tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44859969720944445332024-03-20T10:18:35.174+00:00filofax filosophya blog for filofax philosophersUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger14125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4485996972094444533.post-26967253236510830012014-01-14T15:58:00.005+00:002014-01-15T13:43:21.271+00:00Filofax M2 modifications - a few pics and a brief explanation.<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">In last week's <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ROvJlQM7ki0&list=UU7kgI16sJXmAuOrO-T0Z7kw&feature=c4-overview">video</a>, I declared my reluctance to "modify" my M2 but I have clearly, and irrevocably, changed my mind. If you haven't seen my Youtube channel, my vids tend to "ramble" and I can imagine viewers urging me to "get to the point", so I'm going to try to add a post, to accompany any video; a kind of online "belt and braces", as we say in the UK.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5BmFeGs2vz5PspxPm4dBz0DL_M_bybvTiTKcr4VY6wSDy8WbhivWvEIV40_tqLWu0vgM4_90Ton_32qJMpRT5Cn8Uq-hleX3OyYE4i2a8mDiEX_Amg-qwMxGevbPjt5C9mPtLLLgdn08W/s1600/m2-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5BmFeGs2vz5PspxPm4dBz0DL_M_bybvTiTKcr4VY6wSDy8WbhivWvEIV40_tqLWu0vgM4_90Ton_32qJMpRT5Cn8Uq-hleX3OyYE4i2a8mDiEX_Amg-qwMxGevbPjt5C9mPtLLLgdn08W/s400/m2-1.jpg" height="188" width="400" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">So, I removed the toggle, and the metal loop to which it was attached, with an old pair of secateurs. One side of the metal loop came off cleanly, but I had to file down the remaining "stump" with a file. The zip still slides easily.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5-k2669g_AqgBNh7uxnNeWyXNdBXU1NSM2CSEybTYytmQ2UUJfThfnHKj3HNdhgzoLzld7xXVNpwFlHvLniQxryU6wqaO48j9MUpF5VcumQDYJFe2I_QEBWnL-uWlooSTfp9dtZPxNqQr/s1600/m2-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5-k2669g_AqgBNh7uxnNeWyXNdBXU1NSM2CSEybTYytmQ2UUJfThfnHKj3HNdhgzoLzld7xXVNpwFlHvLniQxryU6wqaO48j9MUpF5VcumQDYJFe2I_QEBWnL-uWlooSTfp9dtZPxNqQr/s400/m2-2.jpg" height="246" width="400" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The A7 card, which I use at both ends of the paper stack, still rests on the zip, but the substantial reduction in profile is now much less of an irritation.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLFQVSxpw4SwQMgVU7UwpK2fumdwflGQzFpe-pe0BGDPhS4Df84gBVR5bxZBFTqDL7T61mwTRwGJ4u30HUwXcjYyBy5to4mgwD6dBtILoMy-Gk-jOa8HHfEtsJ_KwXIvKMtcgAtwNNhyphenhyphenOm/s1600/m2-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLFQVSxpw4SwQMgVU7UwpK2fumdwflGQzFpe-pe0BGDPhS4Df84gBVR5bxZBFTqDL7T61mwTRwGJ4u30HUwXcjYyBy5to4mgwD6dBtILoMy-Gk-jOa8HHfEtsJ_KwXIvKMtcgAtwNNhyphenhyphenOm/s400/m2-3.jpg" height="126" width="400" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I've also removed the pen loop, but left sufficient leather to avoid cutting into the stitching. A serendipitous feature is that the remaining material keeps the card from moving around too much when the M2 is closed.</span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4485996972094444533.post-4261773254962559072014-01-06T22:34:00.001+00:002014-01-07T03:28:24.523+00:00Filofax M2 - living with a discontinued format.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1zxhOVIB_VVSqzPlDRjxEpiwODX3CFLd5md-VeKZ2ab6MeMDzDoDYbVA6Kmyk6rHnvvXD8cmZJjZmD9UCyGB6UDxuurZ5LaBF26TnFskK84Re7lcUbCnFts1iF2bPdkQdpp22-2E9XqEU/s1600/m2pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1zxhOVIB_VVSqzPlDRjxEpiwODX3CFLd5md-VeKZ2ab6MeMDzDoDYbVA6Kmyk6rHnvvXD8cmZJjZmD9UCyGB6UDxuurZ5LaBF26TnFskK84Re7lcUbCnFts1iF2bPdkQdpp22-2E9XqEU/s1600/m2pic.jpg" height="146" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">If I were to be invited to Filofax Towers I would, over my saccharine laced coffee, declare my undying enthusiasm for the late lamented M2.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I know, it's a guy thing, and we're kind of excluded from the Filofax party these days, although still hanging around in a haze of languid smoke and muffled banter at the side entrance, more in hope than expectation that something interesting will come along. In an era where marketing has often triumphed over functionality, we could be waiting until way past kicking out time. But for those lucky enough to own one, an M2 is a seriously good bit of kit, that makes the wait a little less depressing.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">For me, I like the perceived anonymity of the thing, the understated design, the relatively superior construction, and the continued perfect ring alignment despite relentless use. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">My M2 currently contains one credit card (I tread some seriously mean streets at times so I'm careful), my driver's licence, a library card, some cash, and around sixty sheets of A7 paper, which I have cut down from A4 and use as a "day per page" diary. It's enough for me. Anything beyond that sixty day horizon (and frankly there isn't that much these days) goes into Google calendar via my iphone (as I write this, apart from recurring events that prompt me with an audible reminder, that are easily reconfigurable when Google Calendar throws a fit, there are just two entries beyond my self imposed 60 day paper based horizon).</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The A7 size is a little bigger than the paper originally specified for this binder, but it is this fundamental shift in paper size that elevates the M2 from so much ineffectual "froufrou" into the functional hardball tool it should always have been.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Would I change the design? Well, yes; I'd dispense with the pen loop, since I don't use it, and the zip pull is a little pretentious but, other than that, no. It is, in my opinion, the best product that Filofax has ever produced - at least for us guys hanging around at the side entrance.</span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4485996972094444533.post-84337724542746251902013-12-22T01:01:00.001+00:002013-12-22T01:34:09.590+00:00A New Year's Resolution - My return to paper based productivity.