24 July 2012

Free For All Tuesday No. 77

Tuesday's are your chance to ask any Filofax related questions you might have.

So fire away... and we will collectively try to answer your questions or offer opinions.

135 comments:

  1. A very filofax-related question to start the day. Which discontinued inserts do you miss most? I know there are hundreds to choose from and that's the main point. The steady slide away from high functionality and customisability, towards "fashion", has been constant and not, I think in the best interests of the company.

    When I found this site, I was delighted to see some of the recreated forms from Ray and Steve (thanks a lot, gents). The Travel planner was one I found a stack of, but never wanted to run out, so seeing the ones in FILES was great.

    In the 80s, I remember such Gems as the Platoon Commander's Record, which even had the boot size of your soldiers! Then there were the ones which, for me, were aspirational , such as the Tasting Notes (thanks again, Ray and Steve). Ones which I bought with the aim of someday learning enough about something to need those inserts. We were spoiled for choice back then. One of the best things they EVER sold was something I can't remember the exact name of, something like the INFORMATION PACK, but it had one sample of EVERY filofax insert made at that time. I bought one several years running and it was an absolute joy to rummage through them and try to prioritise which you would buy next.

    Anyone remember the "onion skin paper", or the various marbled paper? Brilliant. The onion paper was great, the marbled paper made your organiser look amazing but depending on the colour of paper chosen, wasn't always practical for reading what you'd written!

    I wish some benevolent billionaire with a passion for Filofaxii would buy the company an return it to its glory days of over a thousand inserts, and would also produce a "history", a "heritage" and a "classic" range of the oldest, the best and the most unusual Filofaxii from the last almost hundred years. Sorry for length. I'm done!

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    1. Trolling for NOS binders through NYC one day, I came across a store that stocked one stray pack of. . .menstrual calendar. Pink packaging and all. I would have never appreciated it if not for this site.

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    2. I bought the "travel" inserts some time ago from Bromfield Pens and love them. Panicked a bit when my stash was low, crossed my fingers to see if Philofaxy had some to download and breathed a sigh of relief when Philofaxy came through!

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    3. Paul
      Like this one http://www.hm-supplies.co.uk/689-761-Double-filofax.html

      When I came back to using a Filofax in 2005 when I started work again I discovered that a lot of the inserts I had from the 1980's where no longer available. So I started to recreate them and put them on DiY Planner.

      I then discovered Philofaxy and started commenting and putting links to my templates here. Nan then discovered some old stock inserts in a shop in the US which she bought a few samples of and scanned them in for me so I could see the layout and recreate those. The travel check list was one of those.

      I was careful not to change anything on the list which includes some bizarre things really. The original takes up two sides. I've since reduced it by removing items down to one side for my own needs really.

      As a lot of the old insert if not all of them are personal size then they are fairly easy to recreate. A personal size insert is designed basically around a 31 lines per page framework. Beyond that you just have to divide it up and label it. I've done quite a few as you will have seen.

      But like all these things I need to go back and update them and review them really Updates would include the option to print personal pages on A4 like Ray's inserts as well as on personal size paper. I would also tone down the lines from black to grey.

      As with all these things it's finding enough hours in the day to do it all! More of a winter project than one now when the sun is shining and I need to be doing things like hedge cutting!!

      If you need an insert that you can't see in the list let me know ideally with a scan of the form so I can recreate it.

      The Filofax Templates post is the most visited post on the site! I think it's how most people find us.

      Steve

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    4. How cool. I would love to see an information pack. As much as I like the binders, it's the contents and organization that are most interesting to me.

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    5. I miss the totally transparent, ie like glass, not foggy/semi-opaque, top opening envelopes - they don't do them any more it seems, they made amazingly functional dividers and looked less cheap and brittle than the cloudy ones.

      I wish they offered more pastel shades, more consistantly instead of as ten sheets in a mixed pack, I have some lovely greyish blue copyright mark 1999, can't find them anywhere, and things like that are handy for me to find an info page or other "keeper" quickly.

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    6. Steve, just like that one, only the one in your link is an updated and better thought out version. Funnily enough, HM Supplies was where we used to buy a lot of our stuff, so great to see they are still in business. I bought one of their A5 black notebook covers, donkey's years ago, and it now holds my Personal Portland Grand. It has enough room that I can get my passport, iPhone and headphones in the pouch on the front, and the inside easily holds my Portland Grand with extra space to throw other things in. I couldnt get by without it now that I travel so often. This is the version they do now http://www.militarysurvivalclothing.co.uk/2023-A1002-HM-Supplies-A5-Multicam-nylon-cover.html but it doersn't seem to be available in black anymore. They have also increased the size of the front pouch to make it full length, which is even better than my current one.

