Why I've Gone back To Pen And Paper. (Sort of)

[@Naturezoundzzz]

When he said he loves fountain pens I immediately subscribed.

[@stonewall5792]

same lol

[@ChristophFreiburger]

Dear Carl, this video speaks from my soul. I have been using computers since 1985 and also work in this industry. Nevertheless, I love my fountain pens and notebooks and I have always fought a fight in myself because I simply love both worlds. I would like to choose a version, but I can't. Simply developing your own hybrid system is the best way. Thank you for this beautiful impulse!

[@Carl_Pullein]

You're very welcome, Christoph.

[@amrdel2730]

You said it best we have to develope our own hypbrid sytem capable of taking the best of both worlds

[@Carl_Pullein]

@@amrdel2730 It's so true.

[@mpn984]

I agree! This was me when I got my iPad for school because I was lugging around so many notebooks plus my laptop so I wanted to lighten the load in my backpack. I was able to send portions of my notes to friends who had been absent from lecture or discuss homework problems and what work I did on it. I wanted to also try to plan digitally, but I couldn’t keep with it for long and still use a physical journal for planning. Just have to do what works for you. For me it was a cross between manual and digital note taking 😊 such a wonderful video!

[@Carl_Pullein]

@@mpn984 At least we can say we tried 🙂

[@Share_your_mistakes]

I failed in planning digitally but paper planning never disappoints me

[@Carl_Pullein]

That’s what I discovered also :-)

[@kccochran9767]

Great video. I’ve watched all your videos and I am a student of your online courses. I have loved them. But I hadnt seen this video yet. I think it’s pretty amazing you and I went through the same conversion to paper at the same time and I don’t know it. I converted about 6 months ago for the exact reasons you described in this video. Paper first, then digital. And when I’m on paper, all Media is shut off and in another room. Super helpful for focus and productivity. Another great video Carl.

[@Carl_Pullein]

It's surprising how many people have "returned" to simple pen and paper. I guess there must be a technology overload problem developing 🙂

[@KarenMcComas]

Carl: I’ve been watching your videos for some time now. This is absolutely the first time I’ve ever seen your eyes sparkle or your voice express your enthusiasm. I GET it - I’m obsessed with and addicted to pens and paper (notebooks, in particular). I can’t even tell you how many pens I own - it’s obscene. I mostly use a disposable Pilot Varsity fountain pen - I go to lots of meetings so don’t like taking my best pens - the Varsity never leaks, never smudges my fingers, and lasts a long time. Enjoy your notebook and pen!

[@Carl_Pullein]

Hahaha, I think it might be because I have an attachment to my pens. Never really have that feeling with computers and digital devices.

[@jonrutherford6852]

I got my first fountain pen at about age 9 or ten, and "haven't looked back." A large haphazard collection now, over 70 years later, still gives me pleasure and hardly a day goes by without handwritten notes of some kind. I also kept a longhand journal for about 20 years, till I jumped on the newest bandwagon and started journal writing on an endless procession of computers. I still like both ways of writing. Your method makes perfect sense to me, and I hope it will encourage others to try a hybrid approach.

[@Carl_Pullein]

It seems many others have discovered the pure joy of writing by hand, Jon. I suspect there's been some peer pressure going on with people trying to do it digitally.

[@Matt-er5sd]

Like most people I spend hours each day typing into my laptop and switching between different apps to record, read or respond to calls, messages and emails. The main point of your excellent video is that when you stop and put pen to paper, which should be a fountain pen for the sheer joy of the feel of it gliding over the page, you concentrate on every single letter and word. I find this helps me to retain whatever I've written far easier than typing into a computer. Admittedly it's a lot quicker to type, but I only retain about 20% of it as opposed to 80% of what I physically write. There's also the great pleasure of using different fountain pens, paper and of course the amount of different colour inks to choose from if you fancy a change. As usual a great video, thank you.

[@rajkrish9347]

Wonderful video Carl. Just watched few of your related videos. Personally i do better when I 'think in ink', so yes I am sticking to pen & paper on brainstorming/planning and then scan into digital. I used Evernote extensively in the past then stopped...going to get Evernote downloaded again 😊. Tq

[@Carl_Pullein]

And it's so much more fun too planning with pen and paper 🙂

[@AJSTOCKTON]

Gotta love another Pet Shop Boys fan! 5 star info by going analog vs digital.

[@Carl_Pullein]

Hahaha Thank you 🙂

[@pamelahermano9298]

I was this close to purchasing the Remarkable 2 when I discovered fountain pens. Then I fell in love with writing again and I’ve been back to writing and notebooks and I’ve been playing around with different inks as well to fill my fountain pens. It’s fun. I feel that electronics have taken away a lot of the experience of writing. I've also started working on my cursive again and I've found satisfaction in the improvements I've seen.

[@Carl_Pullein]

You're right there, Pamela. There's a special kind of joy in writing by hand.

[@maikeru_pk]

On no! You too 😂 I'm also fan of fountain pens. I have about 30. I also using Rhodia notebooks (it's Clairefontaine papper actually). My top 3 is: 1. Platinum Century 3776 2. Parker Duofold Centennial BigRed 3. Visconti Rembrandt Please record a video about your pens! 😊

[@Carl_Pullein]

Hahah maybe one day 🙂

[@Soozi-y5t]

Thank you for these thoughts, Carl. For years, I have gone back and forth between “hard and soft” methods of note taking. Recently retired and preparing to relocate, I packed up an obscene number of notebooks and pens of various sorts. I decided to move more fully back to handwritten notes - journaling, actually notes, brainstorming, etc. and am loving it. The fact that Evernote (where I have THOUSANDS of notes) started charging a fee was extra incentive. Thanks for sharing your good thoughts - keep up the good work!

