An Archive, a Scrapbook, a Tradition [Hidden Dragon BizBlog 1.2]
As a service to my readers (thank you!) I wanted to point out a few posts that I found today while doing some research on archiving information. There are over 1.3 million search results on Google for “commonplace book”, so there was a lot of information to go through. Of the best, the first two are to be found at D*I*Y Planner, where there is quite an essay on the history of the Commonplace Book:(part 1)(part 2)
The Commonplace Books (or just commonplaces) of old were series of books, stuffed with scraps, inspirations, snippets of information, sketches, clippings, photographs, poems, jokes, references, and anything else pertaining to the interest of the person (or group) who kept it. A common fixture in the homes of writers, professionals, artists and academics for many centuries, the notion has all but faded in this digital age of commodity data and instant searches. But there’s no reason that we can’t resurrect such a invaluable resource in this day and age. In fact, it could ultimately prove worthy not only for our daily work and pleasure, but also as a legacy to leave our children and grandchildren, a gathering of those pieces reflecting both the personality of its keeper and the happenings of a bygone day.
The tradition of the Commonplace Book brings a kind of romance to the idea of tracking information, especially those quotes that we come across and want to record, as well as other snippets of information that do not really ‘belong’ anywhere else.
The D*I*Y Planner post also references a post at PigPog, where the author is looking for ideas on the best way to manage this kind of information (not using a filing cabinet). Now, the PigPog article was posted in 2005, but one of the commenters references an article at BYTE.com by Jerry Pournelle from 1996. It’s an interesting walk down memory lane. He talks about Windows 95! Pournelle also uses a hardbound notebook for reference:
I rediscovered the joys of paper logbooks. The problem with an electronic log is that you often don’t have it with you, and often you want to make handwritten notes. Carrying a printed copy of the electronic log and using that to jot notes in doesn’t work well because the resulting book is too thick to carry easily.
For years I carried Borum & Pease hardbound composition books. They’re like the ones you see in the drugstore, but they come page-numbered. Since I have the habit of taping business cards, letters, and newspaper clippings into my logbook, I’ve found it makes sense to use nylon strapping tape to reinforce the binding. When I dropped Ascend, I started a new logbook. I’m going to continue to carry that. T he result is I have a book that supplements my electronic Ascend records nicely.
There is another resource on Commonplace Books at The Lyceum, and some old instructions for students to create a digital Commonplace Book for a course. I love these old posts, and like to bring them forward for sharing.
Original post here: Stephen
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