      I wish I'd kept more of my old inserts, as we could recreate them. I did read some short while ago here, that someone ()Ray?) has asked if anyone had the printed, laminated lists they used to sell, like Finding More Time and Effective Delegation. I usd to have the Finding More Time at the front of my Filofax, it was a great reminder. I'm sure someone said they had them all, so I hope we see those recreated sometime. And I'm sure I speak for everyone when I say how appreciative we are of the time that you and others devote to the technical side of things, like creating inserts.

      Look forward to a guest post on my Filofax once my studies are done.

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    7. I just found a previous post from Gmax who seems to have bought one of those multi-packs from ebay: http://philofaxy.blogspot.com/2012/01/journey-back-in-time-part-2.html

      If you're reading this, Gmax, it would be awesome to get a list of the inserts.

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    8. Paul
      A lot of the old inserts are featured in the book Filofax Facts:

      http://philofaxy.blogspot.com/2011/01/book-review-filofax-facts-ian-sinclair.html

      It shows most of the pages but some are slightly obscured.

      Steve

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    9. Just ordered a used copy from an Amazon seller. Thanks for the steer.

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    10. Steve, with your background, I thought you might be interested in this piece of history I found on eBay today with only 24 hours left, a 1943 LEFAX Manual of Mathematics. It just shows how far ahead of its time the loose-leaf organiser was: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/221075260857?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649

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    11. Filofax could be so much more imaginative. Would be just great if there could be someone from the very top who could listen to what folks want and go with some new ideas..... and take even a small risk. They have some great products already, like the jot pads and the Olympic London today page markers. How about some new colours and designs for the inserts? New jot pad colours and innovative today markers.... all with form and function in mind. Stuff people will enjoy buying for their Filofax to individualise it a bit.Come on guys at Filofax.... wake up and shake up!!!

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    12. @Paul B, that IS interesting, thanks for the link!

      If the postage fee wasn't likely to be so deadly, I'd be sorely tempted... a real piece of history, not just 6-ring binder history, but a whole era.

      "New jot pad colours and innovative today markers.... all with form and function in mind. Stuff people will enjoy buying for their Filofax to individualise it a bit.Come on guys at Filofax.... wake up and shake up!!!"

      Seconded!

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    13. Shanti, have you looked at ShopAndShip? I hadn't heard about it until a year ago, but most of my Arab colleagues in my office use it. Its a spin-off from Aramex, you pay a one-off amouint to join (I think it was $40 or $50, I forget), and it gives you 3 mailing addresses, one in UK, one in USA and on in China. It then lets you give people an address in that country, they mail it to that address (which is an Aramex office), and then Aramex ships it on to you. The beauty of the system is, they designed this for people using eBays, which they know is generally small packages. So all they do is fill up the space in freight aircraft, using shopandship parcels, and don't give you the luxury of next day delivery. Its a fixed price on weight. I'm in the Middle East, and it cost just under £8 to have a 0.5Kg parcel sent on from USA. It took about 5 days, and you can track it online. It means in regions like Asia Pacific and the Middle East, you can still buy from USA and UK, even if the seller states they won't ship outside the country. Its genius. Sadly, it doesnt work the opposite way, so I still got billed £30 to send an A4 document by courier from Dubai to UK.

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    14. Paul B - thank you for the ebay link. I have won the auction for the Lefax Manual of Mathematics.

      I normally don't make the time to read FFAT because of work. Last night I was flicking through (thank goodness for school holidays!) and saw your exciting post.

      I'll have to submit a guest post to the team once the Lefax arrives.

      Perhaps owning a 'fax of historical interest is a good enough excuse to give to Mrs Mac for attending a meet up?

      Thanks again,

      Chris

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    15. Chris, great news! I found it when I was searching for another Lefax I'd noticed, this one from 1928. There were still no bids on it with an hour to go, so I got it for about £12. Likewise, I'm planning to do a guest post on it when it arrives from USA, via UK. I'm in two minds about whether to clean and polish it, or to leave it. Cleaned and polished, I'd be tempted to use it, as it looks like it has similar rings to the modern-day Slimline. But before I do, I'll do the guest post, on the condition it is in. I'm not someone who collects, but I thought that as this was almost 100 years old, a piece of histiry like this shouldn't just disappear. My worry was if it didn't sell, it would just get discarded. Look forward to your post!

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    16. Thanks Paul, I'll definitely look into that! I'd never heard of it before, Philofaxy gang to the rescue again!

      Meanwhile, looks like the Lefax has found a better home, congratulations and I hope you find time to post about it Chris, it does intrigue me!

