Wiser Web Wednesday – a semi-regular link to posts of interest from around the web, by those far wiser than myself:

Away we go with the last one for the year:

 

Writer’s Bloc Blog
With a 0.3 mm tip, these will get you into the tightest of corners in those adult colouring books piled up ready for action this holiday season — just don’t let any unattended young children open Pigment and try them on your iPad Pro:
Staedtler Triplus Fineliners Review

 

Pen Economics
A great overall roundup of the year in pens, inks, and the community, along with a little on what might be coming in 2016:
The Year in Review

 

The Finer Point
This post was timely, as I had recently added a couple of sealed three-packs of the Baron Fig produced Apprentice Time Traveller and Lightbulb Editions to the Christmas gifts of family members.

Many people will have a problem of hoarding notebooks so I am not alone, and my stack is probably much much smaller than most, but to get a real idea on how bad it was I decided to write a post on the number of used and un-used notebooks I own

I’m sure none of us are under the illusion a shortage of pocket notebooks will occur any time soon (limited editions aside I guess):
Used versus Un-used pocket notebooks

 

The Pen Company Blog
Mental illness is a widespread issue that thankfully has seen a little more recognition and discussion in recent times.

Mind suggest ‘shifting your focus‘ as one of several self-help solutions, and creative hobbies are great for this in the combat of stress, anxiety and depression in some people. Using fine motor skills is excellent too, as it requires such accuracy and concentration.

I myself have not dived into the adult colouring phenomenon (finding writing here the perfect relaxation), however there are many who have. While the management of stress, anxiety, and depression isn’t the only benefit of such an activity, if it is of assistance for some, that can only be a good thing:
Why is Adult Colouring So Popular?

 

The Well-Appointed Desk
Another look in the rear-view mirror to 2015 and some thoughts on what’s ahead from The Desk.

Holler, if there’s something particular you’d like to see more.

Nothing in particular Ana – just keep doing what you do best — gettin’ “it” done:
Looking Back and Moving Forward

 

Leigh Reyes. My Life As a Verb.
Were I a casual observer — and compared to some in this hobby, sometimes I feel I might as well be – I’d agree with the following sentiment:

When a market is diversifying, it’s thriving. On that basis, 2015 was a healthy year for pen addicts everywhere — an especially happy observation to make in the fountain pen segment, which is almost two centuries old.

Another view on the pen year gone by, with only a couple of days for the ink to dry before we turn the page to 2016:
2015: the pen year in review

 

Pen Addict
Another one? Yes indeed, and why not – this time a few of the Pen Addict’s faves from 2015:

These are the products I got the most enjoyment out of this year. They didn’t have to be new this year, just goods that I used and loved and stood out in a very crowded desk

As good a time as any to think about what stood out for you over the past year perhaps:
My Favorite Products Of 2015

 

Perfect Daily Grind
The highlight of my coffee consuming year came in the form of the Elida Estate Green-tip Geisha from Panama.

Here, the producer of that fantastic coffee talks about some of the challenges in growing the all-conquering Geisha varietal:
Geisha Coffee according to a 4th Generation Panama Producer

…flowing nicely into our next link, also from Perfect Daily Grind, looking at the rewards that come from growing at altitude.

The main reason that higher elevation coffee is more sought after is the taste. When well-cared for, high elevation coffee will produce the more acidic, aromatic and flavorful cup of coffee that we love, while lower elevation coffee tends to have a lower acidity with little character in the cup

Although not the only component of developing flavour, altitude certainly plays its part:
How Does Altitude Affect Coffee and its Taste in the Cup?

 

Colonna and Smalls
The coffee capsule market. There is no denying its presence or effect on the coffee landscape. From a specialty coffee purveyor on the students in some of the classes they run:

More often than not we discuss how they have an Aeropress and buy coffee from such and such, and use scales etc. Then comes an apology.

