I’ve just hit on such a great thing that I can’t keep in secret - so, here it is! The Molescale by Nick Cernis. Check your level of addiction!

Let’s follow the author in his research!

There is a definite variation in the level of ‘commitment’ (read: insanity) from the Moleskine enthusiasts scattered across the globe. This simple chart that I’ve dubbed the Moleskale attempts to categorise them:

As well as showing you which level you fall into, I hope it will reassure you that you’re not alone! Let’s quickly break down those levels in detail.

Level 1: Wanting one

The first level consists of all the poor souls who’ve been convinced by friends, relatives, and strangers that they need to own one of the cursed things. For some of you, I suspect that reading this article has placed you firmly on this level. (For the record: I’m not sorry at all. The more people who like these things, the less insane I’ll seem. Welcome aboard the crazy bus! Destination: Moleville)

Level 2: Buying your first one

When you find a shop that sells them, and strike up the courage to break one of your larger notes by buying one, you’ve climbed onto level 2. Congratulations! It gets easier from here on, I promise.

Level 3: Carrying it everywhere

When you’ve dared yourself to taint your prized possession by marking that first page, you’ll either discard it and wonder what the big deal was, or you’ll discover it’s something you want to carry with you everywhere. Like your keys and wallet, it will start to become one of the things you check for as you pack your bags and leave the house. You should probably stop at this level. Unfortunately, many people don’t.

Level 4: Visual customisation

If you’ve had your Moleskine notebook debossed or done it yourself, you fall into level 4. You can also have it done professionally. The results lack the ‘handmade charm’ you get when tattooing your own book with an embossing pen, but some may prefer the precision that pro debossing offers. Finally, if you purchase a notebook that’s been customised by an artist or illustrator (like the one below), you’ve also reached level 4 in your addiction.

Level 5: Functional customisation (Moleskine ‘hacks’)

Now we’re starting to get serious. If you’ve reached level 5, you’ve got it bad. Congratulations: you’re a fully-fledged Mole person. Moleskine ‘hacks’ consist of adapting your notebook to add additional functionality, such as a pen holder.

Level 6: Moleskine covers and cases

I equally admire and feel sorry for anyone who wishes to protect their notebook further than is necessary by enclosing it in a dedicated case. In all honesty, some of them are quite fun. Who knows how I’ve managed to resist so far?

Level 7: Moleskine collecting

The penultimate stage is characterised by a desire to seek, pursue, and make silly offers on limited edition Moleskine items. One of the most sought-after right now is the Moleskinerie limited edition notebook from their first annual exhibit in January 2008.

Level 8: Writing “the ultimate guide” to Moleskine

I confess: I’m stark-raving bonkers. While I’ve not ‘hacked’ my Moleskine notebooks, bought a dedicated Moleskine cover, or actively sought to purchase limited edition notebooks, I fully admit that writing a guide about Moleskine should see me skip a few levels and put me on a wacky one of my own.

Lock me up and throw away the key if you must; just leave me a notebook to write on before you do!

Is there a cure?

No.

Seriously?

Sorry! The truth hurts, doesn’t it? Once you’ve been bitten by The Mole, there’s no turning back.

By Nick Cernis

Read the full article “Moleskine Notebooks: The Ultimate Guide” at putthingsoff.com