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  2. Oh, and two more I forgot - remember when they actually made books in Filo format? I saw a Jeffrey Archer one on ebay a while ago. And a measure of just how popular they were in the late 80s - magazines even did a lot of their freebies in filo format. I'm obviously feeling nostalgic today. Guess I'd better get back to thesis writing :(

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    1. Yes, I DO remember that! lol Jeffrey Archer... I remember going in Woollies in Hythe, Kent, and seeing a wall full of his novels, when I read one eventually (Kane & Abel) it was the first time I actually realised that books, previously on a pedestal in my mind because my mum's a literature fiend and taught me to respect them, could actually be the purveyors of absolute cr*p every bit as much as TV!

      I have a few pages of poetry printed out in my Fax, probably with the same idea, something to read when I'm stuck on a tube. I don't remember any magazine inserts, I wonder if anyone here has any reminders?

      Love the trip down memory lane!! ^_^

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  3. When I returned to Filofax after my wilderness years in electronica, the insert I missed most was the personal expenses envelope. I have no idea why this essential insert was discontinued. These days I make my own.

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    1. Ray, It seems such a strange one to discontinue, especially when they still sell them for the A5. You'd think it would be a core product. If you ever find yourself at a loose end on a rainy day, a videa blog of how to make your envelope would be great, as I'm ham-fisted and would probably make a pig's ear of it :)

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    2. Collins Debden still do the expenses envelopes

      http://www.collinsdebden.com.au/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=ja_vm_cat_browse.php&product_id=633&category_id=349&manufacturer_id=0&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=95

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    3. Robyn, thanks for the link, I wish they still sold them in Europe. I'm going to try making one of Ray's in thicker paper first, and see how I get on.

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    4. I made a video, Paul, as you suggested: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RSpGvvtS2z0

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  4. I just read a conversation thread on Twitter about Holborn been discontinued? I didn't see the conclusion of the conversation, so here I am biting my nails.
    Is it really been discontinued?
    I want to get one but not right now. I mean, it can't go on its final sale NOW. I need time to regroup!

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    1. No, they are just speeding up the sell off of discontinued colours before they bring in new colours, they are doing the same with the Maldens too.

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    2. Hello - is that true for the Chamelons as well?

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    3. No sadly the Chameleon is being discontinued completely. Hence why they are on 50% off everywhere.

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    4. New coloured Holborns? I honestly don't think they could beat Wine. It's stunning. I can't stop looking at mine, it lives on my desk and i get distracted!

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    5. Do we know what the new colours will be? I'm dreaming of a buttery banana yellow Malden...

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    6. A duck egg blue Malden... or a dark emerald Holborn.

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    7. Lime green! I kmow I would probably be the only one to buy it but it would match my studio walls beautifully!

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    8. Holborn in Vintage Pink or Ochre .....oh yes!

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    9. Definitely in ochre or maybe teal, i'd buy the duckegg blue or peacock, or kingfisher haha :)

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    10. Dark Emerald!!!! Oh.my. Me.need.it.

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    11. Burnished bronze in a smooth leather. Or a filofax like a baroque but with the embossing on the outside!

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    12. Anything Baroque would fly with me! :D

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    13. Still waiting for the Malden in vintage racing green... not that I can afford to buy one but a girl can hope!

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    14. Racing green malden. Yes!

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  5. Does anyone know why coloured Filofax papers are printed with the colour, instead of being dyed all the way through?

    The only coloured regular paper I ever used in my printer seemed to be dyed all through, but I never checked thoroughly so I could be wrong, and don't want to buy more just to start ripping it up!

    Is that possible to achieve with paper, or only card?

    One of those little niggling questions in life, and I hope someone here has the gen on it!!

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    1. Ohh great I love my Holborn's wonder what colours they bring out??

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  6. I've just read Tim's post on the TMI Wallet ( http://philofaxy.blogspot.com/2011/05/time-managers-planner-wallet-guest-post.html )

    I'm intrigued by the comment "Firstly, the TMI Planner Wallet was designed to be sloted into a conventional Time Manager binder, so has a 6 hole flap for that". I coudn't see this in the photos, but it looks and sounds like something I'd find very useful, a wallet which I could carry for cleint meetings, then clip back into my Portland Grand. Does anyone know if these are still made? Tim mentioned his was over 25 years old, so I fear not. But what a fantastic idea. If anyone has an unused one, I'd love to buy it. Now I really must do some work.

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    1. The Planner Wallet was a great design. Indeed it was copied (minus the 6-hole flap) as the basis for Flex by Filofax last year. A full range of Time Manager planners, wallets and inserts is still available from Denmark www.timemanager.com/timemanager/uk/web menu.nsf

      I suspect that very little - other than dated diary pages - is still being made. It'll be old stock from the halcyon days of paper planners!

