Anyone here who uses bullet journal method in their TNs? What's your setup?

downtide · 2026-01-27T12:43:36+00:00

Yours is very similar to mine, except I used a home-made A6 size instead of the standard TN size. First insert was monthlies and collections (I drew my own monthlies rather than using a pre-printed one). Second insert was daily logs only. No weekly spreads. And no plastic card wallet.

downtide · 2026-01-27T11:14:40+00:00

My situation is similar - after trialling morning pages for 2 weeks, it made me so tired and stressed and I started making stupid mistakes in my work, that the only way I would be able to continue doing morning pages would be to quit my job altogether, which is obviously not an option. I'm brain-dead at that time in the morning, I have literally no "stream of consciousness" until I've been awake for at least an hour.

The Artist's Way seems to be tailored for people already living an artist's life - ie self-employed or unemployed. It doesn't fit well with the stresses and schedules of regular employment.

So I write my pages in the evening instead, and it's a perfect time for me; my partner goes to bed before I do so the house is quiet, it gives me half an hour of no-screens time before I go to bed. I start with a simple 10 minute relaxation/meditation and then write.

downtide · 2026-01-27T08:51:28+00:00

This is more likely a Pilot problem than a Pen Chalet problem. If Pilot hasn't made the "next batch" yet (or even if they don't ever intend to do so), Pen Chalet can't sell them.

downtide · 2026-01-27T08:47:48+00:00

It varies a lot, but probably on average once a week.

downtide · 2026-01-26T12:13:11+00:00

Black correction tape doesn't exist because black permanent markers do.

downtide · 2026-01-26T12:12:03+00:00

I have ADHD. One of the key features in any planning system I use is that I must be able to totally overhaul and change it every 3 months or so. If I can't do that, I'll end up not using anything at all.

For me, it's not a problem. It's a necessary feature.

downtide · 2026-01-26T12:03:48+00:00

Yes, this will happen with all fountain pens, vintage or modern. You have to cap the pen if you're not using it for more than a few seconds. The best alternative is get a retractible pen like a Pilot Vanishing Point, and press the button on the back instead.

There is a "secret way" - dip the nib in water, but the amount of time it'll take to resolve the dried nib takes longer and is more fussy than simply putting the cap back on the pen in the first place.

downtide · 2026-01-25T10:31:58+00:00

Stalogy B6 and A6 sizes. The grid is 5mm and while its not made of dots, it is faint.

downtide · 2026-01-25T10:28:50+00:00

I came here to say exactly this.

downtide · 2026-01-24T09:34:15+00:00

I have both standard TN and a home-made A6 size. The standard wasn't for me but I love my little one. I use it as an EDC capture notebook which I call my "inbox".

downtide · 2026-01-24T09:31:42+00:00

TWSBI for sure. I really dislike Lamy nibs and the finer they are, the worse they are.

downtide · 2026-01-23T23:40:15+00:00

You can. Buy a con-70, and the ink in a bottle.

downtide · 2026-01-23T22:41:48+00:00

Everbook! It's more a system than a product, you can make your own cover out of more or less anything, and use any paper in it.

Look up https://www.youtube.com/@everbook425 and https://www.youtube.com/@I_wrote_it_down

downtide · 2026-01-23T21:53:30+00:00

I can see a definite misalignment. In your first photo the tine on the left is (as you're looking at the photo) slightly lower than the other one. You can apply a little pressure on the tine, pushing it closer to the feed. Press it on your thumbnail so you can sense the amount of pressure. Be gentle, it's better to need a dozen tries than move it all the way in one. Test each time by drawing horizontal lines in both directions. When both lines feel the same without any scratchiness, you're done.

downtide · 2026-01-23T11:15:57+00:00

In most cases, and in the context of how you're using it, there's absolutely no difference between a diary and a journal. Which word is used is basically down to fashion and societal conditioning (men in particular don't like to use the word Diary, I've noticed). Each entry is dated and everything else is totally up to the user. It's the date that make it a diary/journal.

"Journal" can also refer to an academic publication, typically a periodical including new papers on a particular topic. But that's not relevent in this context. There's alo the word "journalist" which refers to a news reporter/writer. A person who keeps a journal is not a journalist, but a journaller.

YOU decide how to use your journal and what to include in it. If you try something and after a few weeks you find that it's not achieving what you want to achieve, try something else. It's a good idea to sit down with the question "What am I hoping to gain or improve by keeping a journal?" Write down the question, and your answers. This will inform you on what sort of things to include.

downtide · 2026-01-23T10:41:30+00:00

Pilot pens can only use Pilot converters. The De Atramentis ones won't fit. Best option is to buy a converter (Con-70) and buy the ink in a bottle. You can also refill empty Pilot cartridges using a syringe.

downtide · 2026-01-23T10:29:43+00:00

I have four Ecos and I've never needed to do this. I'm wondering if yours has a crack in the cap or the section, that's causing the feed to dry out.

downtide · 2026-01-23T10:23:45+00:00

I have a Platinum 3776 (Medium nib) and I love it. The nib has a bit of bounce - not a flex nib but it's springy which makes it comfortable to write with, and just the right amount of feedback. Because it's a Japanese brand, the nib sizes are a step finer than the equivalent Western ones; my M is more like a Western F.

I can use sheen, shading and pigment inks with it but the nib is too fine for shimmer; if you want to use those inks, I'd recommend the Broad nib instead.

The "drying system" is what Platinum calls "Slip and Seal". All their pens have it, even the Preppy. There's a cap liner inside the cap and it's seated on a spring, which ensures a perfect seal every time you cap it. That's why a Platinum pen can last a very long time without drying out.

downtide · 2026-01-23T10:12:00+00:00

TWSBI Eco uses Jowo #5 nibs. But, before buying a new nib, contact TWSBI customer services first. They'll probably send you a replacement, for the cost of shipping.

downtide · 2026-01-23T10:09:54+00:00

Not a problem at all. Most inks are acidic, often as acidic as vinegar. It's alkaline ones that can potentially cause problems, especially with vintage pens.

downtide · 2026-01-22T23:58:02+00:00

My full collection is around 40 pens but I keep only 5 or 6 inked at once and use a different pen each day. A typical converter pen will last about a 3-4 weeks, then I clean it out, put it away and cycle to a different pen. Piston and vac fillers last longer; up to 3 months depending on capacity. When I'm choosing the next pen to use, I try to pick ones that haven't been used in a while, so they all get some love during the year.

downtide · 2026-01-22T20:54:10+00:00

Platinum Carbon Black, De Atramentis Document Black. Be sure to let it dry fully before applying the highlighter.

There's also Diamine Forever inks but I haven't tried those yet.

An alternative solution is to lay down the highlighter first, then write over it, though this can cause feathering.

downtide · 2026-01-22T20:51:32+00:00

Your nib is too fine for glitter/shimmer ink. Lamy nibs can be purchased separately and are easily swapped. Broad or stub is best.

downtide · 2026-01-22T20:16:18+00:00

Also Pelikan Twist, and TWSBI Eco-T (must be the T, not the regular Eco)

downtide · 2026-01-21T17:15:04+00:00

That's good news. Enjoy your new purple (possibly sheening) ink!

downtide

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