My dissertation topic, writing with computers, has had me focused on the digital for quite some time, and even prior to the diss I was always on the lookout for new digital writing software. I'm constantly thinking about better ways to take notes. How can I find them again? How can I insure that they'll reappear at a timely moment, ready to break me out of writer's block or remind me of an important point or argument? Paper seems useless for this--the various versions of digital butlers and librarians can stay constantly vigilant, reviewing archived material and comparing it with the new.

Yet, I've recently become a convert to the new geek trend--the paper Moleskine notebook. Although usually associated with the GTD philosophy of work, I'm finding GTD less and less useful--I'm simply not that busy. But, I do need to get sh-t done, and the moleskine is perfect for that quick note that turns the distracting idea into the motivating action plan.

After modding my moleskine for immediate pen access, I'm ready to write whenever.

Contrast this with my digital PDA, that I was reluctant to cart around at all times, and always reset itself if I forgot to plug it in.

Lastly, of course, there's that handy pocket in the back.

Haven't put anything terribly cool in there yet, but, as soon as I have something cool, there's a place to put it!

Currently though, my favorite thing about this notebook is its new name. I showed it to my advisor one afternoon, then at a reading group she saw that several people had them out, and said "look, you've got one of those mole books too." So, now I affectionately think of it as my "mole book," and lately, it's been a prime instrument of writing. Actual printed words go in it, and, more importantly, it directs and organizes my other (digital) writing work.