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcM_BhRXBb1LKHVFOZ9YyfDgvLi6iAvL_K4Fjp_lLIRItSaEZS4rhWMQn5Ger4FQKux7NNVXkJ_GGHnsVhFdTQzHUsuY0j4GKBBGRGZBL7H8KfTJhrYa2w2bGUoPoiSZwiwl0ZrmnTiMhX/s1600/michael-palin-quote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcM_BhRXBb1LKHVFOZ9YyfDgvLi6iAvL_K4Fjp_lLIRItSaEZS4rhWMQn5Ger4FQKux7NNVXkJ_GGHnsVhFdTQzHUsuY0j4GKBBGRGZBL7H8KfTJhrYa2w2bGUoPoiSZwiwl0ZrmnTiMhX/s400/michael-palin-quote.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">This year's indulgent forays into the complex world of electronically assisted productivity, seeking a happy hybrid synergy with pen and paper, have been interesting but, ultimately, in vain. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The much anticipated magic carpet ride with Apple's excellent "Reminders" app has been a little bumpy, Google Calendar has made me feel like I'm painting the Forth Bridge, and some gentle perambulations with Evernote and Omnifocus have left me feeling like I'm in the garage far too often, rather than heading down the highway.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">There's nothing intrinsically wrong with any of these systems, commonly used in business or group environments, and I have enjoyed experimenting with them, but I have found that it has detracted from the subtle pleasure of laying ink onto paper and see my forthcoming early retirement as an opportunity to switch to a totally analogue productivity system, much of it Filofax based. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">So, my new year's resolution is to return to paper; for projects, lists, reference, and even my calendar. No more compatibility issues, no more running out of battery power on the train, no more disapproving looks in meetings, and no more awkward "just let me put you on speakerphone whilst I check my diary" moments. But I may still use my iphone as an alarm clock a few times each day.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I'm back on the waggon this coming year, and I'm hauling paper. </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4485996972094444533.post-14808197314463701632013-12-20T01:47:00.001+00:002013-12-21T03:00:52.415+00:00Bidding for Filofaxes on Ebay? Here's my guide for improving your chances of success.<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</xml><![endif]--><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Like many Filofax enthusiasts, I've used Ebay to add to my collection from time to time, and I'd like to share with you some of the "strategies" I've used on the world's most popular auction site. So, grab a coffee and read on.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">THE PROXY BID</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><br />
If you are new to buying on eBay, I recommend this technique. In fact it's
hardly a technique at all, more of an acceptance of how things work, really.
You want that Filofax, you agonise over the possibility of being outbid, you know
the clock is ticking inexorably towards the final countdown, you've heard of
bidders who "win" actions in the last second but aren't sure how they
do it, you bid again and again, before maybe losing out in the final
seconds...</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Well there is a better way. Have you ever seen the proxy bids
being taken by the auctioneer at an auction house? Just imagine eBay
taking your maximum bid, and bidding on your behalf until you either win or are
finally outbid. This is exactly what happens when you enter an amount into that
box, but with the absolute certainty that eBay will not "take bids off the
wall" or "bump the price". If you want that binder, and you are the
bidder with the highest "invisible" maximum, then you will win, whether a "sniper" enters the fray in the last few seconds or not.
Without doubt, the safest strategy for a new buyer, or for someone who simply
doesn't want anything to go wrong in the last few seconds.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">LOW BIDDING</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><br />
Have you ever noticed, in "completed listings" searches, that a buyer
has often won an item for next to nothing? Notwithstanding the need to
check postage fees for each item, you can often pick up a bargain by leaving a
low bid on several similar items, in the hope that you will be successful at
least once. This strategy is often employed by eBay sellers (attempting to
resell at a profit), who will target inexperienced eBayers who set their
starting price too low commensurate with the number of likely bidders for their
item. It may not matter whether they win more than one, so they are able to
cast their "net" over a wide area.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">If you are a new buyer who just
wants to pick up a bargain binder, however, you can use this technique by placing a
low bid on your next targeted item as soon as you know you were outbid on the
previous one (and there are software packages that allow you to bid
automatically on many consecutive items, stopping as soon as you are successful
with one of them). Look at the completed listings for the item you are after,
list them in price order (using the drop down menu), decide on a maximum proxy
bid that is low but has proved to be successful recently, and just submit it
and forget about it. There are some sellers who earn a tidy sum employing this
method of buying to sell, so do not discount it if you are organised and
patient.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">JUST A PENNY MORE</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><br />
Have you noticed how the bid increments work? They gradually get larger
as the bid price rises. If you know what the bid increments are, for any given
bid price, you can outbid another bidder in theory by one penny, if you both
have the same maximum proxy bid.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">You may have noticed that the bid price
suddenly changes, from being a uniform figure , to something like x
pounds and 53 pence (or whatever your currency is). At that point a bidder has added a few extra pence
to their bid, and the odd pence are carried onwards up the bidding scale. If
you're not sure how the calculation is made then my advice would be to just be
to bid a few pence more than the minimum figure required (and indicated).