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    2. Thanks Tim. Its the fact that the wallet has the 6 holes to allow you to put it into a binder that intrigues me. Schlepping around Riyadh in 50 degrees would be easier with a lite version, and I don't really want to buy a Slimline or compact, as that would be too much. The TMI WAllet Planner looks perfect for what I want. I'll have to keep my eye on eBay. Is there any chance you could post a photo showing the holes in the wallet, where they can clip into a binder? Thanks.

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    3. I hope this isn't silly to post but don't forget you can set up an e-Bay search to e-mail you when something gets listed, I do it a lot and it's well useful for special stuff that other people might be after as well. They don't e-mail you immediately in my experience, usually a day after the first listing, BUT it can help you get what you want!

      If you knew this already, big apologies, but lots of people just never seem to use that feature on the site.

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    4. I did not know that. Thanks Shanti!

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    5. hi Tim

      Maybe I should keep hold of my considerable stock of non-diary TMI inserts, if, as you suggest, they are no longer being printed. They certainly still supply from Denmark (not, alas, from the halcyon days of Henley-in-Arden), but as you say, they could be running down old stock. I do hope not. I still think TMI can show Filofax a thing or two when it comes to paper quality, form design and an integrated system.

      I am currently lounging in the 'dark side' of digital planning......I don't know how long it will last :)

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  7. On the topic of inserts for your Filofax, I was a Promotions Manager for British Rail in the mid-80's. One of our most popular items was the complete InterCity timetable ready to slot into your binder rings. It came out twice a year and had every mainline route across the UK. Eventually, the cost of producing the pre-punched version led to it only being available as a booklet and then restricted to only being available by post. Preparations for privatisation led to the (sad) demise of the InterCity collective brand and now timetable booklets are only produced by individual companies on a route- by- route basis.

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    1. Tim
      I was on the subscription list for those inserts, you also used to send out a free week on two page diary as well! I still have the Inter City dividers...

      Yes I find it very hard to dispose of anything Filofax related!

      Steve

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    2. You're right! We also did a complete InterCity vinyl organiser with tabs, diary, timetables and other pages for important business customers. Personally, I thought that was tacky. Top executives were likely to own a proper leather Filofax and unlikely to be seduced by our tacky plastic one! It was quickly discontinued.

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    3. That sounds great. I was planning on punching some bus timetables, but they're too long, so I'll need to print out in personal size.

      Are train times available in print form these days?? Can't remember seeing any.

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    4. IH You can create rail timetables on line and get them in pdf format. I've printed these off and put them in to A5 before now. But personal size would be a struggle.

      Pen and paper... write them out might be a better option!

      Tim I only had the inserts which I put in to my Winchester!

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    5. I appear to have misplaced on of the dividers.. but I think they are Inter City (the missing one), then Diary, Meetings, Notes, Objectives

      Steve

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    6. @industrious - train times are certainly still available in printed form, but each of the privatised operating companies has its own size and style. I carry both the East Coast and Cross Country timetable booklets plus my local line with me in my A5 Filoflex.

      The PDF files are really useful and you can design your own timetable at the National Rail website.

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    7. There's a set available on eBay at the moment http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/InterCity-Filofax-Timetable-And-Diary-Set-1993-94-/120952233545?pt=UK_Collectables_Railwayana_RL&hash=item1c29509e49#ht_500wt_1287

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    8. Superb! Winter 1993-4 will have been the very last set. From April 1994, the new "to be privatised" companies were established and the highly-respected InterCity sector and brand (nb no hyphen and a capital C) abolished. The non Filofax version of the Guide to Services continued a bit longer but without the branding.

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    9. Too much knowledge Tim!!! Do train spotters use Filofax???!!!!

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    10. I shall have a look online. The route I mostly use has several Train Operating Companies running on it, so printing my own will be most useful.

      Steve - if they don't they should!

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    11. Steve, do you have any pictures of your remaining dividers?

      I wouldn't dare annoint myself with the accolade of true train spotter, but I do get a bit enthusiastic about pre-privatisation stuff, I had a small plastic coin bag marked "British Rail" with the logo on which I treasured for years, until it sadly got lost with other stuff last time I moved home... things like that bring back many happy school holidays spent travelling by train to see the rellies!

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    12. Tim's post inspired me to check my double-sided London Underground/InterCity Route map. I knew it was out of date, but didnt realise just how out of date till now. Its 1988. I'll scan it and send you a pic. Maybe I'm getting old, but quite how they expect you to read the names on the entire underground, when its condensed into about 60% of a personal sheet, is beyond me. Tim, was that your fault? :)

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    13. Fantastic!

