When does it actually become worth keeping separate notebooks? Having one for everything is convenient, but once it's full of unrelated notes, finding something can be a pain. On the other hand, carrying three different books just in case doesn't sound much better. I'm curious where people draw the line.
The problem with separate notebooks is remembering which one has the note you need. I think it makes more sense to split things up when there's a clear reason, like a project with loads of notes, rather than giving every little category its own book.
I'd split by how the notes need to be retrieved, not just by subject. Temporary notes can stay chronological in one book; material you expect to consult repeatedly earns a dedicated notebook you can open straight to.
The retrieval test is useful, but I'd add whether the notes have settled into stable reference material. I keep being tempted to give every recurring thing its own planner, but if the notes are still evolving, that's another system to maintain. A separate notebook earns its keep more when the useful bits have settled.
I'd give a separate notebook to anything that changes how the pages need to work. Memory keeping with bits of paper or photos tucked in can get bulky and interrupt an everyday notebook's flow, even if the notes are related. A different subject alone wouldn't be enough reason for me to split it out.
For memory keeping, I'd leave a short dated pointer in the planner and put the full entry with photos or paper bits in the separate book. That keeps the timeline without copying the whole memory twice.
Quote from: maddieplansThe problem with separate notebooks is remembering which one has the note you need.
That clear-project rule is sensible. I'd try a divider or marked section in the notebook you've already got first. If it keeps growing and you find yourself using it, then it can have its own book. Saves buying another one for a category that fizzles out.
If it's mainly for reference or one ongoing project, I'd keep the separate notebook where I usually work. I wouldn't carry it every day unless I needed those notes on the go.