Risky, if you really want the item, but you may save yourself one bid increment
per auction, which all adds up.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">SNIPING</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><br />
When an item is "won" in the dying seconds (and
sometimes even the very last second), not only do the unsuccessful bidders feel
cheated but the seller often feels cheated too. That's why many sellers will
remind buyers of the "danger" of being "sniped" and
extolling the best way of "defeating" snipers (submitting the highest
proxy bid the bidder can afford, well before the end of the auction). But what
if you want to be a sniper too?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">From a moral standpoint you have to
make your own judgement, but the practice is very common on eBay and a whole
industry has grown up around this potentially successful strategy, with dozens
of products available to automate the procedure. It's easy to find one that
offers a free trial. If
there are several snipers ready to pounce on the same item, each
snipers will have set their maximum amount, which will be submitted as a proxy
bid to eBay in the normal way, and the only difference is that the bid is
submitted automatically as close to the auction's end as possible. The end
result is that the bidder, or indeed the sniper, with the highest proxy bid
wins and, by definition, the whole point of sniping is to win with a lower bid,
so it is by no means certain that you will succeed every time. A useful
technique for some buyers, but risky to rely on 3rd party software interaction for
that "must have" Filofax.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">THE EARLY BID</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><br />
This isn't poker, but many bidders hold their "cards" close to their
chest, so why do you see some bids very early in the life-cycle of an
auction?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Consider this
situation. An experienced dealer enters an early proxy bid of £150, on an item
that may sell for £300, but has a starting price of 99 pence. Several buyers
place bids, only to see their bid immediately outbid, in small increments
(potentially all the way up to £150). They may give up and start bidding on a
similar item elsewhere, which means that (whilst they remain the highest bidder
on the second item) they are out of the running on the first item, if they want
to ensure they are only bidding on one item at a time. A reduction in bidders,
and indeed a reduction in the actual number of bids (since multiple bids make
items more visible in certain searches) means a potentially lower final bid
price, and the early bidder may enjoy the fruits of their clever strategy.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">THE EDIT BLOCK</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><br />
Consider a another scenario, again involving a very early bid. The seller is
inexperienced, and hasn't provided a very good description of his item. An
experienced buyer sees this and places a bid, thus immediately preventing the
seller from editing his description (the seller can now only "add"
information to his original description, which looks messy in my opinion, and
maybe in potential bidders' opinions too, perhaps reducing the chances of a
high final price. The early bid also removes the "Buy it Now" option,
which may be part of the early bidder's plan. The early bird may well
catch the worm, or indeed the Filofax.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">THE "BUY IT NOW" STRIKE</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><br />
Oh, how cruel it is to exploit the unwary, but if you didn't do it then someone
else surely would. Select your favourite item category, search for items recently
listed (using the drop down menu), and select those items with a "Buy it
Now" by ticking the appropriate box in the left hand column. And there you
have it. Just bypass the bidding completely by using "Buy it Now" to
bag those Filofaxes that have, in your opinion, a ridiculously low BIN price. Just do it quick, before some other savvy bidder spots the
same item.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">THE CHANCER</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><br />
If a seller has chosen to allow you to "make an offer", just do it. You don't even have to face the indignation of the
seller, since part of your user ID is hidden until the offer is accepted, so
give it a try. Remember that you will be entering into a formal agreement, as
soon as you make the offer, and the seller could keep you waiting while they consider the situation, maybe leaving you reluctant to bid on another binder until you have an answer from the first
seller.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> </span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">THE "SHEEPSKIN COAT"</span><b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> </span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><br />
Many buyers who will target sellers, asking
if they will take "an offer", and there are many who will say
yes, if only they'd thought of offering a "Buy it Now" option. Every Filofax seller has their price, and there's no harm in asking.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Use the "ask
seller a question" link and talk business. If they agree, get them to add
a "Buy it Now", but before someone places a bid. As I mentioned in
the previous paragraph, ensure that you conduct your transaction through eBay,
to stay within the rules, and remember that the seller can "publish"
your suggestion at the bottom of their listing, so keep things polite. Do the
deal, but get ready with your finger on the button. </span><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"></span></div>
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<![endif]-->Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4485996972094444533.post-15608541072239272852013-01-25T01:42:00.001+00:002013-01-26T18:19:05.889+00:00How to sell filofaxes, and other binders, on Ebay.<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Following on from Steve's post on the Philofaxy website, about <a href="http://philofaxy.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/buying-filofax-or-organisers-on-ebay.html">buying filofaxes on Ebay</a>, I thought I'd share my thoughts from the "other side of the fence". In other words, selling filofaxes and other binders on Ebay. There must be many filofax<span style="font-size: large;">es out there, just waiting to be "adopted" by new owners who <span style="font-size: large;">will lavish the care and attention they deserve.</span></span><br /> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Whether you're trying to find a new owner for your unwanted binder, or aiming to inspire a vintage filofax renaissance from your spare bedroom, it's not as hard as some may think and, as a former Ebay Platinum power seller, here are my top tips to minimise your effort and maximise your return.<br /> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">STORAGE:<br /><br />Even if you're only selling a single binder, it pays to keep things neat and tidy, and out of harm's way. Running a disorganised operation may have a detrimental effect on your marriage, probably your sanity, and your home just won't look like a home any more.