The Continental card index system
Two major works of the 20th century – one literary, the other scientific, both testifying to the stupendous erudition and cast-iron memory of their creators (Arno Schmidt and Niklas Luhmann) – were born out of the card index box: Both authors, blessed with temperament and the grace of early birth, were never in danger of being seduced by computers and thus escaped the attack on their creative power posed by information technology, which lies in the fact that the tool swallows up a considerable part of the attention that should actually be devoted to the "workpiece."
Back to index cards? Yes, in a nutshell.
For planning and structuring work, we recommend a return to index cards: in plain sight. While electronic outliners, schedulers, and calendars put users into "form-filling" mode, an index card methodology forces them to create structures and look for cross-connections. Mobile, structured memory on paper has significant advantages: while you fill it, you start thinking (and can scratch your head with your pencil to reinforce your ideas). And when you need it, it's right there, without having to boot up a device, open an app, or connect to the internet. It's always in sight and at hand.
The Continental flat file
We have revived an old principle here: the flat file, in which 12 index cards (A7) are held in a stacked format in portrait or landscape format so that the label line remains visible on each individual card. This results in a highly mobile, constantly accessible, and ready-to-use information storage system that reveals its contents at a glance, can signal priorities when the cards are arranged accordingly, and allows cards to be easily removed for processing with a single movement. The flat file holder is made of 250 g document cardboard, with the overlapping insertion levels increasing the thickness of the cardboard due to its design. It has four metal-reinforced holes and can be used in portrait format with our Continental file folder and in landscape format with the Continental ring binder. The respective sides in portrait and landscape format are reinforced with linen.
12 index cards are included.
Continental index cards, double format
Our index cards, designed for a flat filing system, are ideal for recording minutes and notes: The front is in A7 portrait format with a title line at the top and is intended for filing in our flat filing system, while the back is in the classic landscape format, in which the card can be stored in standard A7 filing and archive boxes.
The portrait-format front is always used for structuring (an agenda, to-do list), while the landscape-format back is used for the corresponding minutes or progress notes. The methodological possibilities of the system are endless. You could organize 12 problem or project tracking cards in it. The next 5 specific steps (from phone call to elaboration) in the respective project are noted on each individual card. Or: Some of the cards are used for scheduling appointments for the coming weeks, while others are used to prepare for upcoming meetings (and the back of each card is used for taking notes). Completed cards are filed in archive boxes, where they form a paper-based long-term memory (or, if filed chronologically, a content-rich diary).
Continental ring binder, black
The ring binder is made of 2 mm thick, deep black, solid-colored cardboard from Eska and is ideal for holding our Continental flat file in landscape format. Secured with an elastic band, the ring binder can also be placed horizontally, making it a constantly available organizational tool on your desk.
The Continental file folder. Made in Germany.
Our file folder differs from its counterparts on the office supplies market primarily in its material: it is made of 2 mm thick, deep black, solid-colored cardboard from Eska, in contrast to the usual paper-laminated folders. The folder has two finger holes, each 48 mm from the top and bottom edges. We include a sheet with three file folder labels, a dimensioning sheet for printing, and a tip-down holder with the product. Its robust mechanism comes from IML in Italy. We have secured a stock and also offer these as replacements in sets of three.
The two grip holes on the Continental folder have the advantage that the folder can be pulled out from low shelves using the upper grip hole, or from boxes in which it is transported standing on its side. Left-handed users can also use the folder intuitively. In the latter case, the ring mechanism is on the left side. The grip holes, slots for the ring mechanism, and the edges are reinforced with metal on the top and bottom edges.
Archive box card tray
This is the classic card index tray in which cards are stored in landscape format according to a filing system (date, alphabet, subject). It is made of cardboard and holds 150 cards. Like our folder, it is made of 2 mm thick, deep black, solid-colored hard cardboard from Eska. Supplied with 150 cards.
Double height and perforated: the Continental excerpt bookmark
Two index cards that can be easily separated along a perforation, i.e. double height, for storing reading material: On the front in portrait format, the author and title and the quote or "to be clarified" findings with page reference. On the landscape-format back, you can then add your own notes on the reading or references to reviews. When closed, the 21 cm high double format remains in the book as a bookmark. Finally, the two A7 index cards, now separated and filled with page references and notes, are transferred to the reading archive.