. its not all over thought, theres really just one big long globule sprayed accross the front, so it doesnt need an all over cleaning!

x

[artcat05]

I don't have a moleskine yet, but if you have an elastic band around it it would seem easy enough to sew an elastic loop to that to hold a pen/pencil. Or make a separate band to fit with slots for pens/pencils/markers/paintbrush- Whatever you use in your moleskine.

[luke]

Barney: using my imagination.
Your were brushing your teeth one morning, when you realized that someone, in an attempt to prevent you from testifying in court against their felonious activities that you were a witness to, replaced your toothpaste with a half-toothpaste, half-glue mixture. The toothpaste was added to cover the flavor and aroma of the glue, but it was not enough. As you were brushing, you realized what was transpiring and quickly spat out the heinous mixture all over the room, splattering your beloved notebook, which never leaves your side. Although the notebook suffered minor damage, you are now able to appear in court and see that justice is served.

[Hans Moleman]

Luke, have you been spying on me??!!...I mean....what a clever, if somewhat far fetched, idea. No-one would ever go to that much trouble to cover up a little crime like coveting thy neighbours wife (or whatever this person may have done)....(it wasn't me).....(are you a cop?)

Anyways, I'm sure Barney will be grateful of the suggestion and i'll get to work coming up with a glue/toothpaste removal device.

Cheers

[Enoch Soames]

Just got my first Moleskine the other day - the paper takes fountain pen ink wonderfully well, but I quickly discovered that a little blotting was occasionally necessary. Rather than wait for the ink to dry before closing the notebook I cut a square of paper towel fractionally smaller than the page, and keep it in the back - when I'm ready to close the notebook I just tuck the paper towel in between the pages.

I also ironed my fabric bookmark. Hey - it was wrinkled!

[billby]

Since confessions are in order, I have cut my pocket size Moleskine in two, with a bandsaw (gasp), and now have two really small pocket sketchbooks, each so portable that they can go anywhere I go.
cheers, bill b.

[Mike]

Mr. Gumball,
Concerning your stain, have you tried rubbing at it with a moist cloth? I think substances (ahem) like that are normally fairly water soluble, and the moleskine isn't leather, it's oilcloth, so I think it'll probably hold up pretty well...
Concerning the previous conversation about keeping the wrappers on; you all *do* realize that those are wrappers, for marketing and display purposes...right? Would you store a new novel in the shrink-wrap it came in?

[Peter]

Dan, I use a Cross Ion Pen it comes with a clip similar to a key-chain. You can attach it to most anything including the Moleskine elastic band. Cross also sells a lanyard you can put the pen on and wear it around your neck. I love both my Moleskine and my Ion pen ; )

[EdelmaK]

Some people have mentioned that they keep their Moleskines in zip-lock bags to protect them from moisture. Sounds like a good idea but has anyone found a solution other than a gallon plastic bag? Perhaps something equally as effective but more elegant?

[IL Postino]

There are iPod cosies and socks. Maybe somebody should make one for a certain notebook too.

[John L.]

Here's a way to get very cheap (at least 50% off, perhaps even more) Moleskine 2005 planners (daily, weekly) Stop by at a Borders after Dec 25, you will get great discounts. I think discounts are even better after Jan 1.

[Yasemin]

Today I got my first moleskine (plain notebook), and I was very excited while waiting for the package. But!! When I imagine with what to fill the papers, I feel quite embarrassed. I'm so fascinated by the plain softly gleaming papers, that I fear it to be a sacrilege to smear them with trivialities. What were your first entries?

[whitemoth]

Yasemin, I make it a point to make my first entry on page 5 or 6, thereby eliminating the issue of "where to begin." I can always go back and fill in those pages if I come upon something worthy of them - but I seldom do. It's the curse of Page One ...

And besides, remember this - if it comes from you, it is not a triviality ...

[fixedgaer]

Moleskine hack? How to keep the bookmark from unravelling? Mine seems to be ready to undo itslef after 2 weeks of use. A drop of clear nail polish seems to have headed this off at the pass.

[Mr_Neal]

For bookmark unravel-prevention, I tie a figure-of-eight knot in the end. There's just enough material to make the knot fall perfectly below the bottom edge of the page.

[Philip Sharman]

EdalmaK, You were asking about plastic bags for Moleskines. Michael Connick suggests using something called an Aloksak:
http://geocities.com/wanderlyte/journals/moleskine_kit.html

I haven't tried them, but they sound interesting.