[@Carl_Pullein]

Thank you, Soozi. I recently finished reading Leonardo Da Vinci's biography, in which he describes having six donkey loads of notebooks when he moved from Florence to France. A new Ian Fleming biography was only largely possible because of his notebooks.

[@meeluanistyn1644]

I’m a fountain pen lover too. I’m using a Parker 61 my Dad bought me for a Christmas present when I was a teenager. It has a capillary filling system that still works. I used it to write my answers to O and A Level exams and treasure it above all the other pens (Parker, Mont Blanc, Cross … ) I bought over the years. If I’m starting to draft ideas I use my pens and even prefer hand-drawn mind maps to using the digital apps I use). Good to see a return to the old ways! Great video.

[@Carl_Pullein]

Ah, I have quite a few Parkers. Would love to get an old Parker 51.

[@RobertMaguire67]

The dang Parker 61….who the hell knows how long the pen will write after a fill dilemma.

[@Seyir_Kanali]

I wonder, can you write fast with that pen?

[@Carl_Pullein]

@@Seyir_Kanali In general, if I am writing a quick note, I notice I am faster than typing. If I want to block letter an important word or so, then I am fractionally slower than I would be typing.

[@burneshollyman2621]

So bang on. Well done. I am a fountain pen nut and write differently when using them. Now here is a new thing to try: typewriters. I have colllection of great typewriters (my Hermes 3000 is the Mt. Blanc pen of typewriters) for my workflow for writing my novels : a.) handwriting> b.typewriter> c. computer (either scan or type draft 3). The cognitive difference is huge in terms of results. Handwriting and typewriters slow you down so you think more creatively and richly. Plus carrying a notebook is lighter and easier if working away in a coffee shop. But as a long time digital speed junkie, switching back to this has changed my life. And you can't review Apple Notes and explore them like you can navigate a notebook. And it is rare for me to constantly look things up that are stored digitally. That system is "FINO" First In, Never Out. Truth is all these "productivity" apps like Notes or Evernote (the worst) are digital vaults which are impossible to work with. And you can use different notebooks for different projects, etc. treating each as an analog disk drive.

[@Carl_Pullein]

Thank you. I also realised the great thing about paper notebooks is there are no subscription fees. And when you need a new one, they are relatively cheap to purchase. Never thought about a typewriter. That might be my next rediscovery. 🙂

[@burneshollyman2621]

@@Carl_Pullein my real problem is that I have a notebook fetish. All I do is compulsively buy notebook after notebook because I love them so much. Japanese paper really is superior. I would recommend the Tomae River paper in particular. There's a new version of it and it works even better than the old version.

[@Carl_Pullein]

@@burneshollyman2621 Hahahaha, I spent a little time last night looking at notebooks and pens on KZbin. WOW! It's worse than productivity apps. I know how you feel.

[@filmic1]

That was lovely. My father had beautiful cursive. I found and kept his fountain pen. It's a lost art now. I should work on mine.

[@rieekeerey5902]

I love using freeform on my ipad with the apple pencil. The problem with writing on paper is the chaos after collecting ideas, I need to rewrite everything and organize my thoughts. In freeform I can move words quickly around and this saves so much time, that's a game changer for me. Also I can add pictures from writing on paper or other images/screenshots and I can create a big collage. I love that!

[@abbaschild2499]

This so resonated with me, and I'm happy that you shared this process with us. I've been using a hybrid system for a while now, (analog to capture ideas and digital to store them) and I can't imagine it any other way. I too love fountain pens although I'm nowhere near your experience level. I love how my thoughts seem to flow, especially during journaling and reflection, much more so than with scratchy ballpoint pens (with the exception of the Bic crystal, which is my own personal quirk).

[@Carl_Pullein]

You're very welcome.

[@mariakristinahawl1640]

My go to pen is the Parker Jotter.

[@elianaaber]

Thank you so much for a great video, Carl. I recently started brainstorming on paper, because I realised my eyes are too tired from all the screens. I am definitely going to adopt the brilliant idea of the Post-it notes. By the way, Rhodia is indeed one of the best notebook brands out there.

[@Carl_Pullein]

You're very welcome, Ella.

[@ayklization]

I can relate to your position. Lovely video

[@Carl_Pullein]

Thank you.

[@MrSamoDude]

Interesting you say this. Only a few weeks ago I moved from completely taking notes in digital to using a Rocket Book, then at the end of the day uploading the digital scan to my note taking application. I'm staring at a screen so much the day that I got it mainly to help reduce eye strain, if only for short periods. The freedom of being able to draw and note at the same time is also helpful, and the washable ink make's it easy to erase mistakes and rewrite/draw sections. So far it's going well, it definitely slows you down but from what I've read it should hopefully help improve my memory as a result.

[@nat4465]

I also have Rocketbook. I love the ability to hand write and the convenience of being able to store things digitally in a way that is easy to find and organize.

[@pioneer7855]

I also use Rocketbook for my college lectures, it's pretty handy and just as convenient to quickly look through the scans afterwards.