<br /><br /> Store your filofaxes carefully to avoid causing misalignment of the ring mechanism, blemishes on certain types of leather coating, and unnecessary wear to boxes and other original packaging. Naturally, your storage space needs to free from cigarette smoke, pets, kitchen smells, damp and inquisitive children.<br /><br />CLEANLINESS:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />Removing clutter from each pocket makes sense, but be careful when cleaning your binder. Removing dust is one thing, but shipping a filofax that reeks of Nivea is quite another, and who knows what damage can be done with harsh chemicals on modern leather coatings.<br /><br />Seek advice and, if you're not the original owner, you'll need to remove that well touted exclamation about living in a smoke and pet free home. <br /><br /> RESEARCH, RESEARCH & YET MORE RESEARCH:<br /><br />Most of you who read this will be fairly clued up about values, but there's plenty of opportunity to create a little added value in your listing by perhaps providing some history behind the brand for buyers, in the same way that Filofax themselves attempt to do. This is particularly relevant if you happen to be listing a vintage binder.<br /><br />And don't just stop there! Your research could be as detailed as determining a suitable time and date for your auction to end, that doesn't clash with a tv program that proves diverting to your target audience, for example. Skip the research side of things and you'll end up achieving a lower return.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Don't forget that, particularly if you're based in the UK, it may well be worth considering making your filofax available to <span style="font-size: large;">overseas buyers, s<span style="font-size: large;">o research your shipping options so that you can widen the number of potential bidders for your binder. You will be amazed what a difference it makes to buyer confidence<span style="font-size: large;">, if you can show that you <span style="font-size: large;">know what you're doing when it comes to shipping to another country.</span></span></span></span></span><br /><br />AUCTION OR "BUY IT NOW":<br /><br />Always a tricky one, but this is my advice. If your binder is likely to generate a lot of interest, something you will have determined through diligent research, and you're confident that there is no possibility of your listing being ignored by the multitude, then list as an auction. And list it for a penny - I'm serious!<br /><br />Why a penny? Because your listing will have more exposure in the early phase of the auction, and will increase the potential number of bids, so triggering alerts for those buyers searching for listings with more than a certain number of those bids. You'll also have a better chance of increasing the number of "watchers", so adding to the potential fun in the final stages.<br /><br />But if you're selling a binder that is unlikely to get Ebay surfers chomping at the bit then my advice would be to try a "Buy It Now", on the basis that there will always be a chance that someone's desire to indulge in a little retail therapy will get the better of them. <br /><br />If it doesn't sell then list as an auction, but priced to reflect the fact that you might only attract a handful of bids at best. In this case, try listing at the minimum price <span style="font-size: large;">you would be happy with, if you only receive one bid.</span><br /><br />One thing to remember is that if you list as an auction, with a "Buy It Now" option, that option will disappear when you receive your first bid, so I personally recommend listing as a "Buy It Now" first, if you're not pressed for time.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">WHEN TO SELL<span style="font-size: large;">:</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Again, a tricky one, <span style="font-size: large;">because you may think that selling in January, when <span style="font-size: large;">all the post Christmas credit cards start <span style="font-size: large;">arriving, may be a bad idea, but it's a <span style="font-size: large;">"numbers game". In other words, if every other seller decides not to list in January, then your purple <span style="font-size: large;">Maulden could be the only one available, and you just know that someone, somewhere will simply have to buy it.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">But, there are a few "<span style="font-size: large;">guidelines". When do weekly paid workers get their money? And when do monthy paid workers get their salaries paid into their bank accounts? Need I say more?</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Try to get into the mind of your target buyer. When is he or she most likely to be able to spend some of their valuable time <span style="font-size: large;">perusing <span style="font-size: large;">Ebay listings. Think "outside the box"<span style="font-size: large;">; <span style="font-size: large;">there may well be an increase in bidding activity amongst women</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"> whi<span style="font-size: large;">lst husbands are busy</span></span> <span style="font-size: large;">watching the Indy 500 or Superbowl, for example. </span></span></span></span></span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span><br /><br />PHOTOGRAPHY:<br /><br />One single, and poorly shot, photo is not going to help you get the best price for your filofax. Even phones take great photos these days, and you can even upload a video to Youtube and embed it in your listing. Look at other listings for inspiration.<br /><br />Always be honest, pointing out any blemishes in your pics because you can be sure that the new owner of your filofax will be only too keen to let you know if you didn't.<br /><br /> PROSE:<br /><br />How many sellers do you see who can't be bothered to provide a half decent description of the filofax they're trying to sell? It's important to be clear about the exact specification and condition of the binder. Try to create a description that has the potential to entice bidders into a "bidding war", or to generate the desire to trigger an instant purchase using "Buy it Now".<br /><br />Pay attention to the title of your listing too. If you have a vintage filofax (and I don't mean a "vintage pink" Maulden or a binder printed with a Union flag), you might like to try the term, "Made in England" and the "code" (eg "4CLF" or "3CL"). These are terms that will give buyers confidence that you know what you're selling.<br /><br />Describe how you take care in your packing, efficiency in your shipping, and your commitment to resolve any problem that should occur. Invite potential buyers to ask questions, and be prepared to answer them promptly and politely should your invitation be accepted. <br /><br /> SMALL PRINT:<br /><br />Including phrases in your small print, such as "I will not be responsible for items lost in the post" can be the kiss of death for bu<span style="font-size: large;">yers</span>, so make sure you come across as reasonable and honest.<br /><br />Don't create extra work for yourself by having to answer questions that could have been anticipated (how many times do you see the phrase, "overseas buyers should email for post rates"). If you're going to post overseas, for example, take the time to list the appropriate shipping charges.