I’m sorry but for the office and for espresso type drinks I have a Nespresso machine. I am not overly enamoured with the results but there is a lot about it I like.

A common sentiment across the globe I’d say. Here, said specialty purveyor is entering the capsule market. The results? We’ll have to wait and see:
Capsules

 

Interconnected
An argument for plain text as much as a nod to the possibilities of Ulysses depending on your particular requirements.

But I’m a purist: Since losing a bunch of data in the 1990s, I’m distrustful of other people’s file formats. Plain text is the way to go, no Word docs. I want formats that I can extract words from, even when I’m down at the level of reading bytes retrieved from broken hard drive platters. It’s happened.

I for one am looking forward to the release of the Ulysses iPhone version to complete the picture. Then, Wiser Web Wednesday could be produced entirely on the bus. Actually that’s not true, as I could be doing that already, but prefer listening to podcasts, taking a few notes and generally daydreaming — which incidentally appears to be what I am doing now — it’s about the link, not me:
Ulysses and other apps for writing

 

John D Cook
An interesting take on the positive effects of automation:

Suppose it takes you an hour to write a script that only saves you two minutes later. If that two minutes would have derailed your concentration at a critical moment, but it didn’t because you had the script, writing the script may have paid for itself, even though you invested 60 minutes to save 2 minutes

Eventually reaping rewards through time saving is one thing; mental energy at critical moments is another — and one that I had not really considered. If you do consider it a little, this provides an even more compelling reason than merely saving time:
Automate to save mental energy, not time

 

MacStories
This is a great piece on screenshots and the apps we use to enhance or manage them.

Regardless of the context, every screenshot is fundamentally about communication. But sometimes, a quick screenshot isn’t enough — you want to call out a feature or perhaps you have so many screenshots you need a tool to manage them.

Also, it again highlights the fickle nature of the app market now that Skitch for iOS (my annotator of choice) will soon no longer be supported by Evernote (reportedly most features will be available within the main Evernote app I won’t be using). An alternative being just a few taps and a download away:
A Screenshot Is Worth a Thousand Words

 

Larry Salibra
This is not new, however I’ve included it here because it works a treat.

Whatever the reason, you’ve got a lot of Evernote notes and you want to move them to Apple Notes and you don’t want to do it by hand.

As my migration from Evernote to the native Notes app continues, I had been manually clearing things out and deleting many I no longer need or have never referred back to. I am now pretty much left with a few hundred I’d like to export over.

Did I say this works a treat?:
How to move notes from Evernote to iCloud Notes

 

Roads & Kingdoms
As the year wears on, at times I fleetingly wonder about my overall energy and productivity. At least I have time to wonder:

The standard work day of a Japanese lawyer starts at around 10:00 a.m. and ends around 3:00 a.m. the next day, Monday to Friday. That’s already an 85-hour workweek, but it’s also usual for lawyers to work an additional ten hours on each Saturday and Sunday

Although, I’d have to question the effectiveness and efficiency produced in at least some of those hours:
Japan’s 105-Hour Workweek

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Wiser Web Wednesday – a semi-regular link to posts of interest from around the web, by those far wiser than myself:

 

From the Pen Cup
There are no Vespas in my household, and I do not typically buy pens to match anything in particular, however I must admit Mary puts forward a compelling argument for doing just that.

Did I look around for something brown or olive green after I read this? Might have.

The Karas Kustoms Bolts, the Nock Co Sinclair, great photography and handwriting — it’s all here for your reading and viewing pleasure:
Everywhere Carry: Nock Co. Sinclair and Karas Kustoms Bolts

 

Too Many Inks
A high price for an ink? Yes. Too high? Maybe, maybe not — it all depends on your perspective and reasons for buying of course. Collect them and want it? Enough said really.

Two things on this. One — I actually think it is a pretty great colour; two — I’d argue it is better value than perhaps a rare set of Field Notes.