[kent]

I use a Dymo labeler (< $30 at Walmart aka Wally World) and put my name and the type of book using plastic tape right on the front. I have a Diary/Calendar, Journal, and Book List going at any one time. I carry the Journal and Diary with me all the time, and my Book List - a canonical list of names and notes for all the books I read - on my bedside table.

[Linda Kennedy]

I am the person who put ALOKSAK waterproof bags on the market that were reccommended by Mihcael Connick. I was pointed to the Moleskins website by a reader in Australia. I must say, I am facinated by the endless excitement with the Moleskins notebook. I think I need to get one! Can anyone tell me who MIchael Connick is?

[EdelmaK]

I took a plastic Glad ziplock freezer bag (1 gallon size)and cut off the bottom so the bag was a near perfect fit for my large Moleskine. I then used clear packing tape to reseal the bottome of the bag and reinforce all of the seams. I have been using it for a few months and it works great. Cheap, effective protection for your important journal!!

[BitMan]

I sat down with my new and first Moleskine regular squared first time opening it, at a nice pub, faced with the the question: Should I put anything in the reward slot imposed on me? How much is it worth to me, now the cost, later who knows? The environment being in gave me the answer: I crossed out the $ (ok, I get it why, despite it's acclaimed history its namt the euro sign) and put down '1 pint of Guinness', an award
any would be writer should be gratefull for.

[Gobbo]

I just swapped out a palm for the new batteryless, a pocket plain page (don't need lines and like to diagram). When confronted with the reward question, I left plenty of room so that I can increase the reward as the text becomes more valuable to me (since it is a pda replacement and includes work, there is an actual monetary value).

[l]

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.

[Greg]

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

[Hutch]

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...

[Joy]

100 mile an hour tape

What's that?

-Joy

[Ed Flores]

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

[Anthony]

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.

[lulu]

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 :)

[IL Postino]

Welcome to M A*
^_^

http://groups-beta.google.com/group/Moleskinerie?

[Lionel Santoso]

I put "Negotiable" on the reward field

[David]

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.

[joe]

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.

[TubbyMike]

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 3x5 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.

[mary hazlett]

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.

[Kal Zakath]

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.

[hopbell]

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.

[Mattc]

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.

[Nita]

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!

[M Ishak]

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.

[John]

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...

[Gerry]

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!)

[Judy]

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!!

[Judy]

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!

[Andrew Monks]

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.

[dpartner]

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.

[Alice Oddcabinet]

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.

[xxx]

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.

[lori]

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!

[Anastasia Russell-Head]

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!

[Azzie]

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.

[Bill the Learning Solutions Editor]

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.

[Rollo Moss]

Any suggestions for making tabs for the smaller Mols?

[Bill the Learning Solutions Editor]

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.

[Tommy Fusco: Comedian.Writer.Neurotic.]

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

[Billy]

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.

[J. Diniz]

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
3x5 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 3x5 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.

[P Cope]

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!

[Nathe]

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.

[Jack He]

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.

[Matthew]

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

[ZJ]

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.

[Suzie]

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.

[Sheila]

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.

:)

[Brian]

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.

[John Daniel]

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.

[Jaron Shaddix]

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)

[Peter Montgomery]

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

[Jaron Shaddix]

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.

[Armand]

The right forum for these questions would be our GoogleGroups, here:

http://groups-beta.google.com/group/Moleskinerie

[Jaron Shaddix]

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.

[Joe]

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...

[Jillian Adona]

I just got my first Moleskine (2007 planner)! It just arrived in the Philippines this year so this is the first time I heard about it. Any tips on which pens to use? I'm left-handed, so blotting is not exactly a fun task. I don't want to start using mechanical pencils.

[Jaron Shaddix]

the micron works pretty well if you dont write rocket fast

[carolina]

I am a just qualified vet that would be totally lost without my moleskines!!!!
I have a pocket plain one allways with me to write down everything worthy to be remember and important enought so I could check it in a hurry(normal parameters, dosages...)and a big one that I called it "the modern wich manual" where I am writing the basics and important thing....like anatomical references, Xray views...and I am filling it with anatomical drawings and ultrasounds images!
So I can have a survival book (the pocket) and a literate one....
I could feel totally empty without them!!!
I am considering to use the adress one as a drugs directory.....
I am totally freak!

[Jillian Adona]

Thanks, Jaron Shaddix
I've found Sakura Micron pens at this scrapbooking store (bookstores don't have them) and they work quite well. I like the 04 Micron the best--works well with the thin pages of my Moleskine weekly planner.