<br /><br /> Set out your policies clearly and firmly, without sounding aggressive, and ensure that your shipping charges are seen to be fair. Just because you live ten miles from your nearest post office is not an excuse to inflate your rates to account for vehicle running costs, for example.<br /><br /> PAYMENT METHODS:<br /><br />If you're serious about selling, you have to offer Paypal as a payment method. There's no getting away from it and it's essential for receiving payments from buyers overseas. The protection and convenience it offers buyers means you really need to offer it as your main form of payment.<br /><br />COMMUNICATION:<br /><br />Customers expect to be kept informed, every step of the way, and this means taking some time to learn how Ebay and Paypal interact with the buyer, and how you can customise the messages that buyers receive.<br /> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">If a customer emails you with a question, answer them politely and promptly, and remember that other buyers will be looking at your replies.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />PACKING:<br /><br />When packing your filofax, you have the opportunity to show, through attention to detail, a level of service that simply cannot be matched by big retailers, who may use less than adequate packaging. Since filofax buyers will invariably be checking your feedback, to see how previous buyers have rated your packing skills, you can remove their doubts by describing how you pack your items, in detail, to show your customers what a great service they can expect from you.<br /><br /> With particular regard to "empty" binders, you will need to pack between the covers, so that the rings cannot be crushed. Check the postal weight bands and then pack up to the maximum weight for a chosen band without fear of additional charges. <span style="font-size: large;">I<span style="font-size: large;">'ve always found it surprising that Filofax,</span> who are no doubt keen to ensure that ring mechanisms leave the factory undamaged, s<span style="font-size: large;">eem to be unaware that the way to prevent <span style="font-size: large;">"ring issues" developing in transit is to realise <span style="font-size: large;">that two packing pieces added to the paper "fill", sufficient to make the to<span style="font-size: large;">tal "stack height" greater than the ring diameter, will almost guarantee co<span style="font-size: large;">mplete protection.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">I've had some experience <span style="font-size: large;">behind the scenes with Royal Mail, here in the UK, and I can assure you that parcels do not get a "magic carpet<span style="font-size: large;">" ride.<span style="font-size: large;"> Demonstrate to bidders that you know how to get their purchase to their door in one piece and they will bid more.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br /><br /> POSTING:<br /><br />Don't fall down at the last hurdle. Pay attention to the requested delivery method, the postal charge, the buyer's address, the customs label, and so on.<br /><br />Consider having some scales at home, so you can weigh your parcel and attach the correct value of stamps or print out a pre-paid shipping label, saving you valuable time in the post office. <span style="font-size: large;">The world is full of Ebay sellers who guess, and guess wrong, resulting in confusion for themselves and their customers.</span><br /><br />If you do find that you are becoming a small business, enquire about possible shipping discounts in your own country. Here in the UK, for example, the discounts I received when I sold in volume were substantial. <br /><br /> FEEDBACK:<br /><br />Feedback is one of the reasons behind the success of ebay and buyers value it as a means by which they can judge sellers before parting with their cash. Try to build up some feedback through some purchases if you can, before selling your filofax.<br /><br />My advi<span style="font-size: large;">c</span>e is to always include a thank you note with the shipped item, together with a respectful request for positive feedback or the chance to rectify any problem if the customer is less than delighted with either the item or the service they have received.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">TAX:</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">It has to be said, doesn't it? Certainly in the UK, if you are selling a<span style="font-size: large;">n item that you ori<span style="font-size: large;">ginally bought for personal use, then there is no income tax to pay, <span style="font-size: large;">even if your item sells for more than the price you originally paid.</span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">But, if you are selling an item that you purchased with the intention to sell on for a profit<span style="font-size: large;">, income tax is due and you must <span style="font-size: large;">contact those nice people at Her Majesty's Revenue and Custom<span style="font-size: large;">s to declare your intent.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">HMRC <span style="font-size: large;">do work with Ebay to help "encourage" Ebay sellers to do the right thing, so make sure you seek advice if you <span style="font-size: large;">are indeed on a mission to <span style="font-size: large;">satisfy as many filofax buyers as humanly possib<span style="font-size: large;">le.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Other country's tax affairs, and consequential penalties for transgressors, are available. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </span></span></span><br /><br /> AND FINALLY.......<br /><br />I'll be posting more Ebay tips and maybe a video or two over the next few weeks but, for now, thank you for reading my post.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4485996972094444533.post-14509953652418636062012-12-15T15:32:00.001+00:002013-01-25T01:44:11.230+00:00Christmas gift advice.<span style="font-size: large;">WARNING !!! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">It's that time of year again, where we secretly hope that well-wishers don't fall into the trap of believing that what we really need is a Filofax product of their choosing, rather than ours. A well intentioned gift could condemn the hapless recipient to many years of binder shuffling, where you occasionally move your life out of the binder you love, and into some hideous thing you'll come to despise, but feel compelled to be seen using now and again to avoid any secret animosity during the coming years.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">As I write this, revelling in the slightly unusual situation (for a bloke) of having missed the crowds by buying early this year, I can imagine well meaning buyers falling for the delights of that discounted binder in WH Smith's, clutching that well thumbed Metropol as they queue for the till, together with a cheap variety pack of assorted coloured papers - the ones where the holes are much larger than those used with Filofax paper, so you have to use your free hand to stop the sheet joggling up and down excessively as you reach half way down the page.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Let's face it, we'd rather buy it ourselves, right?
