Here’s someone who has attempted to tackle the eternal question of why this particular brand of notebooks has become so popular: What is So Great About Moleskin Notebooks? 8 Reasons the Moleskin Notebook is So Appealing.
Unfortunately, his reason #1 is the not-really-true one about them being used by Hemingway and VanGogh. But here’s some other good ones:
6. They wear out well. The charm of the Moleskine notebook really comes out once it becomes a “used” notebook. A small notebook sitting in someone’s pocket for some time begins to form and change shape to fit in the pocket and against the body. It’s almost as if it adapts and changes shape. In a good way. It becomes comfortable.
7. Having a full Moleskine. As above, there is something extremely satisfying when you fill up a Moleskine. The charm of it all really comes out when you look at the worn bind and full pages. Fill up several of these and it makes the effect even better.
Of course, other brands of notebooks also look appealing when they’re worn in and full…
What makes Moleskines appealing to you?
Not my reason, but;
“The Moleskine Cahier plain notebook contains what is by and far literally THE WORST PAPER I have ever encountered in my life. The only thing worse would be newsprint, or napkins. Used receipts would be a step up. And that terrible paper is why I love it. I use these notebooks for pencil sketches, and since the paper is so shoddy I’m not inhibited by the art-blocking psychological worry of wasting good paper. I end up drawing more, being more loose and creative, and I make better drawings as a result.”
From http://nopenintended.wordpress.com/2012/03/21/mini-review-diy-notebook-moleskine-cahier-style/
My weekly plus notes Moleskine marks the first time I have used this format and it really works for me. I chose it long before I discovered this blog which has introduced me to a plethora of formats, paper and styles.
One thing that bugged me about this article was the headline; you’d think they would spell Moleskine correctly.
You know, I’m not sure what my answer is. I really hate the faux-marketing, and the paper’s not terribly great. There are at least a half dozen other notebooks I’d rather use, and yet, I have at least three of these in use right now.
A few years ago, the brand for me held tremendous snob appeal. The brand has since been deliberately diminished by the holding company by diversifying into a hundred tangential products like eyewear, backpacks, phone and tablet covers and luggage tags.
The Moleskine brand now for me is merely the basis against which I judge similar notebooks.
I think Moleskines used to be very good.
Theses days I know they are fine examples of China-shod and should be avoided.
Wow, so many criticisms. I like the way they feel, I like the paper, I like the way the soft cover ones bend, I like the sizes. And I LOVE my Lego one that I just got. It has Lego stickers, which I also love! I have A LOT of notebooks, but I love my Molesines the best!
David Bogie: “The Moleskine brand now for me is merely the basis against which I judge similar notebooks.”
A fair point – because most of us have owned one, they’re a useful reference for size, quality &c.
Missy: “Wow, so many criticisms. I like the way they feel, I like the paper, I like the way the soft cover ones bend, I like the sizes.”
I own three pockets[1] (two reporters and a hardcover). I’ve had Ryman own brand notebooks (£2.99 at the time) that have better paper. Rhodia’s webnotebook is similar in price and cover quality, and yet has paper that’s better by far. I’d not mind if Mole was a budget product, but at a premium price, the paper quality, and its variability is, for me, unforgiveable. I’d not buy them again when I know I can rely on Rhodia, Clairefontaine, Pukka Pads even Black N Red to have consistently better paper.
If you’re happy with yours, I’d not gainsay that experience, and anecdotally, I believe the limited editions are better than the run of the mill. For me, three books with weird feathering, bleedthrough from all but the best behaved inks – is too many.
[1] Oddly, a Moleskine Daily Planner (2009) I had (hardcover) had really good paper, now I think of it.
Yeah, that was a pretty poor article written by someone who has done little research into the product/brand/field. There are lots of options, lined, blank, gridded! HAHA, Rhodia has lots of options.
It is great because it has better marketing and hit the market at the right time and a better way then their competitors.
I only use their daily planner, and it’s b/c the format/layout fits my needs. I love how the font/ink is so light & small which allows me to customize the planner easily.
I’ve never used their regular notebooks, tho I like the look of them. There are cheaper notebooks out there that have a similar look to them. I’ve bought Markings & Piccadilly brands in that same “Moleskine style”.
I actually prefer the cheapo double ring notebooks to write in rather than a bound book. I like flipping the pages over & lying the book flat when I write.
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