paper notes in a digital world

I'm Back - Sorta

Still not up to par, but I feel well enough to write a post or two. Thanks for all of those who left nice messages. I hope this takes care of the sick stuff for the next few years.

Under The Weather

I haven't felt well at all this week. I'm staying at home and trying to get well. Just wanted to let readers know that I'll be back as soon as I'm able.

Thanks, Armand!

Just a quick thank-you to Armand Frasco who runs one of my favorite blogs, Moleskinerie. I am honored that he found Paper Notes worth mentioning on his site. I would like to think that if I am able to offer half the quality content he consistently produces - Paper Notes will be successful. Thanks Armand!

About Paper Notes

What follows is a longer version of what is on the left sidebar under the heading, "Paper Notes?"

Paper notes in a digital world? Absolutely. I still believe in pens, pencils, notebooks, journals, daily planners, letter writing, thank-you cards, and all things that celebrate a life that respects the placing of words on paper. Though, obviously, the words you are now reading are not on paper, they are definitely on paper - in spirit. In an age of blogs (like this one), blogs about blogs, online publications of all kinds and everything digital, I still celebrate the journal kept in a notebook, bound books, magazines, a good newspaper and the literary world of old. I love to read about writing and writers. I’d rather read an interview with Somerset Maugham or Paul Auster than the gurus of the computer age. Why? I think my full-plunge into computing in the late eighties has worn me down. I feel disconnected in the most connected age of all. I turn to the digital to celebrate and promote the analog in hopes of helping myself, and others, strike a healthy balance. I am tired of the digital information glut that leaves my mind spinning with so much information that I am unable to process it, leaving me with infinite sources of information, but feeling less focused - and, in the long run - less informed. So, why discuss all of this in the digital world on a blog? Because we can. Because there's no turning back from digital, but we can learn to better balance our lives - and this is my contribution. Welcome to Paper Notes In A Digital World. A place where we will discuss all things paper, a place to consider the analog/digital balance. A place to slow down.

- Mike Swickey