There are Mac users, and there are Mac Power Users. David Sparks is certainly the latter, but he also finds the time to integrate analog tools into his daily routine. My thanks to David for answering Three Questions.
1. What role do analog tools such as pens, pencils, and paper play in your day to day life?
I have to admit it's funny, given the fact that I am the guy that wrote a book on going paperless, but I still find plenty of uses for pen and paper. Digital storage is great but there are moments when a pen (or pencil) and paper are simply the right tools for the job.
On my desk I keep a stack of Aaron Mahnke's Frictionless Index cards. I know I could buy index cards cheaper but I like the thickness of the paper and I like the small grids. They help me release my inner doodler and sketchnote artist.
As for pens, I've been using the Pilot Vanishing Point pens for several years. I accidentally destroyed the first one and bought a second one about a year ago. That one is doing swimmingly. I've been using the extra fine nib but a friend sent me a a wider nib and I really like that for writing note cards. As for ink, I go the lazy route and use cartridge refills. One of these days I'll get into ink. I'm actually looking forward to that as a future obsession.
For disposable pens, I like the blue-black Zebra Sarasa .4 gel ink pens. I've got a drawer full of them along with a few red ones I use when proofreading hard copies.
I also have a few Kuro Toga .5mm mechanical pencils for noodling. I like the way the lead rotates so it stays sharp in the center.
2. What are your favorite products you are currently using?
I'm still in the honeymoon phase with my Apple Watch. Is it a "must have"? No. Is it a lot of fun? Absolutely. I can also make a case for its productivity use but in truth, I just love fiddling with new technology.
3. What post are you the most proud of on your blog?
Occasionally, I get a bit hippy-dippy. I don't know what my readers think of those posts but I am proud of them. Here's one about spending 20 years practicing law and a related post about me quitting my day job. Finally, here's one about my dad.