Again — perspective and reasons:
First Use: Montblanc Mahatma Gandhi Orange

 

Alt. Haven
It is the time of year for lists, and there is no better place to start than with pens and inks of course. Kicking things off are Junee’s lists of favourites for the year:
Top 5 Favourite Pens 2015
Top 5 Favourite Inks 2015

 

The Fountain Pen Quest
Some initial thoughts on the Visconti Homo Sapien Bronze Age. As Ray indicates, there are a few points to note if you are thinking of buying one yourself, though overall, I’d say he is glad he did:

When taking notes for work I use big words since they take longer to write. When I’m not taking notes I’m doodling. At night I look for things to write.

A more detailed review is planned in a few months, which I for one am looking froward to:
This Just In: Visconti Homo Sapien Bronze Age

 

Goodwriterspens’s Blog
Not owning any of the restoring kind, I’ve not had any pens restored to this point in my pen journey. Something I hadn’t really thought of though, are the rights or wrongs when the practices of the restorer are questioned by a customer. Perhaps neither of course, and it is simply a matter of opinion.

That said, here, the restorer provides some sound rationale which makes sense to me about the methods used and reasons for using them:
Restoration Practices

 

The Gentleman Stationer
I recall looking in earnest (you know — staring really intently at a web browser pointed at an online stationery store) at these pens when I dabbled in a couple of multi-pen variants, thinking they represented a fairly stylish version of said multi’s.

As Joe mentions, it is a fairly slender pen, which I don’t mind – particularly in a pen that for me, won’t see any sustained writing sessions either. I would though agree with this:

Where the Sharbo X will kill you, however, is on the gel refills, if that’s your preference.

Yes, they aren’t that expensive, though at volume? It certainly adds up. So in the end I didn’t buy one, but boy, I still very much like them.
Zebra Sharbo X: The Premium Multi Pen

 

The Pelikan’s Perch
Nice to read what might be coming — both in online shops and therefore subsequently through my Instagram and RSS feeds next year. Where they won’t be heading is through the post to my mailbox – I’ve certainly more than enough pens to keep me going for a little while (still plenty to write about that’s for sure).

Good odds that many of these beauties will be store bound in the new year:
Rumor: What to Expect in 2016

 

Peninkcillin
Value can mean many things, but surely a $2.50 fountain pen which provides a writing experience like a… well… a decent fountain pen would fit anyones definition of the word.

A thorough and informative review, which will surely lead you to check for some change down the back of the couch and perhaps pick one up:
Baoer 507 fountain pen review

 

Pens! Paper! Pencils!
As Ian states, although better known for their pencils, Tombow do make some great fountain pens. The Tombow Object fountain pen I own is a great pen indeed, and this Zoom 101 looks fantastic.

This is one of the best pens no-one has heard of and has firmly, and unexpectedly, become of my favourites.

Well worth considering it would appear:
Tombow Zoom 101 Fountain Pen Review

 

CRS Coffeelands Blog
The final in a daily eight part series on modern slavery in Brazil’s coffee sector.

This is not about 15 coffee estates in Brazil that appeared on the government’s Dirty List.  It is not about the more than 400 workers who were rescued from those estates by Brazilian labor inspectors.  It isn’t about calling out Brazil because we found evidence there is slavery in its coffee sector—modern slavery is everywhere.  And it isn’t really even just about coffee.

Mentioned in an earlier post was also the fact that conditions are not necessarily worse in Brazil, just that the country has better governance and transparency on such matters, which can only be a positive thing.

A fascinating read from start to finish on a topic that absolutely is not just about the coffee industry:
Slaves in Brazil’s coffee sector. So, what?

 

The Sweethome
When you first start taking more of an interest in coffee, you begin to see the same recommendation from just about everyone “in the know” — its all about the grinder. If you are going to spend some money, “spend it on the best grinder you can get”.

Is that the most expensive grinder? Not necessarily, and again, one of the trends you begin to see is the outstanding reputation of Baratza’s range of grinders. I myself had my eye on this very model for my filter brewing needs, until I was fortunate enough to win its big brother, the Vario, in an Instagram competition.

