Field Journal Notebook questions - paper, accessories, etc.

[MtnMan]

I've been looking at the Tom Bihn Field Journal Notebook (FJN) and accessories, and I have some questions.

Sometimes I attend what I call "on-the-ground meetings". These are business meetings at remote locations, usually far from my office setting, often outdoors. Other "on the road" meetings may be inside, but may or may not be in an ideal office setting. I was looking at the FJN as a way to take details notes of a project/meeting where the setting is not idea for writing (no table or desk readily available; need something compact that can hold all the tools and paper necessary for taking notes, etc.)

1. Does anyone here have experience taking "on-the-ground" notes with the FJN? What were your experiences like?
2. I notice that the Field Journal Notebook takes 3-punch 5-1/2" x 8-1/2" paper. While I would like to have some of the specialty papers sold through Tom Bihn in an FJN, I'd also like to get some regular, inexpensive filler paper through other channels. Does anyone know if chains like OfficeMax, Office Depot or Staples offer this kind of filler paper? If so, what search terms do I use to find it?
3. If I had different kinds of paper held in the FJN, is it easy to put in dividers between the different kinds of paper? How well does that work?
4. Does anyone carry a compact pencil sharpener in an FJN? How well does it carry? Any specific type to use?
5. What about erasers? Is there a place to fit rubber stand-alone block erasers in an FJN?

[MtnMan]

Would filler paper like this work in a Field Journal Notebook? Would the holes match up?

[scribe]

* Does anyone here have experience taking "on-the-ground" notes with the FJN? What were your experiences like?

Sorry, no! I've just started using my FJN as a project binder for my new novel, so it hasn't been out-and-about with me yet.

* I notice that the Field Journal Notebook takes 3-punch 5-1/2" x 8-1/2" paper. While I would like to have some of the specialty papers sold through Tom Bihn in an FJN, I'd also like to get some regular, inexpensive filler paper through other channels. Does anyone know if chains like OfficeMax, Office Depot or Staples offer this kind of filler paper? If so, what search terms do I use to find it?

Search for "half-letter" - and if you can't find any pre-punched, you can buy a mini 3-hole punch from Staples (might have to order it online). Also, Day-Timer makes lots of half-letter-sized papers, and though they have 7 holes, 3 of those fit into the standard binder conformation. However the paper quality doesn't compare to the TB stuff - I like to use a fountain pen and I find that the Day-Timer paper bleeds through. Should be fine, though, with ballpoint or rollerball pens.

* If I had different kinds of paper held in the FJN, is it easy to put in dividers between the different kinds of paper? How well does that work?

Now this I can answer! I bought a set of tabbed dividers from Day-Timer and they work great!

* Does anyone carry a compact pencil sharpener in an FJN? How well does it carry? Any specific type to use?
* What about erasers? Is there a place to fit rubber stand-alone block erasers in an FJN?

The outside front pocket is very handy for carrying small, not-too-bulky items - I keep fountain pen cartridges in mine.

[MtnMan]

I would like to retain some of the nicer papers for an FJN, like those sold by TB, but for everyday note-taking I would probably need to use cheaper filler paper. (I would write with pencils or mechanical lead-pens nearly all of the time when taking notes.)

[Moose]

I have some of the paper in your link, it works just fine. I too have dividers from a garden variety office supply store. They work fine too. You can get flat-ish three hole punches at Amazon or office supply stores. Can't post a link but there are pictures of my FJN in a thread called Loads of Lefty Love. Someplace there is a discussion about hole punches too. My search skills leave a bit to be desired.
Moose

[Hollie]

I've found the FJN is great for the sorts of meetings or gatherings where I don't have a desk. I do have to be careful, if the left flap falls too far vertical, all the pens will spill out, but as long as that's watched, it works very well.

I'm not sure about what paper is available already punched, I often punch my own. A regular 3-hole punch from an office supply store is usually adjustable (check the big screws on the back), and can be easily sized to the FJN paper size. I have done this a lot when I want to insert drawing or watercolor paper. Works great!

[MtnMan]

I have some of the paper in your link, it works just fine. I too have dividers from a garden variety office supply store. They work fine too. You can get flat-ish three hole punches at Amazon or office supply stores. Can't post a link but there are pictures of my FJN in a thread called Loads of Lefty Love. Someplace there is a discussion about hole punches too. My search skills leave a bit to be desired.
Moose

I believe this is the "Loads of Lefty Love" discussion thread you started in 2010. Correct?

