Do You Still Write Things Down On Paper In This Internet World?
April 25, 2008 by Yvonne Russell
There’s something about actually writing things down, that makes it all click for me. I have lists and lists, and then some more. The lists themselves aren’t so important. It’s more the writing process itself that seems to focus me.
That’s what made me decide to buy a large whiteboard for my home office wall. It’s huge and I can’t wait to get started. After trying various online productivity tools to manage the editorial calendar I use for my freelance writing, I decided on the whiteboard.
How About You?
- How do you organize your work tasks and calendars?
- Do you use online tools or pen and paper?
- Do you like to actually write things down on paper?
- Tell us about it
Of course you can have too much paper (partly the reason for the whiteboard) and then your desk might look like this.
Of course. It’s sometimes faster to explore ideas on paper, and it seems more satisfying to cross out the items on a written checklist.
The crossing out part is certainly satisfying Rico. I agree. Thanks for stopping by to comment.
I bought notecards to keep track of my ideas. I did it for about a day now they lay around forgotten. I usually make a list of ideas and hope to get to it. To most it’s a disorganized mess of trash. For me, it’s partly true, but I can usually find what I’m looking for. I know it’s a bad system, but I can never seem to get away from it. Every time I try I gradually fall back into it.
Personally I love my A5 Filofax. I’ve had it for about 2 years now. I like the one page a day diary, the tabbed sections where I can write down ideas for the projects I’m working on, and I have somewhere to keep any press snippets I need.
I’ve tried online versions of the organiser, but like to have the physical diary at my side to check dates and schedule work. Along with my Sasco year planner I feel I’m in control of my business. And yes, it’s a great feeling to cross out in red a task when it’s complete.
Hi Debbie
I used to use notecards, but I then needed a system to organize them all and it became unwieldy.
I think what system you use isn’t as important as that it works for you.
Some systems I see recommended are not something I would like to use, so it all comes back to personal preferences and practicality.
Hi Dave
Welcome to Home Biz Notes. Your system sounds straightforward and practical. I use a diary and a planner too, rather than online tools.
I like the crossing off the list in “red” rather than just any old pen you have lying around… makes it seem all the more final.
i think you should make a piece of paper and let people write on this web site
Aisha, you can write on this blog by leaving comments, as you’ve done. Thanks for visiting.