      Trains + Filofaxes = perfection... ^_^

      I downloaded the London Underground font precisely because it does work well even in very small sizes, I wish I knew more about how things like that work though.... (I nearly added "Look up the differences between italics and regular letters in Times New Roman" to my Inbox of ideas recently, but then decided there was no way that could be a good use of my time... I don't seem to have forgotton about it though! lol)

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    14. Hi Shanti
      I've posted an image here: http://philofaxy.com/Intercity.jpeg

      Email me your postal address and I will post them to you if you are interested in having them.

      Steve

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    15. Shanti, Likewise, I'm happy to send you my 1988 sheet with Underground and InterCity routes on it. I'd rather it goes to a good home. I'll send it back next time someone I know is
      heading back to UK. Just joined Flickr as I didn't know any other way of posting the photos, but here is the Intercity map. I think it should also show you the Underground one too, in the Photostream. http://www.flickr.com/photos/burjmax/7649418548/in/photostream/

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  8. My personal crimson Malden arrived today all the way from Filofax France and it's as gorgeous in real life as it is in all the flickr photos. It took a week and a half to arrive here in Australia - much better than the 25 days quoted on their website. Looking forward to checking it out tonight once the kids are in bed!

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    1. You will love it. My crimson Malden is my favourite... I keep trying different folders and coming back to him. I'm thinking it is my OTF! Enjoy your play time!

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  9. Just posted this on FB then realised it was Tuesday so could ask here!
    I have just received the purple pocket zipped Malden I ordered yesterday and although I am finally happy to have it in my hands I am worried it is not quite right. The leather feels like is far too dry and I feel like it is going to flake? I know the leather is antiqued but most of the leather, even on the inside looks like it has eczema! The only bit that doesn't seem to be dry is the card slots inside on the left, they feel "normal" like what the whole thing should feel like?
    Has anyone else thought this about a Malden or do I need to send it back and try again? :s
    My crimson pocket Malden feels completely different so this maybe a purple Malden thing?

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  10. I wanted to ask more of a pondering question - if any discontinued style could be reissued, which one would you choose? I am on a baroque streak at the moment so I would love an A5 baroque in teal or some new color like purple. I'd also love the orange Finsbury to come back and the Domino snake in bronze.

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    1. I'd love the Baroque back, wow A5 would be perfect. I'd also love the Finchleys back esp teal and jade in A5

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    2. A baroque... and if we're talking fantasy, in a lovely scarlet with gold highlights!

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    3. Subdued yellow Savannah, a la 15-20 years ago. Portland Grand, but in a modern colour. I just love the 5/4 oversize rings. The SLimline 3CLF of 20 years ago, that had a diagonal pocket on the inside left flap, so you could slide an airline boarding pass in it, with passport. Great idea. And while we are at it, why not re-introduce the leather change holder? So many more people use a filofax as a wallet now, I don't believe there would be no market for it. Likewise, the leather jotter which I wish I still had. Perfect for a quick meeting where you know you won't need access to your entire binder. If only they would listen to their customers, instead of obsessing over £375 fashion binders which appeared to have a lower standard of quality than the mid-range binders. Oh well, we can but hope.

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    4. ..just a stylish, quality leather, slimline A5, with the pockets and modern flexible layout of a Flex but with the build quality of any of the pre-1990's Filofaxes - Westminster, Balmoral, Portland... (Oh! and quality inserts to match!)

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    5. @angel gold highlights on a baroque would be a dream! Black and gold! And that lovely smoothy leather *swoooon*

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    6. A Baroque A5 in Teal.... swoon!!! I'd be in love immediately!!! Or a Crimson A5 Malden!!! Swoon for a second time!!!

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  11. I've decided to reinstate my personal aqua finsbury for the summer and have been printing off some of Ray's diarys. My Rapesco punch didn't come with a guide for lining up the pages, but I've discovered that if you stick an Avery tab on the bottom of the punch so just the coloured bit shows, it's perfect for lining up the pages to punch properly.

    A handy little hack, I think!

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    1. Babs, can you show us what you mean? I just came back from UK with a Rapesco 6PP and haven't used it yet, so this will be very useful for me.

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    2. Sure - I'll post some pics in a little bit.

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    3. Paul - these are the tabs I have - Avery small note tabs, product number 8351:
      http://tinyurl.com/cplaasn

      Picture of the punch from the top:
      http://tinypic.com/r/j0v4nl/6

      And from the bottom:
      http://tinypic.com/r/344bbz5/6

      As you can see I've just lined up the tab so that only the blue bit is showing over the edge. If I then line up a piece of personal-size paper with the edge of the blue then it's at the right level to be punched correctly.