[@benjaminsanders-oz5nu]

why just get a paper notebook its so much cheaper and easier and you write better too on paper?

[@MrSamoDude]

@@benjaminsanders-oz5nuI have a few problems with a standard paper notebook. First, i can’t search for something I’ve written. If my boss asks about a meeting that took place a several weeks back, or about a specific topic, I’d have to either remember exactly where I’d written those notes, or spend time flicking through pages to find them. He’s wanting an answer pretty much instantly, paper notes are too slow for that. I could scan my paper notes, so this isn’t a complete blocker, just RocketBook makes it quicker and less hassle. My RocketBook automatically sends my pages to Evernote, which scans my handwriting and makes it searchable. Second, if I make a mistake on a standard notebook I can’t easily erase it, and it gets quite messy quite quickly. I sometimes think faster than I can write and end up writing words round the wrong way or writing letters too soon, mid word etc, so being able to quickly erase them and rewrite saves my notes looking a mess. Also when sketching out diagrams, I often move things around as the drawing evolves, all again being able to erase is very valuable. I recently got a new iPad and Apple Pencil so I’m tending to use that now for diagramming, idea mapping etc. The notability app allows me to easily move items in the drawing around without having to erase and redraw. Not great for my eye sight compared with paper but speeds things up, and it’s all about efficiency in business these days.

[@DanielLucas-ge6rd]

Hi, I'm 63 years old. I got my degree in electronic engineering a while ago. I've always found it more productive to write in notebooks with pens. Writing directly into the notebook makes it act as an intermediary between the ideas and the documentation of those ideas.

[@Carl_Pullein]

I think you're right there, Daniel. There's seems to be a a better connection between your thoughts and ideas when you have a pen in your hand.

[@derranstokes8760]

Carl, like you I enjoy the simplicity of writing with a fountain pen on paper. At work, we are paperless - using reMarkable2 devices to take notes that sync to the computer via wifi. At home for journaling and private projects, I use a fountain pen and a Traveler's Company notebook. I have tried a Rocket Book for notes and automatic scans - which works well too.

[@richardlees5303]

Manual written notes almost seem calming and focused. Enjoying your perspectives

[@Carl_Pullein]

Ooh, they are.

[@michaelpostell4053]

Carl, I use a variation of your paper notebook system. I use Rocketbook to take my notes. One of the main reasons is what to do with all the notebooks. I'm trying to eliminate stuff like that around my house. (I have way too much already). And I agree with you; there's just something about writing it down that reinforces the thoughts in a way that typing doesn't.

[@brendalg4]

It is scientifically proven that writing things down helps with memory

[@robperry1008]

I’ve done the same, combined analog (Rocketbook) and digital (sending Rocketbook to my digital tools)

[@WaskiSquirrel]

Happy to see this! I do a lot with my fountain pens. Digital tools have their place, but they're for scheduling or quite notes. For more creative or involved endeavors, I need my paper. I've even used a reMarkable tablet a lot. But paper is just flexible and free. I even have a few manual typewriters I use on my paper for composing large blocks of text. Digital, typewriter, and fountain pen work best for me together, each with its own role. And I like your inclusion of post-it tabs. I don't know that I'll use them the same way, but it does give me a few ideas on how to modify what I'm doing.

[@Carl_Pullein]

Glad to have been able to share an idea with you.

[@PH-pl6un]

Carl, I recently rediscovered my fountain pens and I absolutely love writing with them. Just the other dsy I was thinking about a way to combine my love of writing with fountain pens and using my Supernote which I have sadly neglected lately. Then you posted this video! Thanks for the ideas of how to congruently use both systems.

[@Carl_Pullein]

You're very welcome.

[@janmckenzie]

Thank you. I'm on the same page. I've been digital for more than 25 years, but I'm back with fountain pen and notebooks as well. I'm more about the process than the final product when it comes to my notes. I use Obsidian as my main database. I used the hard copy for thinking, contemplating, meditating over ideas, letting things simmer. I have mind mapping software, but I prefer generating the maps for brainstorming with pen and paper. I agree very much about the benefits of slowing down with handwriting. And really, sometimes I just enjoy the tactile feel associating my thoughts with the feedback of the pen and paper. Well done, sir. A very good, very succinct presentation on the benefits of pen and paper for us today.

[@Carl_Pullein]

Thank you. And I'm glad you liked the video.

[@rspurdum]

My best fountain pens... Lamy 2000 (in both M & F nibs), Sailor Pro Gear "Fire", Pilot Custom 823, Montblanc Meisterstuck Chopin. Each is wonderful and I've had them all for years.

[@Carl_Pullein]

That's the thing I love about these pens. Each has a story to tell.

[@EricKeifer-z5n]

Carl - I loved seeing a few pens from your collection. I recently took my pens out of storage and have been trying to incorporate them into my work. Thanks for some great ideas on how to do that!

[@Carl_Pullein]

You're very welcome.

[@leosigman7239]

Fantastic! Thank You! Happy to see another Left-Handed Underwriter who loves fountain pens!! I’ve been working at a hybrid system as you describe, but I’m not happy with my scans. I dictate into Notes, but sometimes my dictation doesn’t make sense so I have to double-check. I don’t remember being without pen and paper in my pocket. Sometimes I’m out and about and thinking of something I’ve been writing that is on my desk. That’s when I wish I kept everything digital. But what you said about handwriting is absolutely right, and not worth forgoing.

