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Does anyone else return to paper periodically
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Posted by Simon
Nov 10, 2020 at 10:52 AM
Over time I find myself increasingly turning to paper. Yes you heard right, PAPER! There are a number of reasons for this:
1. You find have to find things on a computer. Nothing is ever in front of you unless you know where it is. That could be said for paper but as it is physical it’s easier to find in a folder or notebook
2. Long lists of actions work better on paper to scan through. Most people only ever look at the first screen on a computer or mobile device.
3. Free flowing markup. You can right what you like, where you like, how you like and in whatever colour you like.
4. My brain can read/scan paper documents faster than digital documents. I read somewhere that reading/scanning the same document on a computer takes longer than physical paper.
5. It’s to easy to get distracted on a computer
6. When I need to think the computer doesn’t help. Turning it off and siting with a notebook often yields better results.
I did attempt to do this with an Apple iPad Pro and apple pencil for 2 years, but still you only get one screen. I have a linked diary in Notability which is pretty good and I can write using my apple pencil. However, my physical diary is just easier to move about in. No links to click on. No searching needed. I can flick through the pages.
Perhaps it’s just me and I’m showing my age!
Posted by Ken
Nov 10, 2020 at 03:38 PM
In small doses, yes. I mostly use paper for brainstorming, laying out ideas, and most importantly, for quick (but important) task lists. I have programs for the latter, and I do use them, but sometimes paper is just better. When tracking lots of actions at work, I sometimes use paper and then move things over to programs on my computer. Paper starts to lose appeal if I have a large number of items that are not going to be handled immediately.
—Ken
Posted by bartb
Nov 10, 2020 at 04:17 PM
I’m guilty as charged (raining my hand)!!! Sometimes my children and grandchildren make fun of me .... so I just recently sent them this article .... https://sethetter.com/posts/start-with-pen-and-paper/
Maybe they will see the light !!!!
Posted by bartb
Nov 10, 2020 at 04:18 PM
Oooops ...raining = raising
Posted by Dr Andus
Nov 10, 2020 at 10:36 PM
I tried a few times to go back to paper-based writing, but writing and outlining digitally is just so damn convenient, especially with automatically syncing cross-platform solutions.
I also tried to go back to paper calendars, but Google Calendar again is just far too convenient.
I still use paper notebooks for taking notes during meetings - that is one area where paper is still king.
I am also trying to use index cards for helping me with prioritising, to have a physical reminder on my desk, with the one big thing written on it that I should be focusing on each day.
And I like working out big problems on A3 size paper, or really big problems on a large scroll of wrapping paper. These usually end up being large, complex and messy concept maps.
But other than that I use very little paper these days…