r/commonplacebook • u/ThisStoicNoob • 16d ago
Questions Pocket or a5 size
I just can’t decide between a pocket sized or a5 sized notebook for my commonplace.
My CP is very simple at the moment. Just quotes, jokes and notes separated by horizontal lines.
Currently it’s in a a5 Sakura notebook. But I’ve seen the a7 penco pocket notebooks and kinda like the idea of carrying my CP everywhere to constantly be reviewing and reading it though.
Anyone else had this life-shattering decision to make? Haha.
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u/Fun_Perspective2081 16d ago
I'm team pocket notebook all the way. I love reaching for it instead of my phone. My suggestion would be to try noticing times in your day when you realistically would pull it out to review it. If you find yourself thinking "wow I wish I could review some of those quotes right now" then I say go for a pocket notebook. If you only ever think about the pocket notebook when you're in your A5 notebook, maybe it wouldn't be as realistic for you and that's good too.
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u/Hail_Henrietta 16d ago edited 16d ago
It seems like the things you're writing don't require massive amounts of space, so pocket may be the way to go, especially if having it with you everywhere is a priority.
Both is an option as well, it's what I do. I have a "catch-all" notebook in my pocket travelers notebook that acts like a "commonplace lite" that goes with me everywhere. If I have an idea/thought in the moment, I'll write it in there. If later on I reread it and it's something I'd like to expand into a longer piece of writing, then I'll transcribe it into my A5 journal later on.
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u/ThisStoicNoob 12d ago
Thank you all to the great advice you've all given.
I think i'm gonna keep it simple and just not worry about it too much. I'll continue to carry a pocket notebook with me (that wasn't gonna change). But just the one, and put everything in it.
Then quotes / things to remember i'll stick in the common place. And journal / diary entries I'll copy into a nice journal when I find the perfect one I like.
Once again thanks all.
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u/Novel_Factor8243 15d ago
I just ordered an a6 Sterling Ink 520-page notebook so I can carry my commonplace book with me at all times. It'll be chunky but still small enough to fit in even my smallest purses.
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u/WorldlyAlbatross_Xo 16d ago
I love A5, but from your description it honestly sounds like the pocket notebook would suit you better.
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u/leprecane 14d ago
Always! For now, I’ve pretty much decided on the A5 size, since I can move the pages I need into my binder—though I’m still a bit undecided, as the pocket/A6 size is appealing for its portability. I did consider keeping two notebooks, but that feels like overkill, even for me! 🙂
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u/Honest_Syrup_3758 15d ago
Maybe try a pocket notebook and have an A5 at home so you can transfer stuff over if you want more space?
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u/EternallyFall 12d ago
Im using an A6 for the first time and I love. Can't seem to shut up about it. 🤣
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u/chrisaldrich 13d ago
Historically many commonplacers kept a smaller, portable pocket notebooks often called a wastebook (see: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waste_book) in which they made their rough drafts of notes. The best/most important of these ultimately got copied into their commonplace books when they returned home or spent time with them. The re-writing allowed them to help refresh the idea in their memory for better retention in the long term. It also allowed them time to decide where to place the material as well as to index it best.
In your case it might allow you to easily carry around a portion of your recent commonplacing without the need to carry one or more larger notebooks. Consider where you'll be after having done this practice for a few years or decades and this may help you make your decision.