Please note though, as the post states, the Virtuoso is best for anyone “not making espresso”. Any other forms of brewing? Do not spend any more money. In Australia, distributor Five Senses currently have the Baratza Encore for $AUD205.70 — noted to be a close runner-up to the Virtuoso, yet a bit easier on the wallet.

This is one of the best comparison reviews backed up with data and rationale I’ve seen (and not just because I agree with the conclusion):
The Best Coffee Grinder

 

The Whisky Topic Podcast
Yes, an interview with a micro-biologist involves a little science, however the conversation was far broader than that. As brand ambassador and micro-biologist for Highland Park and The Macallan, Nicolas Villalon does a pretty good job.

Really enjoyed this one:
40: Highland Park & The Macallan with Nicolas Villalon – “To add insult to injury, my boss was paying for them!”

 

MacStories
I’ve used Skitch for my iOS photo mark ups for quite some time. Again, whether we are talking apps for email, photo mark ups or anything else — simply further evidence of a very fickle market:
Evernote Ending Support for Skitch on iOS

While at Macstories, check out King of iOS Federico Viticci’s list of must have apps for the year. There are 50 apps in this list — yes 50 (43 of which are universal for iPhone and iPad). I’m not about to recommend you try every one of them, however even if you pick up one or two, perhaps it’s been worth it:
My Must-Have iOS Apps, 2015 Edition

 

MindNode Blog
I love the ease with which mind maps come together on MindNode, and I probably should use it more than I do.

Here, a couple of reminders why:
MindNode for iOS Hidden Gems #1

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Wiser Web Wednesday – a semi-regular link to posts of interest from around the web, by those far wiser than myself:

 

Three Staples
Before a short trip away recently I had a look back through a travel journal I had written almost twenty years ago, having a chuckle at what it contained. A lot of memories came flooding back. As Jinnie describes, that is generally the aim with such a journal:

At the end of the trip, we end up with a nice, tangible reminder of our time together that we can look back on.

I did feel a little guilty at not continuing the tradition in the intervening years, thinking to myself I must return to that very habit. I must admit I wasn’t successful in recording that particular trip, however there are those who are, and they do it in style:
Travel Journaling

 

You Tube – Murphy Report
Courtesy of Pen Economics on Twitter.

At just under 6 minutes, a wonderful tale of a fountain pen collector, showing the passion behind accumulating and enjoying a 200+ fountain pen collection:
Fountain Pen Collector Jose “Butch” Dalisay Jnr.

 

The Washington Post
I was occasionally guilty of this one, often being admonished by my teenage daughter with “Daaaad – punctuation?!” in a tone of disbelief and pity. Never again.

Now a study has confirmed it. Researchers led by Binghamton University’s Celia Klin report that text messages ending with a period are perceived as being less sincere, probably because the people sending them are heartless.

All the while I thought I was simply being a little uncool:
Study confirms that ending your texts with a period is terrible

 

The Verge
Advice apparently received by co-founder Gentry Underwood when raising funds to develop the now discontinued email app Mailbox:

“This path,” they told him, “is paved with corpses.”

A tough market:

Ask Sparrow, or Molto, or Boxer. Everyone uses email, but most are content to stick with the default mail app on their phones. At worst, you’re dead within months. At best, you’re acquired, and then killed off a few years later

As mentioned in last weeks links, I was a Mailbox user for quite some time, however the ease with which I simply logged into an alternative is perhaps somewhat telling for this market segment also:
Why Mailbox died

 

MyProductiveMac
A handy tip for Drafts users. This magical place where text can begin and go just about anywhere, does not limit you to just one action.

Get cracking and stack those actions:
Drafts – Dual Actions

 

Perfect Daily Grind
The effects of climate change are of course far-reaching, not the least of which in the coffee industry.