[@Carl_Pullein]

That maybe why I love fountain pens. Being left-handed. 🙂

[@Boog555]

Glad to have read this comment, as I didn't realize Carl is left- handed. I'm left -handed as well and I love stationery and pens, but have been leery of trying fountain pens because fear of smudging. Do you guys have and suggestions for a 'beginners' fountain pen suitable for lefties? Cheers! Carl-this was a neat video and I thoroughly enjoyed your enthusiasm. I've been hanging out in the world between analog and digital for a while and decided that I didn't need to choose just one, nor did I want to.

[@Carl_Pullein]

@@Boog555 Ooh, I have a strange way of writing because I was only allowed to use fountain pens when at school (up to middle school). I noticed that my hand is lower down from my writing line, so no smudging. The best advice I can give you is to pick up a cheap disposable fountain pen (less than $5.00) and try it out.

[@Boog555]

@@Carl_Pullein Thanks! I think I will take your suggestion of trying a cheap fountain pen first. I will need to see if I need to adjust my hand position, as I tend to have my hand slightly above the line. Not sure how that’ll work out, but I’ll give it a try.

[@nicolashea8234]

Spotted PSB straight away! Love it! On a side note I'm a paper girl for brainstorming and as a retention tool. I fully agree about it being a break from the screen.. rests the eyes, takes you away from your desk, go somewhere a little more inspirational to work.

[@Carl_Pullein]

That's so true, Nicola. I find using pen and paper a much less distracting experience.

[@j.d.5709]

Great video. I've done a simple hybrid system with a bullet journal, but I really like the look of your setup. Might have to try this out for myself.

[@Carl_Pullein]

It's a good way to combine digital and analogue together.

[@marksaleski9890]

I started as a software engineer way back in the mid-80's. A few years in I started using a notebook to kind of keep a running commentary on what I was working on. This never morphed into the digital realm because a) I absolutely love writing and b) there's research that shows that you commit things to memory more effectively after physically writing it down. (I honestly don't think I was aware of this when I started though). And perhaps another reason I stayed with physical notes is that I just didn't want to do one more thing at the keyboard. I liked to give my poor wrists and tendons a break. I kept up with this practice all the way until I retired a couple of years ago. P.S. Yes to Japanese paper. I use Midori notebooks for my morning writing session and the paper is truly fantastic.

[@Carl_Pullein]

I've always had this desire to write with pen and paper but I felt I should join the digital world. After nearly nine years of trying to make digital note-taking work, I've decided pen and paper is by far the best way to plan.

[@brwnsgr8034]

Oh, I love the idea of scanning the notes.👍🏽

[@benWKNFSS]

Works so increadable good with Apple notes.

[@MarcoHaslbeck100]

I also love paper notes - I mark on every paper note on the top if I have already scanned the page or not. I write also with a #if I wanna add a certain tag and then I type the tag in apple notes. I love this system of handwritten and digital notes.

[@Carl_Pullein]

Great idea, Marco.

[@benWKNFSS]

What a great impulse. Thanks a lot. I went analog for same processes for a frew months and felt a bit alone. Would really like to see more content from you like this. The apple notes hybrid journaling tip was great!

[@Carl_Pullein]

I'll be updating things as they develop. I still looking for a nice balance between the digital and analogue worlds.

[@TheIllerX]

I agree on the benefits of using real paper notes. I like to draw mind maps on large A3 or larger papers for important topics. This makes it really easy to quickly repeat the main points of the material in the future.

[@Carl_Pullein]

Ooh, A3 paper... That must be a lot of fun.

[@TheIllerX]

@@Carl_Pullein They have the drawback of being more cumbersome to handle of course, but there is some charm to a large mind map on paper. :)

[@IAmDanMillen]

As always you are amazing my man! I have been on and off with paper notetaking and paper planning and I always go back to digital, mainly because invariably I will spill something on my paper, OR on the days I'm mobile I have forgotten to pack it, OR left it behind, any number of logistical problems with paper. The Solution? ONE NOTE. It handles handwriting and each note is an infinite canvas, you can import pdfs or images if you want to write on forms / structures, and it's cross platform. If you use an Apple Pencil, Android or Windows Stylus it all syncs back to the mothership. Plus you can search and it will read your handwriting. Admittedly, it's not as fast and satisfying as flipping back and forth through pages, but good luck with that when you wrote about whales four weeks ago... all you'd have to do in One Note is search whales and it pops up immediately, and you can use it anywhere on any device, including macs. My 2 cents! Cheers.

[@brwnsgr8034]

Carl, I started taking handwritten notes again. Especially when I sit and brain dump my to -do’s, etc. I still use digital notes too. I purchased some notebooks I can carry in my purse when I need them. I do love the feel of writing on paper😄. The only downside was me not being more organized and marking off items. I’ll get better!!

[@Carl_Pullein]

I think the trick is to limit the number of notebooks you have. Too many and things will be scattered.

[@TORIFS80]

Good stuff! When my mind is a a mess and I need to sort out things between work and home, I always turn to paper. I also find that paper is better in meetings, most of the time for me.

[@Carl_Pullein]

I think you might be on to something there.

[@piperspurpose3005]

"Which do you choose, the hard or soft option?" 😂😂😂 My Gen X ears picked right up on that tune. Love it.

[@lorenaortega7504]

I am left handed. Interesting how you position your arm to write. I do it the same way. Thank you for the video!