[Laura Blough]

Hi all. I too am a lover of Moleskeins. I've decorated the covers of my Moleskein journals. Has anyone else?

[dan mcelwee]

i just purchased my first moleskin note book (cahiers) and simple fell in love with it. i choose the cahier because of the front cover stock.. What is the stock (paper) it reminds me of a brown paper bag.

[heavdog]

It's so nice to find others like me...I bought my first Moleskines a few years back before a bike tour. Took a pocket cahier with me, perfect size for a lightweight journal. At the time, I also bought a Japanese folding book. Since then, I sort of forgot about the little gems, and then while trying to get organized with GTD (Getting Things Done), picked up a pocket squared Moleskine. Hacked that to be my paper pda/brain...then I bought a sketch version, and a couple of regular-sized in both squares and blank - use the squared version for a daily writing book...and a small memo pocket...Now I have a regular ruled one that I use in my classroom to keep notes on the classes I teach, hacked with some calendar pages from DIYPlanner...and most recently, the XL cahiers, which I'm using to write my morning pages (in lieu of the boring spiral notebooks which most people probably use for disposable writing). Whew!
Yeah, I need a support group. Guess I've found it!
I'm going to try to get some photos up of my various hacks on my flickr page:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/heavdog/
I'll see if I can figure out how to add it to the moleskinerie photo pool as well.

[ST]

Moleskines are very useful

[Martin]

I am a big fan of cahier type moleskins. I've been using moleskines for over 3 years now. Its really great! greetings from Martin, http://www.ausmusterung.biz

[Karen]

For the bookmark ribbons to prevent fraying: when you first purchase the book, paint a dash of clear nail varnish along the bottom that will fray. Voila, no fraying. This could also be used around the edges of the covers to prevent tearing if you wanted to. Otherwise talk to someone who does rubber stamp art and ask them to clear (or if you like -colour) emboss the edges of the book. This will make it last an age. To reinforce the threads down the spine, a PVA glue very finely applied will help. The PVA glue is malleable and will therefore move with the threads opening and closing, but will preserve them from wearing/fraying.

I know this from other things, because I only got my first moleskins today, three really cute, sweet cashiers with green wrappers.

Thanks for all the other hints and tips.

cheers
Karen

[Bill Corkin]

I don't actually own a Moleskine just yet, But reading this had made me just order one. I will check back in a few days, after I've recieved it and let you know what I think.

[Fred Berktin]

I am getting more and more hooked on these notebooks! I recently ordered the art books to draw my cartoons. I like drawing cartoons (amateur) as a hobby and find it very relaxing. I also ordered the New York City Book. Wow!. It came just in the nick of time before i left for New York. I can hardly wait for my next trip to use it again. I find the clear acetate sheets very useful to plot my cours without writing on the maps. One of the girls in my office hwas been dying to go to New York. Here is my chance to introduce her to the Moleskine, so I ordered her a New York City Book as a present. This is like an addiction.

[Erik]

I'm thinking about getting one of these moleskin notebooks

[Steve Greenwald]

I've been using a Moleskine since 2003 with extensive travel (I use the small one).

The ideal pen for me is the Fischer Bullet Pen. Be sure to get one with a clip.

I keep the pen attached to the top of the notebook with the clip through the elastic. I pull the bookmark up a little, and stick the other end of the pen under it, and that keeps it all snug until I need it. A nice compact package.

Here's detail on the model I use (I use black to match the notebook of course, model 400BCL):

http://www.spacepen.com/Public/Products/BulletPen/index.cfm

As a bonus, I can write all I want non-horizontally without worrying about the pen going dry due to lack of gravity. The ink is waterproof after it dries. It does not have a ballpoint pen feel to it but feels much easier due, I think, to the pressurization.

I'm left-handed, and this works just fine.

The default ink cartridge is medium, but fine can be ordered as a replacement.

[dc]

same here hmm... I remove the wrappers and tend to replace them with varieties of tape

[Lorna]

Wow, who would've known so many people were in love with the little black phenomena =] I'm currently 15, and I own the small and large sketchbooks, and a Pilot G2 pro to go with them.

Have any of you felt like you couldn't think of anything worthy enough to put in the notebook, but felt this HUGE urge to write something in it anyway, and it just flows? There MUST be something special in Moleskine.

[Jaron Shaddix]

lorna i feel the same way. By the way i am also 15. i actually want to be a writer. I feel good that i am not the only 15 year old that cares about keeping paper and pencil alive.

