## Rhodia Notebooks - A journey to return to pen and paper for work was started last year, which posed a problem due to being a huge fountain pen lover, as many ordinary notebooks do not work well with [[Fountain pen | fountain pens]], resulting in issues like feathering and ghosting [(00:00:16)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7BBlcYe4h8&t=16s). - The search for suitable notebooks led to trying out various options, including Rhodia notebooks, which were used as a scratch pad and a planning book, with the planning book lasting a whole year [(00:01:29)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7BBlcYe4h8&t=89s). - Suggestions from others led to trying out Tomoe River paper, which is very good but too smooth, and Rhodia web books, which have excellent paper quality and colors [(00:02:38)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7BBlcYe4h8&t=158s). ## MD Notebook by Midori - The favorite notebook of the year was the MD notebook by Midori, which has fantastic paper quality, perfect feedback, and is used as a commonplace book to capture bits of information and quotes [(00:03:32)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7BBlcYe4h8&t=212s). - The MD notebook is preferred due to its paper having just the right amount of feedback, making it a lovely experience to write in, and it is considered an excellent option for those who use [[Fountain pen | fountain pens]] [(00:04:04)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7BBlcYe4h8&t=244s). ## Maruman Nesine Notebooks - The notebooks being discussed come in various sizes, including A5, but the preferred size is B5, which is slightly larger than A5 [(00:04:11)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7BBlcYe4h8&t=251s). - After conducting multiple notebook tests, the preferred brand of notebook is Maraman, specifically the Nesine notebooks, which have divine paper suitable for fountain pens [(00:04:39)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7BBlcYe4h8&t=279s). - The Nesine notebooks have a solid, waterproof plastic cover and can fit anywhere, making them convenient for travel [(00:06:01)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7BBlcYe4h8&t=361s). - The planning book used is the Maraman Nesine A4 notebook, which is new for 2025 and contains weekly planning, video project plans, and other organizational content [(00:06:27)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7BBlcYe4h8&t=387s). - The notebooks are fountain pen-friendly but not the cheapest option; however, they can be purchased directly in [[South Korea | Korea]], reducing shipping costs [(00:07:19)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7BBlcYe4h8&t=439s). - The Nesine notebooks are also used as a scratch pad, which is kept open on the desk for quick note-taking, proving to be faster than digital tools [(00:05:37)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7BBlcYe4h8&t=337s). ## Smithson of Bond Street Notebooks - Another preferred notebook brand is Smithson, which is a British craftsmanship brand, but their notebooks are ridiculously expensive [(00:08:00)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7BBlcYe4h8&t=480s). - The Smithson of Bond Street notebooks are considered ridiculously expensive, but the paper quality is exceptional, making them ideal for writing with a [[Fountain pen | fountain pen]] [(00:08:18)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7BBlcYe4h8&t=498s). - These notebooks are used as commonplace books for recording quotes, notes, and research, and are always carried for note-taking [(00:08:59)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7BBlcYe4h8&t=539s). - The notebooks have light blue-colored pages, which provide a pleasant writing experience and an alternative to traditional white or dark screen modes [(00:08:30)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7BBlcYe4h8&t=510s). ## Benefits of Paper-Based System - The paper-based system is used to reduce screen time, as excessive screen time is believed to be detrimental to both eye health and mental well-being [(00:09:50)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7BBlcYe4h8&t=590s). - Using notebooks allows for a more relaxing and in-depth thinking process, making them a preferred choice for planning and project work [(00:10:23)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7BBlcYe4h8&t=623s). - The notebooks are part of a pen and paper project that has become an integral part of daily life, providing a unique and enjoyable way to work and record information [(00:11:14)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7BBlcYe4h8&t=674s). - The collection includes a scratch pad, a planning notebook, and a commonplace book, each serving a specific purpose and providing a sense of organization and satisfaction [(00:11:32)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7BBlcYe4h8&t=692s). ## Future Journaling Video - A separate video will be created to discuss journaling, as it is a distinct aspect of the pen and paper project that requires more in-depth exploration [(00:11:56)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7BBlcYe4h8&t=716s). ## Sources - [website](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7BBlcYe4h8)