[@Carl_Pullein]

You're very welcome. (I don't think I ever learned to hold a pen "properly" but this way works for me)

[@ZanyZoomers]

Oh i loved watching this. I’d always loved my Mont Blanc and Moleskine note books. Then i got the Moleskine Smart Pen and you really need to look into it, although you probably like your fountain pens too much. It digitalises everything you write on the Moleskine paper into a notes app. I started using it many years ago but then changed to notes on my ipad with the Apple Pencil. However recently I’ve got lots of eye strain and decided to go back to the Moleskine Smart Writing set and im loving the feel of real paper again. Although you have to use the Moleskine Pen, which i do actually like, there are other similar systems where you get a specific notebook ( like rocket book) but it lets you use your own Pen. May be worth you looking at them as would remove the scanning in that you currently do. Noting beats a real pen and paper.

[@theronwolf3296]

I certainly agree with your perspective 100%. Writing is far more intuitive than typeing, you have easy flexibility to sketch, draw arrows and underlines, circles and clouds, all of which step outside the physical structure of alphabetical information. There is good reason for this, our sense of touch, our sense of muscle movement is part of our sensory environment, this is largely lost electronically. But those movements are part of our memory of the event. Even doodling seems to help many people remember the content of a lecture. Getting the best of both worlds, I eventually scan the notes, store the (fully back up) electronically which makes them MUCH easier to find in the future. One difference: I love fountain pens, but mainly when doing important quality writing. Note taking to me involves doing all sorts diagrams, lines, scribbles and crossouts -- tool of choice is my favorite silicone grip mechanical pencil (0.7mm HB). you have more freedom with a pencil than anything else.

[@Carl_Pullein]

You've got some good points there. I also have a pencil on hand with a small six-inch ruler for drawing outlines for diagrams. I think again that slowing and being deliberate allows my thoughts to flow better.

[@PlanYourOneLife]

Interesting hybrid method. I love fountain pens, too. 😊

[@mandingowarlord]

I’m glad you posted this on Fountain pens. I feel the same as you do. Nothing better than my fountain pens to do a brain dump in my daily journal every day. And like you said, I scan them into every note for easy recalls.

[@Carl_Pullein]

Completely agree with you that.

[@jrjames1196]

Yes! I discovered fountain pens during COVID as I was writing cards to those in my circles. I have migrated from digital to paper notebooks entirely (except email and google docs with my team members) I index my notes on notecards and place them in alphabetical. Presentation drafts are fully done with fountain pens and Rhodia notebooks.

[@Carl_Pullein]

Maybe pen and paper will make a comeback as we rediscover the art of slowly allowing our thoughts and ideas to develop.

[@kestorr]

This is fantastic Carl! I was hoping that you would someday come up with a hybrid system. Which is a system I use. All digital or all analog doesn’t quite work.

[@Carl_Pullein]

You're right there. In today's world, it would need to be hybrid as almost 100% of our output is likely to be digital.

[@Boog555]

Me too!

[@DonFranko68]

Thank you for your statement and this video. For me, writing by hand with fountain pen and beautiful ink is a sensual and creative event at the same time. Reading a text written by hand is something special these days. Especially when you want to tell someone something personally, it signals to the recipient: you are worth something to me, I have taken time for you. And I'm sure you don't throw away a handwritten text as quickly as you delete a digital message.

[@Carl_Pullein]

You are so right, Frank. I noticed I wasn't motivated to go back and read my notes when they were in a note too. But when written down by hand, it's a pure joy to go back and see what you wrote.

[@bluemint4882]

You had me sold, if i were a customer! Making that comparison between the protonym, Digital pitted against the, retronym, 'paper and pen' and showing us how very adept you are at digital notes and use these simultaneously has me galvanized! I love fountain pens, even though don't get to use em as much as would like to because of the digital age we are in So my argument is there is no argument ... I love pen and paper and that is it!

[@Carl_Pullein]

hahaha Love that. Enjoy your fountain pens 🙂

[@davidrussell6559]

I write at very specific moments. When I am expressing in a Commonplace book (apple pencil) or when I am mindmapping. When I am notetaking or doing morning pages, I will type.

[@franzst.664]

Thank you for the insightful video - I've been in both camps and ended up getting a REMARKABLE 2. The "send via E-Mail" and/or built-in OCR is the link to digital for me. The writing experience is FANTASTIC. Like pen and paper.

[@VenerableBostonBede]

Great video, Carl. Thank you!

[@Carl_Pullein]

You're very welcome.

[@MichaelACoates]

Hi Carl - thank you so much. It’s so comforting to know I’m not alone. All through school to my college years I used ink pen and paper. Recently, I found a book with some of my college notes and found that I once had nice handwriting. It was cursive, clear and legible - unlike that of today. This got me thinking. So I found an old fountain pen, cleaned it, added ink, and the most amazing thing happened - I could write legibly once more. Up until then, I had blamed my scribbles on tardiness and the fact that I'm getting older. So what happened? All I can think of is that with ballpoint pens, there is no intimate contact between pen and paper. With virtually no pen-to-paper friction, these disposable modern roller pens are free to slide and glide all over the place. As for taking notes - I, too, prefer pen and paper simply because I doodle a lot. To me, doodles add an extra dimension to my notes. You can’t get a keyboard to draw a thought or an idea! Your videos have been very inspirational - Cheers, Michael

[@Carl_Pullein]

Thank you for sharing that, Michael. I think you're right about the feel when compared to modern roller balls. I've never been able to 'connect' well with those.