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    4. Genius. I have a pack of those unopened. Thanks for the time-saving tip. Philofaxy to the rescue again!

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  12. I'm interested to know how people store small pieces of information in their Filofaxes - things which are important to remember but don't necessarily relate to any section. For example, I have loose papers and post its with things such as details of my phone bill and how much different bus/train tickets cost. Each of these bits of info is about 2-3 lines of writing so obviously doesn't fill a personal sized page.
    Any suggestions on how to organise these? My Filofax is looking very untidy and things keep getting lost!
    Cheers everyone...

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    1. I usually just have some pieces of paper in the "Notes" section that have multiple useful bits of information on them

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    2. If you find you have a lot of these, you could use the A-Z dividers to organise them.

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    3. I store bits and bobs ie coupons, a few important receipts etc in a zipped wallet in the Filofax.... but not too many. But as Ray says, you may want to stick them onto a piece of paper or transfer the info to paper and use the A-Z tabs. I also have an info Filofax separate from my day to day, which stores stuff I will use like maps, train timetables etc, but don't want to cart around with me every single day. I then transfer the odd page only when needed.

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    4. I punch stuff like this and file it in the A-Z index dividers like Ray has suggested. Sometimes I eventually have several on the same basic topic and copy them into an information sheet labeled with the broad topic, i.e. "banks" or "automobile"

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    5. I have a clear plastic pocket on " notes " to where I store odd notes. From there they are transferred to their respective places. You mentioned cost of train tickets, I would put that information on expenses, finances or budget ( depending how you have named your tabs ) or do you have one that says transportation?
      Be it at home ( when I file papers ) or in Filofax in general, I always think where do I need the information. If it is in costs, it goes right in there. If it is in car, home improvement or my son´s medical files- that stuff goes in there.

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    6. For example, I have loose papers and post its with things such as details of my phone bill and how much different bus/train tickets cost.

      Prices like that have always gone at the back of my Finances section, along with a breakdown of usual monthly outgoings and other monies out, any other data I usually keep under Miscellaneous, which is at the back, and where I keep "Someday/Maybe" stuff and things like world time codes on my Casio watch, and the world map.

      I did upgrade to a GTD based system recently and that method of storing small bits of info didn't change.

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  13. Another handy hint (can you tell I'm doing a bit of philofaxing today?!). If you have a PDF you want to print and re-format for a personal filo, then in the Adobe Print options select Multiple then Custom and select 1 x 3 as the format. You'll then get 3 sheets per page which can be cropped and punched to fit a personal filo.

    Not sure how it'll work double-sided as I haven't tried that yet.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Going to try that now. I have a lot of PDF info I've needed for my thesis that I wanted to put in my FF so I could read when I had a spare moment. Always ended up copying and pasting. Not always satisfactory!

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    2. It comes out quite small, but I've managed to print off our local pool's swimming timetable from the internet, which is what I wanted!

      Let me know how you get on.

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  14. I ordered from Filofax and City Organiser on Friday. CO delivered on Saturday, it was faulty so reordered yesterday and it was delivered today...Filofax, stil waiting delivery!!! Why can one company deliver so much faster that the other, even though they are in the same city? I know Filofax is free postage most of the time, but would you rather pay for postage to have it faster or do you not mind waiting?

    Personally I would rather pay for delivery and have it next day!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I found them very patchy with delivery too, I only live 8 miles from their shop (I know they don't post from there, like Santa's Filofaxing Elves, up in the gabled attic!) but yes... it is annoying!

      They're a weird company, many brands would kill for this level of brand loyalty, yet they seem to be quite willing to piddle on us, and then try to tell us it's raining!!

      Hope that didn't offend anyone, unless their CEO happens to be reading, in which case, help yourself to some extra Indignant Salsa to go free with your order of Offence...

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    2. I actually ordered from the Filofax shop and they delivered it the very next day but had to pay £12 for that little privledge!

      City organiser charge £3.99 postage, yet the item I recieved today cost close to £6 postage and that was without all packaging cost. CO Rocks!

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  15. I'm thinking of an A5 Malden for Journaling instead of notebooks, just can't make my mind up between Ochre and Purple, any thoughts gladly accepted :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'll risk being burned at the stake for this, but why not standard 2-ring binders - papers's much cheaper (and arguably better quality), plus you can just store them over the years in the £2.99 / $5 / whatever binder you laid your thoughts down in?

      You could do a colour per year, paste tickets and really significant things into the inside of the covers, make each journal not just transitory pages but a real memory piece.

      Unless you're very rich, that might be less feasible with Filofaxes...