Ethiopia is not only said to be the origin of Coffea arabica, but also a genetic bank of coffee. The natural diversity of coffee plants here is stunning. However, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) predicts a 10-20% decrease in overall crop yields by 2050, due to climate change worldwide.

This piece also notes that by 2080, wild arabica plants could be virtually extinct, and this amazing genetic diversity may vanish. Yes, that would mean some amazing coffees many vanish before they are even tasted, yet probably of equal importance is the livelihood of those the farmers who rely on coffee — currently one in four Ethiopians:
The Price of Climate Change on Ethiopia: Extinction of Wild Arabica

 

Jimseven
The first in a three-part series of posts on the current state of specialty coffee, which has already generated a few counter points and discussion over Twitter from other coffee professionals.

I don’t believe coffee cannot, or should not be, improved; it can and should always get better. I think we just need to readjust our expectations of what an isolated sensory experience can do. Yes, sometimes it can change someone’s life. However, it can’t do it every time or even most of the time.

The piece goes on to discuss how the excitement and innovation in the industry has perhaps stagnated somewhat, with great coffee far more accessible, and as a result, no longer exciting.

As a consumer I would agree that high quality coffee is now being served in far more places than ever before, which is clearly a positive.

How to maintain the excitement in an industry is more of a challenge, and there are some interesting points here, and I am certainly looking forward to the two follow-up posts:
Part 1: The Lull

 

The New York Times
Author Bret Easton Ellis on the now well established culture of reviews and likes, where everyone has an opinion on just about everything, and is happy to provide it, cultivating their online reputation the process.

The reputation economy is yet another example of the blanding of culture, and yet the enforcing of groupthink has only increased anxiety and paranoia, because the people who embrace the reputation economy are, of course, the most scared. What happens if they lose what has become their most valuable asset?

Touching on the herd mentality of always positive reviews or taking the conservative option to fit in:

Empowerment doesn’t come from liking this or that thing, but from being true to our messy contradictory selves

Things have certainly changed, and we now live in this world of rating and being rated:
Bret Easton Ellis on Living in the Cult of Likability

 

Study Hacks – Cal Newport
A common theme on Cal Newport’s blog is the idea of “deep work”. I may have mentioned previously that I think along the same lines however have always described this in terms of “sustained focus”.

Alice never went more than twenty minutes or so without switching her attention away from her primary task to something else. It’s tempting to dismiss these breaks because they’re so fleeting — lost in the standard background noise of knowledge work — but their cost is substantial.

Again, nothing new in that quote above, however something seen all day every day. Think about that in the context of the supposed benefits of “fleeting” or “spontaneous” interactions in your open plan office. Think about it in the context of the constant stream of text messages you receive and respond to with your phone on the desk in front of you.

Sure, it only takes a few seconds. A few seconds every few, ten, or twenty minutes. It still amazes me why people cannot seem to comprehend this:
Deep Habits: The Danger of Pseudo-Depth

 

John Scullen
The tools! The processes! What is it about reading how others get their work done that so intrigues us — myself very much included. Rather than simply being nosy, it definitely gives the reader (and the writer for that matter) a chance to think about their own practices, perhaps tweaking and improving things a little.

Having a reliable process makes it easier to keep going when I get tangled in the jungle of words.

Absolutely — having a process (whether yours is perfect or not), at least gives you a systematic way to work through things when they become complex or a little convoluted perhaps.

Tools are secondary to the process though. Tools come and tools go, but the process is more enduring and evolves gradually. The more consistently you work that process, the better your writing gets.

I wholeheartedly agree. I believe that is the key point which is sometimes lost when we read about how people do their work. True, if certain apps or pieces of software are not known to us, it may be about the tools just a little. Most often though it isn’t, and the real value indeed lies in the process. The patterns of thought and procedures that fit a particular persons method of work.

This is a really great post by John, and I’d highly recommend poking around his site a little more while you’re there:
How ideas come to life: a revealing look behind my writing process

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