[MtnMan]

Does anyone reading this carry any small organizer pouches inside of their FJN to contain smaller items? I notice the FJN is supposed to have o-rings. How many o-rings are there, and where are they located? I could see a pouch being connected to an o-ring (via a key strap) that could contain paper clips, erasers, mechanical pencil refill vials, etc.)

[scribe]

I haven't found a need/use for a pouch yet. There are 2 o-rings:

* One inside the outer zipped pocket

* One in the main compartment, on the left above the largest pocket

[Moose]

I believe this is the "Loads of Lefty Love" discussion thread you started in 2010. Correct?

Yup, that's it. Thanks for the link!
Moose

[Moose]

I have used a small pouch to corral smaller item but finally settled on a three hole punched plastic zip top pouch like a ziplock bag only way heavier material. The outside zipper pocket is good for this too. My FJN has one O ring in the zipped compartment. A small pouch would be good for a grab and go wallet type device if the need arose.
Moose

[backpack]

Does anyone here have experience taking "on-the-ground" notes with the FJN? What were your experiences like?

I take notes at the doctor offices, where there is just the chairs. The FJN works great, I just wear it cross body and by some ultra genius play with surface tension, gravity, Tom smarts and his own testing and use.

I notice that the Field Journal Notebook takes 3-punch 5-1/2" x 8-1/2" paper. While I would like to have some of the specialty papers sold through Tom Bihn in an FJN, I'd also like to get some regular, inexpensive filler paper through other channels. Does anyone know if chains like OfficeMax, Office Depot or Staples offer this kind of filler paper? If so, what search terms do I use to find it?

The paper you show below will work just fine. You can also use printer paper cut in half, it is the cheapest way to get filler paper. I just learned that a regular three holes punch for letter size paper can be changed to fit 5-1/2" x 8-1/2

If I had different kinds of paper held in the FJN, is it easy to put in dividers between the different kinds of paper? How well does that work?

Day Timer, Day Runner and Avery tab dividers can be found at office supply stores.


Does anyone carry a compact pencil sharpener in an FJN? How well does it carry? Any specific type to use?
What about erasers? Is there a place to fit rubber stand-alone block erasers in an FJN?

A compact pencil sharpener and a block eraser will both fit in the front pocket.


There are 2 O-rings, one in the front small pocket and one in the main pocket.

A mini OP could fit in the front pocket, a Medium in the main one.

[Miking]

I actually just received my FJN today and have been looking at some stuff like Maverick's printing paper field journal notebook tutorial as well as Free Online Graph Paper / Grid Paper PDFs
Printable Paper
D*I*Y Planner | the best thing in printing since Gutenberg

http://markrevans.files.wordpress.com/2012/08/evernote-grid-paper.pdf

And google searching "printable planner templates"

I will have my work cut out for me for the next little while making up some handy templates although between Invoice2Go, Evernote, Calendar and Bento most of what would happen in a planner is now app based.

My local Staples print and copy centre will chop a ream of paper in half and punch holes for a few bucks. I am awaiting a quote from the printing press that does my carbon triplicate safety and liability forms about the price on a box of custom printed graph paper with indexed lines, perforations and company logo and watermark, I better make sure The FJN fits my system before I commit to 10,000 sheets of custom paper or my family and friends will all be getting their next 20 years of Christmas presents wrapped in green grid paper with wooly mammoths on it!

[Grandcache]

I found vinyl mini accordion pockets that are hole punched and have Velcro closures at Staples. They fit perfectly. I use it to store extra paper. (Also from staples). I also found vinyl diagonally sliced pockets, business card holder pocket pages, and calendar pages. Definitely worth exploring. In addition to DayRunner, they have a Martha Stewart line that is quite colorful. Also check the Post It display...I picked up some accessories there too...maybe the pockets? I keep my eyes open every time I go in there...options seem to come and go. Good luck and enjoy! :-)

[scribe]

I shall have to try and make it to a Staples when I'm in the US - we have them here, but obviously they sell A4/A5 stuff rather than letter/half-letter (which is why I resorted to Day-Timer paper and dividers - they're the same size everywhere).