      Just a thought, please note my borough council prohibits pitchforks and burning torches after 4pm!

      ;o)

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    2. Well, I know this is absolutley no help whatsoever,but I just got the Ochre because I, am a 'brown girl' ( in the ring tralalalala... Sorry) and its just gorgeous. But now I want the purple. So my thoughts are, save yourself agonising and get two!

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    3. Never looked inside an A4 Filofax?

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    4. Alison I have the A5 in Orchre and the A5 purple is due when Filofax have a mind to deleiver it. lol The Maldens hold a ton of stuff....I really must get a blog done showing mine. I measured it last night and it's almost 2.5 inches thick and weighs....well a lot! lol It would be ideal for journalling hun, especially if you want to had lots of pics and stuff. I'm seriously thinking fo swapping mine over.....oh hang on a min...I have another due I could just use that! lol

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    5. I've often thought about this, but fall at the "what paper to use" hurdle. The filofax A5 paper is too narrowly lined and not thick enough. But what's the alternative???

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    6. i thought my Ochre A5 needed cream lined paper for journalling so I bought. Some WHSmith chunky notebooks which had a sort of semi rigid black cover and just cut them all apart and for £3.99 got 150 lovely creamy pages. I actually do my main journalling in a seties of bound journals as I want to keep them and buying a filofax for storage only would get rarther spendy. ( that should be ' even more spendy'!) But for a specific project I have in mind that requires some journalling in preparation the filo is perfect as then the pages can be stored with the actual project planning in due course.

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    7. Babs, you could always have a go at printing your own paper. I do it often. I just set the printer so it prints in draft format, so the lines are much lighter and fainter! That way I can use pretty much use whatever paper I want to, just need to punch in the holes at the end.

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    8. I'm swaying more towards the Ochre right now, I kind of need a quality item for my journaling there's something about it that it makes it more special and makes me want to write in it more. You've sold it to me Gail roll on payday on Thu i'm getting the Ochre A5 Malden, yay.

      Thanks Helen, your completely right I need Ochre and purple lol, bet the Ochre looks lovely with cream paper, i'm even thinking of plain paper and lined paper, i've always journaled on lined paper but I like to do a bit of mind mapping and use tables etc quite a bit so think I will mix it up a bit, i'm off to WHSmith tomorrow :)

      Delete
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  17. What does everyone do with their Filofax boxes and sleeves? Mine are really starting to build up now and taking up some serious space. I have put the personal sized ones inside the A5 sleeves to save some room and the pocket sleeves are in the Personal sleeves. The lovely black boxes are okay though, because they can hold some of the spare inserts and next years diaries!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I keep spare inserts and papers in my boxes!!

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    2. Recycled! I'm not as minimalist as I may once have aspired to be, but I refuse to turn into a hoarder! :-D

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    3. I aspire to minimalism, and I think my move to the electronic 'dark side' may help......but if not, the personal Malden isn't a bad way to go.....I can keep most everything in there, debit and credit cards included, which I certainly cant do with my BlackBerry!

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  18. I have spare paper in the sleeves as well as boxes and also old diaries I keep for posterity

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  19. Has anyone got a purple A5 Malden?? If so, how well does the exterior wear, ie take to being flung in a bag and used, rather than being too precious about??? Can't afford now...... but I am dreaming of one one day!!!

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  20. Don't know why but wat i try i Will not get the right si ze personal timelog printed. but i really want hem what do i wrong?

    Gr. RianneI

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello,
      Are you referring to the Flexible Time Log on the "Files" page?

      In the Adobe Acrobat print dialogue, switch page scaling to None. Print the front page, then flip the paper over on the short side and place it in the manual feed paper tray before printing the back page.

      I hope this helps :)

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    2. Thx Gerard,

      I mean the timelog flexible. Problem is, i don't understand wat you mean By " switch page scaling to none"? Thx for the help!

      Gr. Rianne

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    3. Ok - many PDF printing programmes will size the PDF to fit within the printable area of the page: this means to shrink (scale) the PDF image.

      You need to print the PDF at 100% size, with no scaling.

      Check the page setup menu in the application you are using: there may be a setting there that you can change. If the setting is not in that menu, then it may be in the print dialogue.

      What application are you printing from?

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    4. Oke it worked!!! You mean the original size. that means " ware grote" in dutch. Yhank yo for the help.

