I’m going all in and trying the Pile of Index Cards system as part of my Commonplace book. By doing this I’m dividing things into:
- Public - which is my blog here at Ramblinggit.com
- Private - notes about thoughts or ideas that are not quite complete enough for a blog post. Private ideas, schemes such as fragments of stories I want to write. Notes about anything that I don’t want splattered all over the Internet. Etc.
I’m not sure the the PoIC system is the best system for me as opposed to a bound journal, but I won’t really know until I give it a fair try. I feel more confident in taking blank index cards with me if I travel and file them when I get home, rather than bringing a whole journal. If I should loose the journal I loose everything, whereas with cards I loose just a few cards.
IF, the PoIC system does not work out I will sit down and examine what is wrong, is it the card size, or my own squirrelly brain or habits or what. If I can’t make adjustments to the card system the my backup plan is to go to a bound paper journal.
My Modifications:
Some modifications from the system outlined at the link above.
Colored index cards: I’m going to use different colored cards to denote the 4 different card types rather than guide marks at the top edge of the card.
4 x 6 note cards instead of 3 x 5. More room, easier to use in typewriter.
3 x 5 index cards (grid) for notes and a shirt pocket briefcase, when out and about, instead of a Field Notes notebook. If need be I can tape a 3 x 5 card to a colored 4 x 6 card for archiving.
Instead of wooden “docks” I’m using a Cropper Hopper Photo Case, Blue for my 4 x 6 cards.
Predictions:
- While I intend to type most of these cards, a fair number will end up being hand written, probably more than I think now. Must keep writing legible.
- I have quite a few fountain pens. I really don’t intend to break them out, but I might. Will probably stick with typewriter.
- If I abandon this card method and move to a bound journal, I will most likely break the fountain pens out.