[Lorna]

Jason - well, I feel good that I'm not the only one that feels that way. What notebooks do you use? I suppose either one of the ruled ones?

[ceviri]

So glad I'm not alone in my obsession. I can't wait to get my Moleskine's filled as I love the look of a slightly used, dog-eared Mlskn, as opposed to a pristine one.

[TomN]

I've used the Molskine for a few years, I recently tried the small lined reporters notebook. I do have a tendency to keep my notebook in my back pocket and the reporters notebook suffers MUCH less from this abuse. The smaller spine and the fact that it sits horizontal in my pocket account for this I believe.
Of course, and maybe this is obvious but it wasn't to me ; ), there is no bookmark.
One frustration, the paper used for Moleskines is NOT Fountain Pen friendly, the ink bleeds and takes considerable time to dry. Blotting should not have to be an option. So my vote is for a new notebook that is specifically aimed at FP's. I would easily pay a premium for this type of book, even if the number of pages is cut down considerably.
One more thing, I ordered a very nice leather cover for my larger Moleskine from Renaissance Art. Not only do they have beautiful covers, but really good prices on Moleskines if you are a customer.

[Theo]

I was given the Moleskine City - Paris book as a birthday gift. I love it and can't wait to write in it (November!). Ordered Hi Tec C pens to try... I use a fountain pen for the diary but have problems with smearing. Maybe it's the way I hold the pen. I also use the sketch books for design ideas and drawings, and the small blank notebooks for a) notes and list, and b)list of shortcuts for AutoCAD which I keep next to my computer. So glad to find some many other Moleskine devotees. I, too, have left the reward line blank - and wrote my name in the Paris book with a less than wonderful pen, so now I want to cover it up and write it again.

[J]

'lo all,

I'm a fairly recent convert to the Church of the Moleskine; with National Novel Writing Month coming in November, I decided that I could really use a portable notebook sturdy enough to carry around with me everywhere. I was lucky enough to find some here in Dubai, and now I'm the proud owner of both ruled and squared pocket size notebooks for notes/journaling/everything else, as well as two ruled large Moleskines for writing. My pen of choice right now is a Fisher Space Pen (the large size, as opposed to the Bullet - my Bullet Space Pen's ink is quite faded, not sure how that happened). In the reward space I simply put $25, but I do like the 'Pint of Guinness' suggestion. Cheers,

[kim]

hi all
i make journals (still love my mlskn the most though), as well as covers, and i recently went through a phase of making all my friends handy personalised covers out of plain cotton and canvas materials, that suit all of them. they loved the surprise.
that's how i protect my mlskns, they're fairly old, and still in great condition.
also, i type up my details ("if found, please return to") on my type writer on sticker labels, and stick it in the inside. it adds a really nice touch to an already awesome notebook.

[Tony]

I have always been obsessed with notebooks, or more specifically legal pads. Especially those with squared grids. I must have filled one weekly with everything I could imagine.

Now comes the Moleskine and a new obsession. Last night I picked up a squared pocket sized Reporter, came home and sat there deciding just what was important enough to go inside. Nice book, big step. Hmm, maybe a smaller, less flashy start.......back to to the bookstore today for pocket size Cahiers, tan of course, a 3 pack........better get the medium ones too, lined this time. Yeah, that's better, less flashy, less pressure, a simple book for simple thoughts.......yeah, that's it....now,...what to write.

Maybe a diary...a book with a purpose, There was one at the store, that should narrow down the possibilities, columns, lines, a book almost telling me what it expects. The bookstore is open tomorrow afterall, and there is a Starbucks there too, a table, a Latte, time to ponder, time to write....maybe plan a trip, a trip to New York perhaps, I could fill one book with my plans, another with the trip itself, hmm, I think I saw a book like that, a city journal, might be just what I need.......

Neat little books

[Dot Hage]

How to add a ribbon bookmark to a book that doesn't have one -- purchase some 1/4" ribbon at a crafts store. Cut a length three times the height of the book, plus 2 inches. Open both covers and starting 1" from one end of the ribbon, wrap it in a loop around the entire group of pages, near the spine. Tie a knot. The remaining long end will be the bookmark. Trim ribbon ends to desired length. To keep from fraying, some liquid fray-stop product, also available in craft stores, can be applied to the ends.

[bryan]

i like the armour all idea!

[Jaron Shaddix]

well I have been writing off and on and have finnally gotten around to writing a good length story and i am quite proud. i also have joined a writing club at my school called the inklings in memory of J.R.R Tolkien and C.S Lewis. we have alot of fun and i have made a few writing friends through that. off to write more things instead of what i am supposed to do.

