Since the days when my teacher stopped forcing me to use a pencil (circa 5th grade), pens have been my writing utensil of choice. With the exception of a few times like scantron exams and the bar exam, I have pretty much used pens exclusively. Even when sketching, I tend to use pens. Anyway, I noticed that at least two of the lawyers I work with (who I have much respect for), use a pencil for virtually everything that deals with writing. Even their markups (I personally favor the red marker for this) are done with graphite, rathen than ink. My first reaction to this was, “how smudgy and gross.” But this week, I have started to think that there may be something to it. The individuals I mentioned above are extremely meticulous and proficient with their work. If anything, I probably have more reason to use pencil than they do. I NEVER get ANYTHING right the first time. So I have decided to implement this subtle change into my routine, to see how it plays out. So far, I have experienced all of the drawbacks that gave me the aversion in the first place (smudging, eraser crumbs, dull point…), but overall, I think that it may be helping me with organization. It is so nice to be able to erase something, rather than strike it out and draw an arrow to the margin etc.. Maybe it seems like I’m grappling here, but these are desperate times. If something as small as a writing utensil might help me get an edge on my work product, why not give it a shot? I’ll keep you posted.
Minor adjustment
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2 responses to “Minor adjustment”
I recommend the Dixon Ticonderoga Black Cedar #2. I had to make the rough transition to pencils when I started this job. So much erasing goes down that I don’t think there is a pen in this building. These pencils are for sure the best, and I have tried them all.
My father in law has a super pen, where depending on how it lays when you click it, it will either be a blue ink, or mechanical pencil, or palm stylus. But your luck, it would get stolen.