What size are your cards?
I know Luhmann used thin A6 sheets of paper.
I'm considering using A7 index cards for my main box, and A8 index cards for my bibliographical box (yes, I want to build an analogic Zettelkasten). I presume that single cards will be sufficient for my notes in most cases, and if I need some more space I can always make a "double" note by using two cards (or even more).
What do you think? What size are your cards?
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I also have a physical zettelkasten. Because here the stationary is very basic, I mostly used cheap A5 ruled notebooks and cut them in half. Of course, the paper quality is very bad, and they aren't exactly A6, but they are serving their purpose (later I found proper index cards online, and ordered a few.).
I also use A6 blank paper (just a4 cutted) for Bibliographical cards.
I wonder, why you'd use cards so small? Would it not oblige you to use more?
I use digital, so this may not apply to you. I used to write brief cryptic notes, mere stubs. Since I started writing longer and full bodied notes, I am reaping more benefit.
I’d hate to see you discover that while tiny cards sufficed when you started, six months down the line you either regret not using bigger or that you cramp your style to fit the medium.
I believe that perhaps if I use smaller cards and use two or more cards when necessary, I'll spare volume and weight. I might be wrong of course, hence my question
It's a risk, you're right, but I don't worry much. I guess I'll have to start a "provisory" slipbox, and see after 1 or 2 months if the cards fit to my needs. If something's wrong, I'll probably notice it quickly
@Lechaz That really depends on the size of your handwriting. I would recommend the size of A6, so you have space for cross references and additions. Also the handling of your notes will be easier. I started with A7 and regretted it after a while, so I switched size.
Maybe I should go for A6 cards then… But what about using "double" slips? Is it a good or a bad idea? Do you always stick to the principle of "1 idea = 1 card"?
My recommendation is to use A5. In addition to that: You can assign the same ID to multiple cards, so they are functionally one zettel.
The idea that so small cards force you to condense the ideas is a fallacy in my opinion because it introduces a cookie-cutter approach to a set of very diverse problems (each idea has very different needs)
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That's exactly what I meant. And if you do so, then I guess it's possible to choose a smaller size (large enough for most notes though) and use multiple cards when necessary. Right?
I, personally, don't like the small size of the cards. I like my ideas mostly on one card. A6 almost forces me to abandon my principle of value-adding note-taking.
The most common issue I see when reviewing smaller cards is that the content is underdeveloped. So, my working hypothesis is that A6 creates a rather negative incentive environment compared to A5.
Look at the series on Zettelkasten for Fiction and Why the Single Note Matters to get a feel for what I mean with developed notes.
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I'm using the US equivalent of A6 (4 x 6") and it seems to be just about the right size for almost everything. Of course you could also have a stock of A5 on hand for larger notes, but then fold it in half and still easily file it away.
If you tend to lean toward the smaller A7, you can obviously do the same thing with A6.
With physical cards, the key seems to be keeping them at a uniform size so that they don't become lost between slightly larger cards. I tried adding some Exacompta Bristol cards labeled as 4x6" to my collection, but they're really 100 x 150mm, so they sit just between 4x6" and A6, which has generally been a fiasco for me. Perhaps it's for the best since they're spectacularly expensive.
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well now i feel a bit silly for trying to start a couple years back with 3x5s, now that I find out you're all using 4x6s and A4s/A5s....
I agree with Sascha : when I write, I prefer A5 over A6 because A6 is so tiny! I like to structure my note with Title - Tag/Keys - Contexte explanation - Note itself - Related section. And I like to comment the related section, I remember when @Sascha commented my Zettel and explained to me that linking notes is not a Wikipedia-like process but has to be contextual to add value to the note.
Later, I would need to correct something, add informations, new linking... I need space, and A6 is too small for that.
But A6 is tiny indeed, really handy for quick manipulation and takes less space on the desk.
So I just fold A5 paper in two and put it into my card box. Tadam 🎵.
I also use 4 x 6" (A6) for source notes and main notes - perfect size. Will sometime use 5x8" (A5) to outline writing projects, but for slipbox only use A6.
I am sorry if this has been addressed elsewhere (if so, can you please point me to the appropriate place?), but this is very interesting to me. I am familiar with how you, Sascha, use your Zettelkasten, but how exactly did Luhmann use his as a creative tool? Did the cards serve as cues for elaboration and thought expansion rather than their serving as fully developed notes?
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This is info based on German interviews. Luhmann knew what he wanted to write and how he wanted to write it (he created an outline first). Then he went into his Zettelkasten and used it to enrich the outline. This would be the enrichment aspect.
I think you summarised it already: The cards were more like cues, which explains their brevity.
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