[@MLightstone]

Wonderful video. I recommend paper by Midori Way, which also makes Traveler's Company products. Similar to what you're using now but the binding are more user friendly.

[@Carl_Pullein]

Thanks for the suggestion, Mark.

[@MLightstone]

@@Carl_Pullein Any time, pal.

[@mariakristinahawl1640]

I tend to remember more when I hand write. I recall the caligraphy of my handwriting or the way I decorate around some notes. It's almost like photographic memory...

[@Carl_Pullein]

There's some scientific studies that suggest we do retain more if you write it rather than type it.

[@hahaxolotl]

all i want from a note taking app is a literal version of a pen and paper. Multiple pens, colors and papervariations. I just hate fidling around with Markdown formatting or right clicking and selecting stuff with my mouse 20 times; with a pen and paper you can just pick a different pen, add a sticky note, have the most questionable formatting ever, but you can DO IT. ofc having a side-note panel where i can quickly run bomb down stuff with keyboard in markdown formatting would also be nice

[@noblast1967]

A fellow yorkie dad. I just subscribed. Great information.

[@JonDiPietro]

I started doing the same thing last December and for a similar reason. I'd never used a fountain pen before. After watching a video from Marcus O'Brien, In Search of the Perfect Pen. He mentioned the Lamy Safari and it looked interesting, so I bought one. I was hooked the instant the nib touched paper. I've gone head-first down the rabbit hole and already own 8 pens. Around the same time, I made several major modifications to my productivity system, including and especially the time sector course. I also decided to increase my analog time and decrease my digital. I'm journaling daily and using pen and paper exactly as you described in the video for planning and brainstorming. All these combined have dramatically improved my productivity. Another huge contributor to my productivity has been the adoption of a morning flow routine as detailed by Rian Doris. I highly recommend checking out his channel if you haven't.

[@Carl_Pullein]

Ooh, be careful of the fountain pen rabbit hole. It's fascinating, and they can get very expensive.

[@davidbourne6478]

Thanks Carl. Good idea. I am a fountain pen enthusiast too!

[@Carl_Pullein]

You're very welcome.

[@ivomota]

Carl, probably tis is not the right place/video to ask you that, mas I know that I have more change that have your feedback here (since is the most recent video). In your TSS, how do you deal with tasks that is in progress more than 1 day? As a software engineer, I have tasks that can have a duration of 3 days for example. Do you have any video explaining that? Can you provide some insights about that? I really like TSS, but I'm always creating a Kanban board to deal with this time of tasks.

[@assistivetek]

I have been using my NEO Smartpen a digital pen that lets me write on paper- and gives me the best of both worlds. I can go from analog to digital with ease. 😊

[@VixSy333]

I was so comforted by your pen confession, … mine is notebooks… I’m gonna check out the Rhodia’s!

[@Carl_Pullein]

Glad to help.

[@gtspeak]

Just today I was exploring the analogue productivity tools like ugmonk but something more affordable. One question I could not answer satisfactorily was: how to archive what’s done? Also, rolling over unfinished tasks to next day note/card seemed like environment-unfriendly. I am still debating these points. Other than that pen n paper makes complete sense.

[@Andrumen01]

For me it depends on how complicated and cumbersome the notes format is going to be ....when there are arrows and boxes going here there and everywhere, it's easier to write them by hand. But when taking quick bullet points in meetings, it's easier to use my usual text editor (VS Code, Neovim, etc.).

[@ChuckTomasi]

This is why I love using my reMarkable2 since 2020. Feels like paper. Fast capture and journaling. No distractions. Export PDF to Evernote and get OCR. No scanning. Best of both worlds IMO.

[@douglasdrumond]

The problem for me is that nothing replicates the feeling of a good fountain pen. It’s easy to match a ballpoint pen, but not better pens. For instance, an iPad with Paperlike screen protector is almost as good as writing with a rollerball or gel pen, but still far worse than fountain pens. I never tried reMarkable tablets, though.

[@ChuckTomasi]

@@douglasdrumond You are right. Fountain pens are in a league of their own. I just got tired of a closet full of notebooks of varying sizes, quality, etc. While the reMarkable isn't fountain pen experience, it's very close to actual roller pen and paper and WAY better than the slippery experience of a default iPad/Apple Pencil.

[@douglasschoonover6848]

Carl, this is a great video. I’ve went back to a paper planner 3 years ago. I use the Full Focus Planner. I am now doing all of my sermon prep via pencil and paper, and I have found that I remember things so much better.

[@candleby]

Carl, I can't tell you how much I can relate to this. I remember back in Elementary School being forced to use a fountain pen (showing my age here), I have never found a better writing tool or should I say, nothing makes me write more legible than a fountain pen which clearly has to do with the friction it creates while writing (quite the extreme opposite to the Apple Pen - Paperlike or not). Also, I prefer writing on paper which - as you pointed out - does not quite have the portability of digital capturing. So, for the time being, I am also using this awkward hybrid of physical materials, scanning and digitalizing. Anyway, nothing beats the fountain pen!

[@Carl_Pullein]

I think you're right there. I've struggled to find the Apple Pencil comfortable to write with.

[@larklandmorley]

I have used a remarkable 2 eink tablet for several years now to address the need to write things down. Can then import that information into a digital system

[@michaelpporter]

I too love fountain pens. I always have 5 inked.

