Dec 8th, 2008
The Power of Paper and Pen
If it’s not apparent, yes, I’m a Geek. I’m pretty much nowhere without a computer of some kind (right now I have two notebook computers with me, I’m accessing the Internet through my cellular phone at near DSL speeds, and I’m listening to the Engadget podcast on my iPod touch). That said, it surprises many people to find how many things I do on paper, like my to do list, my goals, and my spending log. I typically do a budget on paper every few days as well.
Why does a Geek use paper? To some extent it’s because there’s a simplicity to it; I don’t need electricity or to fight the keyboard on my touch. Additionally, there’s also the constant need to use the proper tool for the job, and I find it more cumbersome to use electronic devices for these things, despite their advantages. But I think, more so, it’s because there’s a certain power to pen and paper. I’m not sure what it is, but I find it far more effective in my frugal efforts to have to write down my purchases–and imagine myself needing to write it down in my book–every time I spend money.
It’s difficult for me to explain the power of putting pen to paper vs. putting virtual typewriters and calculators to work, but I have to say that for some things I find it compelling. Particularly my to do list and my spending log–writing these things down just makes a difference for me. Try it and see if it does so for you!
I like your point about the right tool for the right job. As much of a technophile that I am, I love nice pens and a good notebook, like Moleskine. So much, in fact, that I put it on my Christmas gift ideas list.
http://exbor.wordpress.com/2008/12/03/gift-giving-on-a-budget/
Funny, because I have horrible handwriting, but Moleskine makes me love to write!
[...] Suenaga presents The Power of Paper and Pen posted at Uncommon [...]
[...] Suenaga presents The Power of Paper and Pen posted at Uncommon [...]
[...] I confessed a few posts back that I keep track of a lot of my finances on paper. While this shocks some people, I have my reasons. However, I know a lot of people want to use Web based or other electronic tools to deal with their finances. [...]