[Tom]

in my current moleskine, i write my thoughts on the left page, and on the right page, i add diagrams, lists, ect. in my second one, i plan to ahve a completely seperate moleskine for the diagrams and lists. this will let me journal on both sides of each page in my moleskine. the ruled, pocket notebook is my personal favorite. i also love the pilot g2 07 black. on my second, i plan to use Tul pens, 05, black. they don't smear like the g2's. in my current journal, i have to write sideways, which is a slight nuisance. i have gotten good at it though, being a compulsive journal writer. =)

[AND...]

I was converted to moleskines from my usual 'any old notebook' i have been using the natural cahier pocket sized plain ones and have discovered i have an alarming array of habits.
*i only ever use the righthand page yet i have no idea why
*i start at the 2nd page every time
*i always start a new page at the start of a new day, even if i only wrote 1 thing in the last page
*i always write contact details for my imediate family in the back page
*i only ever write in pencil
*i write recipies in the back, (i like to cook alot)

all of these habits have only come about since using moleskines, all my other noteboooks are just jumbled up mess. i think the moleskine has a lifeforce of its own that just makes us love them more but makes us all a bit geeky about them in the proccess.

i have fo the new year gone all the way and upgraded. i will still use the cahier's for work but i am compiling all my food recipies in a large lined notebook, and i have got a red weekly planner & notrbook for day to day life and for jotting down the random stuff that my imagination and deep thought throw into my head from time to time.

[ahdlm]

I've been using Moleskine grid notebooks for a while. my only problem is that they run out too fast.
I love the small ones, but I do tend to pocket them which eventually destroys the spine. Ideally, I'd like to get one of the larger sized books, but about 4 or 5 times the number of pages. that would be a stout book that would last me about a year.

[Dave]

Like many users of Moleskine notebooks, I am thoroughly pleased with the quality and utility of the product. I use mine on a daily while traveling internationally on business. As a result, they endure some significant abuse and end up fairly tattered by the time they get labeled and filed for reference. Many months ago, I began considering the potential of buying a cover for the notebook with a preference for leather if it could be found. Sure enough, I found several suppliers of leather covers ranging in price from reasonable, to pretty expensive.

During this search, I ran across a site that mentioned a "prototype" cover that had been made by a firm located in Idaho - Gfeller Casemakers. Gfeller is a manufacturer of very high quality leather cases for geologist, and other field-carried instruments. I had worked with a scientist in Nevada many years ago, and he had a Gfeller belt case that was his pride and joy. I dug a little deeper and eventually called Steve Dericott @ Gfeller and he filled me in on the details (you can read about the Moleskine covers at their website: gfellercasemakers.com).

Well, by this time I was hooked. Knowing the quality of the products they produced, I ordered a cover for my large Moleskine notebook. They offer the covers in three leather variations: Natural English Kip, Chocolate Cow (dark brown) and Black. I chose the Kip, as I determined that this would be the thinest and probably the longest wearing. It takes a little while to receive your cover after ordering (each one is handmade and numbered) - I had mine in about three weeks. However, the wait was well worth every day! The cover is an incredible piece of workmanship. The leather is beautiful, the stitching is fine and uniform, and the feature which allows the use of the Moleskine elastic is ingenious.

If you are truly interested in keeping your notebook in good condition throughout constant use, you might seriously consider one of these covers.

[Matthew Bodycombe]

Hallo,

Love the site but unfortunately my comments are negative. I have started using a Moleskine Diary and as a user of a fountain pen have been appalled by the amount of seepage through and feathering there is with the paper. For a supposedly quality and premium priced product, one would think that certain users would use a fountain pen rather than a ball/roller point. I think the fountain pen test is a good judge of paper quality and Moleskine fails. CIAK notebooks and journals are also from Italy are bound in lovely supple leather and have much better quaity paper. The only thing they don't have is the marketing. I can live with that for a better quaity product though and have jus ordered a CIAK jounal. Will still return to this site though as it is interesting!

[Israel Zenteno]

Weird, I use a fountain pen all the time on my moleskine and have had no problem so far. I use a very inexpensive pen by INOXCROM and use their ink as well. I love this pen because it is little and fits in any pocket. I am planning on buying another pen, something better than my inoxcrom and I am looking into inks, what pen and ink do you use? by the way I use reporter and scketch moleskines, the reporter has thin pages while the scketch has very thick pages, on this last one I draw with my fountain pen all the time...