[@ChristophFreiburger]

It's unbelievable how this topic concerns people. More than 230 comments on this and almost everyone enthusiastically agrees with you. Precisely because this is a popular technology channel, this enthusiasm for these Viodeos is all the more exciting. We humans simply feel a desire for simplification and focus. And this has nothing at all to do with old-fashioned, but is a "Spirit of the Age" that will grow in the near future. I am pleased about this development.

[@Carl_Pullein]

For me, it was spending so much time in front of a screen that caused me to stop and ask myself if there was a better way. As I was thinking, I saw one of my old fountain pens sparkling in the sunlight (as if it was a sign) and I realised that perhaps the better way was pen and paper.

[@baltrade5637]

You're absolutely right sir!

[@Carl_Pullein]

Thank you.

[@davidbreier84]

I use pen and paper to work things out, make sketches, write notes and ideas down and then scrap them and so on. But I use digital for my eternity stash because I can write useful notes or whole articles, save documents, diagrams and fotos and so on and then group notes by tags or link between notes. That's powerful stuff if you want to create a long-lasting collection of notes/articles. But it's not good to flip through or just write down some random ideas. I also like to write stuff down during learning phases because, for me, retention is higher if I recapitulate knowledge that way.

[@frankmoller4345]

I love handwriting with my fountain pen, with which I wrote my exam 37 years ago. It was a gift 40 years ago. It’s a waterman fountain pen.

[@Carl_Pullein]

Definitely have a Waterman. Very nice pens.

[@barbr8220]

This is great! thank you. I was wondering how you don't lose your notes in the notebook but I guess since you are regularly scanning and summarizing you can find them.

[@Carl_Pullein]

That's really helped my to ensure my notes, once developed, can be searchable from any of my devices.

[@christophersterns2450]

Thanks, Carl. You answered my question about retrieving notes from your other video. What about "tags?" for summarizing? Wouldn't that make it easier to search and retrieve? I've had a love affair with pens for 60 years.

[@Carl_Pullein]

Ah, your pre-empting my next video. How I organise my notes will be coming out on Thursday. 🙂

[@mcostaprofessor]

Escrevo muitos cadernos. Demoram bem mais, porém torna-se um trabalho gratificante! Gostei muito do vídeo

[@Carl_Pullein]

Concordo. Há muita satisfação em notas manuscritas.

[@christophersterns2450]

Carl, I have made a deeper commitment to go analog and ditch digital. I have a love for paper (good paper) and fountain pens. I like to write and keep notes. My problem is organization of my notes and retrieving them. I've created an index page and indexed the content of each page for quick acces and later retrieval. My notes are mostly to do's, conversation note, ideas, subjects, KZbin views and notes and projects, and it goes on. Similarly associated notes are scattered throughout which is why I created the index. Separately, I have created a book journal where I plan to keep note about the book and quotes as well, and a Bible Study journal. Any thoughts about improving the structure? I thought I would view a few KZbin videos' about journaling supplies to help differentiate sections.

[@Carl_Pullein]

Hi Christopher, I've found you can combine the power of pen and paper with digital tools to help keep your notes organised. You can scan your paper notes into a notes app (OneNote, Evernote, Apple Notes), and once they are in there, they will be easily retrievable when needed.

[@christophersterns2450]

@@Carl_Pullein LOL. I thought the same thing but didn't want to commit until I had thoroughly thought this through. Using hashtags will really make retrieving easy. If I scan them regularly, I may not need to create a table of contents. However, too frequently, the notebook will become anemic. LOL. Analog and digital, perfect and in harmony. I've had an unused ScanSnap sitting on my desk for quite some time. You've given me confirmation and validation to move forward. In fact, I have purchased a couple of quality binders and a box of 600 sheet protectors to create the hand notes for nostalgic purposes.

[@ResellDecadence]

Love your perspective! I relate much better to people speaking in a hood Northern accent! This was a great insight!

[@Carl_Pullein]

Thank you 🙂

[@thebusinessfirm9862]

Magnificent. Great to see a fellow user of fountain pens with Apple Notes.

[@Carl_Pullein]

I think fountain pens are still a thing. So much love for them.

[@JT1358]

Large format notebooks are just so comfortable 😊. Haven't used a fountain pen since 6th form, but recently rediscovered the joy of writing in good old pencil. Rarely use digital. Even handwriting on a screen doesn't have the same effect as writing on paper - maybe it's a feel thing?

[@paulbarker3655]

I’ve gone back to a 2B pencil for most things.

[@antebantevintervante]

Whiteboard is even better. Best way to brainstorm. Then take a picture in to OneNote and do the structure there.

[@ClemensAdolphs]

As a fellow lefty I want to ask, how do you deal with ink smearing? I still have PTSD from my elementary school days (We were all on LAMY Pelicans, which have a cult following apparently)...

[@SimGunther]

2:40 What stops you from these having the digital notes in one page in the perfect size that functions like the margins in the paper notes?

[@JoPinheiro]

What about using Remarkable 2?

[@Carl_Pullein]

It's digital and I can't use my fountain pens.