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">So my seasonal tip is to make it clear, using your inimitable tact and diplomacy, that you love your current binder, have already selected a 2013 diary, and that the wise buyer steers well clear of Filofax dilemmas at this time of year.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4485996972094444533.post-84524975725490187972012-12-05T21:17:00.001+00:002012-12-06T12:43:37.970+00:00An analogue/digital journey - combining a filofax with a smartphone.<br />
Have you ever experienced anxiety over your precious data? Have you agonised over your choice of binder? Have you endlessly weighed up the pros and cons of a traditional filofax, versus some digital device? Have you tried to grasp at the elusive karma promised through the ensnaring embrace of "GTD" and felt deflated when you discover that you're spending more time working "the system" than you're saving? Have you looked out from your kitchen window and watched the saccharin sun struggle to rise above the sulphur cityscape, and experienced the sudden shock to your core as your drop your wrists onto the cold marble of your kitchen worktop, hands wrapped hesitantly around that overstuffed A5, listening for the familiar sound that announces the arrival of a faded yellow taxi and realised that, come what may, the success of your business trip may well depend on how you deal with the information you hold between your hands?<br />
<br />
I've been taking this "journey" for some time and probably always will, being the geek that I am and constantly experimenting with any number of ideas in the search for organisational nirvana. But, right now, I want to share a concept with you if you are indeed sitting on that digital/analogue fence, a concept that could work with any size of binder and any digital organisational application. It's easy to understand, visually foolproof and substantially reduces the possibility of losing your data.<br />
<br />
This is what I'm using right now, as the main part of my "system"; a vintage slimline (because I'm a vintage kind of guy) and an iphone; but "other binders and smartphones are available", as they say.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0FJev47rjKU/UL-Duro-SbI/AAAAAAAABkk/yUN7n8JQLm0/s1600/IMG_2144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0FJev47rjKU/UL-Duro-SbI/AAAAAAAABkk/yUN7n8JQLm0/s400/IMG_2144.JPG" height="296" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Belt and braces".</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In my slimline, I have around fifty sheets of lined paper. I use one sheet per day, so I find it easy to insert additional sheets on rare occasions as required. It's also cheaper than buying a diary and removes my seemingly endless quest to find the "perfect" template. But you may be thinking, I can't fit 400 pages into my slimline, but I think I have found a compromise that works for me, whereby I hold the first four weeks of my diary in my slimline, and the next few month's worth of sheets after that in a personal filofax on my writing desk. The remainder of the sheets in my slimline form a basic "GTD" system that I will share in more detail with you, in another post. For the digital side of things, on my iphone, I'm currently using the standard "Reminders" app that comes with IOS5 and 6, which can be used with the iphone 4 and above. There's a plethora of more sophisticated products out there but "Reminders" appears to work just fine, proving to be stable for me so far. I never trust any electronic system completely, even with Apple's "Icloud" (which I have set to automatically back up my data) but the beauty of my hybrid arrangement is that I have the security of having everything written down in my filofax.<br />
<br />
Let me take you through my work process.<br />
<br />
You're at home, or the office, or wherever your filofax happens to be.<br />
Your partner calls you to arrange a lunch date.<br />
You check your filofax and enter the information. So far, so good.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fUEFMszX8tw/UL-DpOWs-mI/AAAAAAAABkY/41P4en-nmck/s1600/IMG_2147.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fUEFMszX8tw/UL-DpOWs-mI/AAAAAAAABkY/41P4en-nmck/s400/IMG_2147.JPG" height="298" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No templates, just plenty of space. Extra sheets for busy days will work just fine.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Now, you'd also add this appointment into your iphone app immediately after entering it into your filofax but, for the purposes of illustration, let's assume you simply don't
have the 30 seconds it would take to do this. No problem, just get on with what you're doing.<br />
Let's assume
you repeat this process with a number of interruptions over the next hour
or so. You're basically adding notes and appointments to your filofax,
as you would if you were purely using your binder without any digital
back-up. Personally, because I split my diary across a
slimline and a personal sized filofax, I just have to make sure both
filofaxes are on my desk, but that's fine.<br />
So you're now in a situation where there are some entries in your filofax that aren't in your iphone. <br />
But, let's now assume you have a couple of minutes to spare to "sync" your iphone with your filofax.<br />
Enter the appointment into your iphone app.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WA35hv04b2s/UL-Diiy3IfI/AAAAAAAABkM/esXj7NCZDoE/s1600/IMG_2148.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WA35hv04b2s/UL-Diiy3IfI/AAAAAAAABkM/esXj7NCZDoE/s400/IMG_2148.PNG" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Other apps are available, but Apple's "Reminders" app is nice and simple.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Now add some form of mark against your filofax entry, to indicate that this appointment is now entered in your iphone.<br />
I use a circle, so that I can insert a tick into each circle when a task is done, but you can do whatever you please. If the note uses up two lines, just insert two circles, one for each line. The important thing is that, as each sheet fills up with notes or appointments, it's easy to identify anything that isn't also entered in your iphone, because there will be a gap in the line of circles. I can run through my entire slimline within 60 seconds, and cover the next week or so within 10 seconds. My recommendation is to avoid stickers, highlighters, or different types of pen. Being able to use any pen frees you from the drudgery of carrying lots of, er, pens, and it also gives you the excuse to try out a new pen from time to time without fear of mucking up your system.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vYjXSquubBY/UL-Df2y1DZI/AAAAAAAABkE/-Mvgl5yPPx0/s1600/IMG_2149.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vYjXSquubBY/UL-Df2y1DZI/AAAAAAAABkE/-Mvgl5yPPx0/s400/IMG_2149.JPG" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The all important check marker.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This simple checking system is visually foolproof, and can obviously work with both appointments and "to do" lists, both of which you can set up in Apple's reminders, just like most other electronic organising systems.<br />
Now,
you can leave your filofax in the office if you want, and just rely on
your phone when you're out and about.<br />
Of course, I could take my filofax
with me, which I do most of the time because it's a slimline, but the
key is that I don't have to, because I have two identical sets of data.
