» Lined, Blank or Graph?
Carrying over from the recent discussion on the Rhodia Drive Facebook page, (You are a fan, aren’t you?) I posed the question: “Lined, Blank or Graph?”
For journaling, I always prefer blank paper as it feels much less restrictive should I want to pop out the occasional doodle- (Which if you know me, is sort of often…) though I don’t specifically use a blank journal as a sketchbook. For brainstorming, list making, or when writing/editing longhand, I like to use lined paper. I use graph paper the least, (quick notes in my little Bloc Rhodias) but I have a “thing” about crossing so many lines when I write. (I write kind of big….)
Which format do you prefer, and for what purpose?
(PS – have you heard about the completely NEW format coming soon to a Rhodia near you?)
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Comments
I prefer for my personal diary blank pages. For my daily work I prefer squared. A book that is just for note taking will be lined.
graph graph graph! For pretty much everything. Maybe it is the handwriting size that has something to do with it, since I write so small.
Without a doubt, No18 5×5 grid notepad for work – (Business Analysis/Software Design)
I initially started using the grid paper for flowcharts and process diagram mockups, but I’ve since begun using the 5×5 grid for any task list I make myself. I use my fountain pen, but the paper also erases really cleanly, which is valuable when making and correcting flowcharts.
I use single 5×5 squares for bullets for my lists, and I even use a whole system (similar to a “circle” planning idea I saw a few years back) to be able to at-a-glance see the status of each item.
Just a quick synopsis:
* empty square – Task Not Yet Started
* half-crossed square – Task Started
* bottom-right half filled square – Task Almost Complete (usually waiting on something)
* filled – Task Complete
* square with arrow on right side – Task Delegated (with name of person responsible)
* square with large x – Task Cancelled
By the way, the new Rhodia Weekly Notebook (i.e., Planner) is my favorite planner to date. For one thing, it starts at 7 a.m. (which is valuable, because I work 7-3), and I can still make a task list and any reminders on the right (the grid side).
I had bought several lined notepads as well, and I use them for personal writing, but I’m so hooked on the grid paper, that will be my preference from now on.
What is the completely new format coming soon? (*Please* don’t tease us!)
One thing I’d be interested in seeing is graph in the Webnotebook. I just started in on my first Webbie and it is an awesome notebook, but graph would take things to a whole other level for me!
I’d have to say give me blank or graph ~ I don’t want to stay in the lines. I grew up in Europe and used graph for most of my writing. So, I still hold a soft spot for it, and untill recently couldn’t find it in a journal without having to get one of my friends in Canada to get it for me. SO…Thank you.
Otherwise ~ I like to create my own ‘lines’ of writing or sketching.
Keep up the great work!
Blank pages! I was so excited to see the new webnotebooks until I saw they’re ALL lined! Blech! Please reconsider, Rhodia! Some of us creative types shun the evilness of the constricting lines!
I’ll second Jeremy: graph, graph, graph! The lines on the ruled are too far apart for me. What new format???? I can’t stand the suspense!!!
Blank FTW! I use it for everything.
Absolutely graph. For having ticky boxes, but just because I need guidelines – I hate dealing with unlined paper! I can barely keep my writing on lines!
I’m with dowdy — “graph graph graph”! I find that it’s easier to tune out graph than line, so that if I want to break from straight text and add a bit of doodling or a table, or simply to vary the size of title or other line, it’s far easier.
Blank, though, is just a bit *too* freeform. : )
Well… the new format isn’t blank, or lined, or French ruled or graph. It it isn’t plaid or paisley, nor rainbow bright. What could it be? hehe
I vote for isometric paper in the rhodia! Or better still, Smith Charts!
For paper I would actually use, however, I’m a grid person, for much the same reason as Kim (above). I also find that a 5mm grid is more suited to my writing size, as I think 6mm would be ideal, and thus 7 or 8 (the most popular line sizes) would result in wasted space on the page.
A preference for graph, now for Rhodia to release a webnotebook in graph…..
I really like th eblank pads for doodling and sketching and use the No. 11 small grid pads for quick portable note-taking
Well, guess I’m in the minority because I prefer lined pads/notebooks for writing, whether that be journaling, notes, listmaking, or whatever. Blank pages tend to always wind up being sketch on rather than written on.
I would never claim to be creative, but the blank page is my preference for everything.
I’m with the graphophiles all the way. I agree with the Padre, the Webbooks need the graph option also.
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