[@yashicaaheer1641]

Hi Carl! I feel like this video has been made especially for me! I have intentionally pushed myself trying to go 90% digital (as the whole world is!) but found that my thought processes were all over the place and failed miserably. However when I put pen to paper the thought processes flow. I am currently scanning my notes onto evernote but unsure if I should scan every page (hmm, help please). Thank you for the bullet points tip, I never thought to do this before. This will really help for a snapshot of key points. The downside is the time taken to review, add onto todoist and scan onto notes app takes longer but trying to keep on top of this! Any other tips would be great! Thank you Carl for your educational, thought inspiring videos as always :)

[@Carl_Pullein]

Hi Yashica, That's what I discovered. I know writing with pen and paper is "scientifically proven" to aid learning. No matter how hard I've tried, taking notes digitally--particularly when planning--has never been as productive as when I plan using pen and paper. (It seems from all the comments here that many others have discovered this as well)

[@IboMazari]

Maybe you should try the eInk writing pads like these from Supernote, Remarkable and Boox.

[@Carl_Pullein]

Tried so many of them. Nothing digital matches the pure joy of a beautiful fountain pen's nib floating across the page.

[@PlannerUK]

Paper 100% for me! With fountain pens and pretty inks! I can highly recommend Tomoe River Paper from Japan. You cannot beat that fountain pen and paper combination! Thanks for sharing your system. Great idea for longevity.

[@Carl_Pullein]

Agree with you there. That feeling just cannot be reproduced digitally.

[@pascal3606]

Hey Carl. Todoist launched the new personal and team workspaces. I would love to see a new video on how you would suggest to combine personal and team work based on the new workspaces approach.

[@Carl_Pullein]

I'll be playing with it over the next week or two. I don't begin with how I can use it. Instead, I start with Do I need this feature?

[@claudiavolkman1281]

Love this -- so refreshing!

[@Carl_Pullein]

You're very welcome.

[@vtv8man]

I know exactly what you mean with regard to using fountain pens. I mis mine - they are in a. Box. Using paper to use these pens makes sense on good paper. Otherwise use apple freeform with the Apple Pencil set to fountain pen style.

[@scrapwithsam]

I love the clicky-clacky sounds of a keyboard. I feel like I type fast but then again pen to paper I can write even faster. Both is nice but pen and paper can’t be beat! So glad the tech world hasn’t killed the original art of writing! ❤

[@Carl_Pullein]

That's true. And as I've discovered, Japan is leading a renaissance in pens and paper.

[@scrapwithsam]

@@Carl_Pullein well in that case, lead the way Japan!

[@macsakki]

I general I agree with the pen and paper. I used it for similar reasons as described. But, with the introduction of Apple’s Freeform I changed completely to the “digital” workflow. The feeling of writing on paper comes with a screen protector (no, not Papaerlike, there are way better alternatives). This results in a much better end result due to being able to move things around on the Freeform board instead of striking through things, etc.

[@gorc1n770]

May you give a tip what alternative you are using? I bought paperlike, but can't say how good or bad it is, because I didnt try an alternative. Thank you.

[@Carl_Pullein]

I gave Freeform a good six month try, but could never really get comfortable, well, not like I am comfortable with pen and paper. It's the lovely warm friction as you write across the page.

[@1967dragonaxe]

I think Rhodia uses Clairfontaine paper these days. Tomoe River (Japanese) is also fantastic, but is much thinner so there is often a degree of shadowing on the back of the sheet. Either way…fountain pens are the best tools for writing. Especially for us lefties 😊

[@Carl_Pullein]

Hahaha so true.

I love your video. I agree on how important it is to spend time writing by hand. In fact, writing is thinking. I just have one question and it's something I noticed in the video that perhaps very few do. You are left handed! And only lefties know the problems of writing (among others) when writing we make a mess of the paper by rubbing our hand on the fresh ink. So my question is: can you use that style of pen without making a mess, is it possible, how?

[@Carl_Pullein]

I've never had a problem there. My hand rests lower than my writing line, so I never get any smudges.

[@aliciareadsinbr]

I love using pen and paper, I try not to use my phones note app because I'd get distracted. I usually carry pocket notebooks, plus I have notebook in my car and some in my desk at work. Usually around back to school time I'll go and get a bunch of notebooks to have on hand as well.

[@torspedia]

I really need to start using my Rocketbook more!

[@silentjellybean]

I'm a lefty, how is it possible to write with a fountain pen?

[@Carl_Pullein]

Ah, I’m an underwriter which means my palm rests underneath the writing line. President Obama was an overwriter. He rested his palm above the writing line.

[@jimmcculloch3786]

Carl, thank you so much for this, and helps me to know that i'm not going 'mad'! I have the same issue, of the many ways of taking notes, and then organising / collating them into some kind of order. Doesn't help that i am part MS and part Apple, until later this year, and using 2 forms of Ourlook, pc and live. And then, there is the world of A.I., lets not go there. Again, thanks :)

[@Carl_Pullein]

You're very welcome, Jim.

[@typingcat]

I have two problems with those. (1) Apple Pencil is physically hard and heavy. When I write something with it, I worry about dropping it on the iPad accidentally and break the class. Samsung's pen was plastic and light, so I did not have this problem when using Galaxy Note. (2) When I used a fountain pen, I had to worry about closing the tip with the cap, because if I don't, it would get clogged by dried ink and the pen tip could touch something unwanted and leave ink on it. I thought it's better just to use a high-end Japanese ball-point pen. They are cheaper and feel good, and I don't have to worry about closing the tip and even when the pen tip accidentally touch something, it would not leave much ink unlike a fountain pen.

[@rogercarlsson1878]

At last, the basic for planning and lists....