Which means that I can restore all my data if my iphone is stolen, or
restore my filofax system if my office burns to the ground.
Additionally, because my iphones are linked to "the cloud", any data I
enter automatically appears on each phone and can also be accessed using any pc.<br />
The chances of my office burning down, both my phones
being lost, and my iphone account being hacked by someone intent on maliciously
wiping all my data, all happening on the same day, are pretty slim, so
my procedure gives me great peace of mind, as well as eliminating the
absolute necessity to carry a filofax everywhere I go.<br />
It also means that I can carry my slimline, in the knowledge that any appointment more than four weeks in advance can be referred to by checking my iphone, no matter how far into the future that happens to be.And that single salient point is a revelation in the waiting because, let's face it, it's a real pain having to haul a fat filo around, when most of our fervent page rustling is going to be happening at the "front end" of our 'faxes.<br />
<br />
But, I'm sure you're wondering, does my system work the other way around? In other words, what if you need to input data on your iphone first, on the odd occasion that you don't happen to be carrying your filofax?<br />
<br />
No problem.<br />
I've created a folder marked "IN", into which goes any new "stuff". Appointments, notes, "to dos", everything. In the example below, the appointment is in my "IN" folder, but I've already added the appointment to the calender, with a reminder set for 09:00 that morning. Ok, it's a little inconvenient, but that's the price of freedom from the obligation to carry your precious binder wherever you go, like some infomatical "ball and chain". At least you know that "syncing" will be a breeze.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xyf_8dUgl9I/UL-DZAhGB5I/AAAAAAAABj8/WYBzdAR7FYc/s1600/IMG_2150.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xyf_8dUgl9I/UL-DZAhGB5I/AAAAAAAABj8/WYBzdAR7FYc/s400/IMG_2150.PNG" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Doing it the other way round, using a digital "in box".</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
When I next get a chance to "sync" my filofax, it's an easy
task to go through the minimal list of things in my digital "IN" box, adding the
appropriate entry into my filofax, before "moving" each task into an
appropriate contextualised folder.<br />
<br />
Similarly, if you're "crossing off" tasks or appointments as completed, and you're crossing them off on your smartphone first, you need to move them to an "OUT" box set up so that you then have a list of tasks that you can refer to when you "sync" your filofax. When you've updated your filofax you can then delete these tasks from your "OUT" box. <br />
<br />
I also use a Filofax M2 wallet, with a Rhodia no.12 notepad, for those times when I need to jot something down very quickly and don't have my slimline to hand. It's quite easy to update both my iphone and my main filofax system from here. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GjbNhaVcm9E/UL-DWTC_aKI/AAAAAAAABj0/O3U6mKQXpIk/s1600/IMG_2151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GjbNhaVcm9E/UL-DWTC_aKI/AAAAAAAABj0/O3U6mKQXpIk/s400/IMG_2151.JPG" height="298" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ultra fast note taking when "on the move".</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So there you have it. A versatile system that allows me to "sit on the filofax/iphone fence", gives me tremendous security from data loss and adds only a small amount of administrative time to my day. In fact, I find that duplicating everything in this way acts as a sort of review process, which leaves me with a clearer picture of the tasks in hand. It probably adds a total of ten minutes to my day, but I do seem to be more productive.<br />
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Coming up next week:<br />
The easy GTD system that works on paper, on your phone, or in conjunction with my combined system as outlined in this post.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4485996972094444533.post-1122078401967654292012-12-02T00:27:00.000+00:002012-12-02T04:47:13.448+00:00Filofax M2 - turning the M2 into a really useful bit of kit.As most readers will know, the M2 is a wallet sized filofax that is no longer in production, very similar in size to a "Filofax Mini" but in horizontal format. Here's a video that shows the M2 I'm currently using, but in a way that might have kept the M2 in production if only Filofax had had the same idea all those years ago.<br />
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I'm absolutely convinced that there is a market for a traditional wallet with a ring binder mechanism that holds a notebook of useful size. And, when I say useful size, I mean as big as possible within the dimensions of the wallet - a man sized notebook capable of seizing the written word by the scruff of the neck, not some apologetic collection of inserts barely able to satisfy the requirements of ladies (or indeed gentlemen) who "do lunch"!<br />
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A wallet combined with an "organiser" has limitations, and is difficult to assimilate into a broader system involving one or more additional filofaxes, but a wallet with a useful notebook to use as a daily input device is a great idea, and Filofax are failing to spot a gap in the market in my not so humble opinion.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4485996972094444533.post-80286937293175428272012-11-08T18:50:00.001+00:002012-11-08T18:50:13.481+00:00Filofax dissection.I paused for more than a moment before I did what I did but, in the
interests of science, personal curiosity and a growing desire to dispel a
few myths, I took a knife to my pocket Finsbury.<br />
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So what do I think, now I've done the dastardly deed?<br />
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Well,
to be honest, I thought that the outer cover was of better quality than
I would have imagined - strong, durable and pliable, perhaps more so
than usual because I had "fed" the leather some time ago.<br />
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But,
and it is a big "but" for me; I now realise that my attempts to "train"
my filofax in the dark art of flatability were in vain. Although I can
only comment on the construction of just this one filo, there are simply
too many layers of stiffening material underneath the outer layer of
leather.<br />
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But that has to be only my opinion.<br />
<br />
My
Filofax Finsbury is no more, but some of the parts will live on in
other incarnations. The ring mechanism is destined to be used in a
bespoke custom leather binder project, and the original Finsbury leather
cover just happens to be the right size to patch a hole in my bicycle
panniers.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4485996972094444533.post-86348807405252789542012-11-06T14:20:00.000+00:002012-11-06T14:23:49.356+00:00Filofax vs ARC notebook.Whether they're aware of the salient fact or not, but I strongly suspect they are, those nice people at Filofax will surely be wondering about the consequences of the arrival of a particular cardboard box, at Staples stores any time now.<br />