      Gr. Rianne

      Delete
  21. I am getting my first Filofax in the mail soon (A5 Chameleon in Aqua :)I bought it used ($20US on ebay!) so the only thing included is some lined paper. I am switching over from a classic size Franklin Covey set up and would love some input about what inserts/things that you find indispensable or handy. Also have you had any luck re-punching things from FC, trimming off the existing holes and making new ones maybe? I have an adjustable punch that can be set to any hole spacing (currently has 5 punch heads but I can add another easily) so I thought I may try to salvage some of my existing dividers and the like if I can. Otherwise I need to put together an order from Filofax for some components. I notice that Filofax has the Sketch on sale for $27US and thought about buying one just for the insides, but then I would be in dangerous multi-filofax territory :))Sorry to ramble, I'm just soooooo excited lol

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh just accept that you will soon be in that territory anyway! Might as well give in now! i bought the lineburst dead cheap for the inserts planning to chuck the cheap binder but of course it is now very useful as my health journal I can chuck into a gym bag.

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    2. I too have recently switched from FC Classic to Filofax binders and am totally in love with the quality Filofax offers. Oddly enough, I ordered the same Filofax binder (in personal size) that you did!

      FC pages and dividers should work in the Filofax binder without having to cut them down. I believe you just need to re-punch some holes. If the extra punched holes do bother you, Franklin Covey usually has enough space on the border that cutting down and re-punching won't be an issue. I don't know for certain without knowing which design you are using, but I think that's the case with most of their pages. There is a LOT of terrific info about how different planning pages fit into the various size FF's. You may want to check out http://philofaxy.blogspot.com/p/faq.html.

      Good luck and happy trails on your new Filofax journey!

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    3. Thank you both :) I can't wait!!!!

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  22. My son´s nanny asked me today how do I manage to do so many things simultaneously and have everything organized ( I don´t wish to go into too much personal things, but this household is a tall order and I keep it going all by my sweet self ). She wanted to know if there was some secret behind this all. My son responded before I could utter a word
    - It´s all because she has it all organized and listed on her Filofax.
    The nanny wanted to immediately know what was this fantastic device and where can she acquire one.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I hope you told her about Philofaxy....

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    2. Oh, hun. I hope you didn´t think I left that gem slip my mind, now did you..?

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    3. Now THAT@S Filofax evangelism!

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    4. I just sold my oldest Filofax, a 25 year old Winchester with gold rings, to a lovely German lady on Ebay. I emailed her the link and suggested she do a guest post of "what's in my Filofax", so hope she takes up the offer. One abbreviation I do keep seeing here is DH. I'm guessing it has something to do with partner, but I'm not savvy enouugh to know :(

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    5. DH = Dear Husband
      OH = Other half (wife or husband)
      DD = Dear Daughter
      DS = Dear Son
      HID = Him/Her Indoors - Arthur Dailey!

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  23. I've been looking around but I don't seem to be able to find Temperley refills. Are they available to purchase separately or do you need to fork out $700 for the Filofax too?

    Cheers!
    Charlotte - Bunnies in Blazers + Pentorium

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AFAIK they're not available to buy separately at the moment.

      Delete
  24. "AFAIK"? I had to ask my 11 year old daughter that, but you learn something new from Philofaxy evert day!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oops - sorry! Too much time spent on internet forums! :)

      Delete
    2. Yes we are far more used to
      CP - Caribbean Princess - Blogger
      DOOP - Day on one page.
      DPP - Day per page
      Enabler - Someone who helps you to convince you that you really do need another Filofax!!
      FF - Filofax... of course
      FC - Frankin Covey - not Father Christmas!
      GTD - Getting Things Done
      MOTP - Month on two pages
      Mole - Moleskine
      Non-flatability - A term invented by Terri with reference to her Cuban Zip
      Pers - Personal Size
      Philofaxynista - Filofax and Fashion
      Philofaxabulous post
      Philofaxytastic
      SOOFL - Significant Others of Filofax Lovers
      TDPP - Two days per page
      WPP - Week per Page
      WOOP - Week on one page
      WOTP - Week on two pages
      YP - Year Planner

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    3. So what does AFAIK stand for?

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  25. Food on the brain!!! Soofl reminded me of souffle!! Hmmm!! Must grab something to eat!! PS Have vowed to use my raspberry A5 Finsbury as a new recipe book. We'll see how it goes!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I've got a black A5 Finsbury set up as a recipe book. So far, so good :)

      Delete
  26. I found this site about 6 weeks ago and now own 4 filofaxes. My most recent one arrived yesterday from City Organiser. It is a purple zip pocket Malden. I ordered it last week and now see that it is sold out on the website and is the end of the line. I love it! It is gorgeous. I am using it as my wallet and holder of lists. Just had to share!!

    ReplyDelete
  27. Does anyone know how to reach Blogger user Cazzle? I can't find her email address in the archives. Cazzle, if you're around, please email me if you're still interested in the Temperley Affair (esme.w.wang [at] gmail)!

    ReplyDelete