WE LIVE IN A PAPER WORLD

Despite predictions in the 1980's (often made by IBM, I think) that we would soon become a paper-less society, it hasn't happened. For sure, it is infinitely valuable to have digital storage of data instead of file cabinets and to pay your bills online as opposed to writing out checks, addressing envelopes and mailing them (cheaper too!).

But today the world still relies on paper in so many ways. At Hollycake, we love paper--especially thick paper! Because when the message you're sending is important, the paper adds an additional layer to what you're saying.

But what if your whole world was made of paper? Check out this tv commercial for a company called Scribe in Mexico--they make notebooks and their tag line is "great ideas start in paper."

Think about it: how does paper affect your life?

BE MEMORABLE, NOT DELETED

I picked up a new book when I was in the Strand Book Store in New York City (home of 18 miles of books). It's called The Power of Small: Why Little Things Make All the Difference by two advertising executives. Its premise is that attention to detail is the key to all sorts of things: getting ahead in life, selling more products, losing weight, exercising more...

While I like the concept as it relates to business, at times the writers sink into self-help pop-psychology too much (e.g. break down your 40 minute run on the treadmill into small-minute increments). And while I agree with them when they advocate making a good impression all time (never know who's going to matter!) and breaking down jobs or problems in to small components to make it easier to tackle, they don't answer the question of how you determine whether a small detail is "vital" or one of those details in which you can get "bogged" down. Maybe that's Part II.

In any case, the reason I'm writing about the book is page 55. At the end of each chapter they summarize their points in sections labelled "Small Change", and on page 55 it's "Do the Write Stuff." They point out the opportunity presented by the fact that "[n]owadays, finding anything more personal than a Pottery Barn catalog in the mail is rare." We agree with them when they say "[p]eople are all the more surprised and delighted when a handwritten note does appear in their mailbox."

And while we collect these references to using the handwritten note as a tool, we like that the authors also point out the benefits: "If you want to make a positive impression, take the few extra minutes to pick up a pen and write a note. You're more likely to become memorable instead of merely deleted." (as in a deleted email message)

What would you rather be?

The Note from Camp works!

We've been getting letters from our nine-year old at camp, although they're not as frequent as they were the first year he went. The counselors at Camp Stewart tell us this happens when they're really having fun--too busy to write. Let's hope that's the case! Everything he writes is positive, so perhaps it is.

We designed our Note from Camp Kit to make it easy for kids, young and teen, to write short notes home to Mom and Dad. For little kids, the cards guide them as to what and where to write. For teens, the kit is a turn-key set that gives them everything they need (except the stamps) and keeps the writing fun and light-hearted. Over the past several years we've seen it work. We've sold most of this year's new version in either blue or orange, but have a few kits left if you still need one.

Low Tech is hip

The design boom newsletters contain all sorts of edgy design content.

Recently they published an article entitled "decidedly low-tech" which talks about how some people choose to stick with their tried-and-true methods and tools instead of adopting new technology. It goes further to talk about a trend toward people adopting anti-digital activities of all kinds, even ones that were invented before they were born. Cassette tapes, rotary dial phones, typewriters--all have a certain out-dated charm.

Two particularly interesting aspects (interesting to us) are: designers turning toward the intensive process of lettepress printing and individuals choosing to hand write a letter or postcard to enhance the message. Read all about it in their article.

Take a look especially at the hipster PDA--instead of an iphone, a clipped-together stack of index cards to keep track of your life. (The index cards are certainly cheaper upfront and have the added bonus no monthly data plan!)

Cool Mom Picks likes us!

With all the blogs and websites out there, it's hard to weed through and find the truly interesting things. Cool Mom Picks is a website that tracks down cool stuff for moms to help them be a little more fabulous.

And they like our Note from Camp Kit. They have a recent blog post about our neat little set, which has been extremely popular from coast to coast.

Letterpress Anointed as "Revival" by Forbes Magazine

Interesting article in the June 8th Forbes Magazine entitled "Print Isn't Dead: The ancient craft of letterpress is making a comeback." Most stationers, crafters and indie artists have known about the "comeback" for a while now--the resurgance of interest in the letterpress printing technique started 4 or 5 years ago, at which time an old press could be had for $100 or for free as long as you moved it yourself (they're extraordinarily heavy, so the moving cost often exceeded the market value). Today, small hand-operated presses on ebay are a bit harder to come by and a bit more expensive, as crafters and artists want to try it themselves.

But the Forbes article is right to call it a "craft". It's not so easy to learn and it requires physical effort, mechanical knowledge and a flare for the art. What's also interesting is the debate the author highlights about what truly constitutes "letterpress". One person says it's only letterpress if you use hand-set type (our Quick Cards for example). Another says it doesn't matter. (Online comments for the article continue this debate.) We agree that it's all letterpress--the style of printing where physical type and images are coated with ink and pressed into paper for a 3-D effect. And we're not surprised it's coming back!

Change everything with a thank you note

Ever since he published the Purple Cow in 2003, I've been a fan of Seth Godin. His daily blog posts are always eye-opening and thought-provoking. Even if you aren't ready to do what he suggests, he gets you thinking in a new direction. Today's post is a list of ideas to get you out of your rut, get you to look at things from a fresh perspective (and maybe realize things aren't as bad as they seem). I especially like #35 on the list--"write five thank you notes every day". It's true--want to change how your customers perceive you? Want to build friendships? Want to expand your social or professional network? Write five thank you notes today.