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I'm talking about the metal punch for the ARC notebook system, the system that uses plastic discs instead of a ring binder mechanism, a system that will undoubtedly provide some traditional Filofax users with some food for thought. And which potentially turns the ARC system into a "game changer".<br />
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We'll have our punch within the next few days but, in the meantime, if you can bare the thought of twenty minutes of idle chat about stationery, here's a couple of videos. We're not abandoning Filofax, far from it, but the three Filofax users in our family are trialling the ARC notebook system from the relative perspectives of a business owner, a university student and a busy working mum.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4485996972094444533.post-7357612469038837882012-05-30T08:00:00.000+01:002012-05-30T08:00:01.617+01:00"Flatability".<br />
"Flatability" appears to be the adopted term that describes the degree to which a filofax will successfully lay flat without assistance when opened and, although this word has yet to appear in the Oxford English Dictionary, it is a term dear to the heart of many a filofax user. Indeed, flatability (or the lack of it) can make or break the relationship one has with one's binder.<br />
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So my story goes like this.<br />
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I bought a Filofax pocket sized Finsbury in a January sale (it's the one in the video below, even though I erroneously call it a "Kensington"), for less than the price of a round of drinks and, although I have many filofaxes, this is my first 21st century purchase.<br />
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And I was happy with it. <br />
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Why? Because it probably cost me (in real terms) less than a tenth of the price of binders made in England all those years ago and I thought that the distinct lack of "flatabilty" wouldn't be a problem, because I just intended to use it for storage.<br />
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But, as filofax affectionados will appreciate, it's fun to change things round occasionally and I'm actually using this binder in anger from time to time. And that is what lead to this particular Filofax Finsbury undergoing the "Nivea treatment" for a couple of days, amongst other things, to see if there was anything I could do to make my new aquisition lay flat.<br />
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And the result? <br />
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I've ended up with a reasonably well behaved binder, my daughter now has some extra inserts for her pocket fax (because I prefer to use 140mm x 90mm paper myself), and Filofax end up with another sale. Oh, and Beiersdorf, if they knew what their skin product was being used for, would probably be happy too.<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4485996972094444533.post-72086967259686454822012-05-23T08:00:00.000+01:002012-05-23T08:00:06.034+01:00Paying attention to my "to do" list.<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span style="background-color: #cc0000;"></span></span>I have dabbled with "to do" lists for decades. In fact there may still exist, within the English public library service, a copy of "Jennings goes to school" which contains one of my early attempts at paper based organisation. To have defaced public property in this way is a little shameful, but to have returned the library book without detaching and retaining my "to do" list was clearly a shocking case of GTD failure!<br />
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Forty years on, I realise that using scraps of paper, or indeed school library books, is a somewhat precarious strategy, and that the only way for me to keep tabs on a "to do" list, is to insert it in my diary where I will see it, preferably quite regularly.<br />
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So, in my "action fax" (that's the pocket sized one in the videos below), I make sure that my ever growing list of things to be done is inserted at today's diary page, whenever I open my filofax. In my humble opinion, continually repositioning my "to do" list, so that it stares at me on a daily basis, is the only way!<br />
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So, why am I fooling around with a new type of re-positionable binder, when I'm a "dyed in the wool" Filofax sort of person? Well, it's all about ISO standards and, in particular, the requirement for punched holes to be positioned 11-13mm away from the edge of the paper. Which means that, perhaps miraculously given the incompatibilities in life these days, you can use a standard hole punch to perforate each ARC page to enable them to fit Filofax binders.<br />
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Currently, here in the UK, Staples are knocking out packs of 50 sheets of lined 100gsm paper for two quid in both A4 and A5 formats ($3.99 and $2.99 respectively for letter and junior formats in the US). And this paper hits the spot when I want to use my fountain pen. I can't vouch for every pen and ink combination but my Lamy ST, with a medium nib and black Sheaffer Skrip ink works just fine on this super smooth paper. I'd be inclined to blot the last few lines before you turn the page, though, as drying times are not particularly fast.<br />
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The ARC punch isn't in the UK at the moment but, when it is, you will be able to punch your existing A4 and A5 Filofax inserts too, so enabling all sorts of possibilities; like, for instance, the option to keep an ARC binder on your office desk but travel to and from work with that lovely A5 Malden you simply can't risk losing, transferring projects between binders as required. <br />
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Ok, this may not be binder nirvana, but the concept of combining the two binder systems is definitely worth thinking about.<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4485996972094444533.post-46441777863300046312012-05-12T21:43:00.000+01:002012-11-05T15:57:12.036+00:00An introduction.My name is Neil, I live in the UK, I'm old enough to be part of the generation who bought into the Filofax phenomenon in the eighties, and I've been using them on a continuous basis ever since. In fact, I have several.<br />
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So, what will you find in this blog?<br />
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Well, I'm not really part of the fashionista crowd, although there's nothing wrong with that. "Filofax Filosophy" (note the spelling) is all about hardcore productivity, product testing and other geeky stuff. There's not many of us blokes out there, banging on about Filofaxes, so I hope you will find my thoughts (and indeed my Youtube videos) interesting.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5