Hatch Idea Notebook - Idea Journal, Brainstorming Notebook & Project Planner for Entrepreneurs, Project Management, & Business Owners - Slate Gray - 160 Pages, 5.75 x 8.25”

I recently purachased a Hatch notebook and was asked to provide a review by the seller. While I used to write equipment reviews for a website, I don’t normally do Amazon reviews, but this was a reasonable request for what appears to be a pretty unique product. Having said that, here are some things to be aware of. First off, I am not getting anything for writing this, secondly, I’ve only had the notebook a short time, and can only provide an impression of it rather than a comprehensive review. And finally, my approach to product reviewing is to provide what facts and insights I can from my experience with a product, but minimal advice as to whether the reader should buy the product. I’d rather give the information that might help someone make a decision than tell them what they should do.Here are my initial impressions:Quality — I’d put this in the same general ballpark as the Moleskine style notebooks, although I would say the latter is slightly nicer. There is no elastic band to keep the Hatch notebook closed. I don’t consider this a big deal. There is only one marker for the notebook unlike the three you typically see in the Moleskine specialized notebooks. Since the Hatch notebook contains a number of different sections, some people might find this to be an issue. The paper quality is good. While I’m using a fine point mechanical pencil in mind, I can’t imagine ink showing through the other side of the page if a pen were used instead. All in all, I would call this a good quality business tool and not a “luxury” notebook.Design — This Is what really makes the product different from its competition. It is very useful for project management and conceptualization. I’ve worked with a few organizers (Daytimers, Franklin, Dayrunner, and my favorite, the Levenger Circa notebook). None of them are perfect, although all of them are useful. My impression is the Hatch notebook compares well to any of them as far as having a sound organization for project conception and management. It doesn’t offer the flexibility of the incredibly versatile Circa system, which allows you to add and remove pages as desired (even ones you print yourself), but then the Hatch costs less than even an entry level Circa setup.Portability — this notebook should travel well whether in a guide bag, briefcase or oversized coat pocket. It will not fit in a normal size pocket. It’s lightweight and fairly durable.Cost — comparable to the Moleskine series of similarly sized notebooks (perhaps a tad more expensive depending on which version Moleskine you’re buying). If you really need something for project planning, then it’s probably a good value. If you just want a notebook to help keep you organized and you’re on a budget, this is probably not the best choice for you.My advice (for what it’s worth) — I like the notebook and am using it a bit. Since I’m semi-retired, I’m not under any deadline pressure at the moment, although I am planning some book projects. I think this notebook will be helpful in that regard. I could have really used something like this 20 or 30 years ago. If you feel you need a simple, easy to use, project organizer (and prefer analog), this is a good choice IMHO.Final thoughts — as mentioned earlier, this is an impression, rather than a formal review. Once I’ve used the notebook a few months or more, I’ll try to come back and provide a more detailed update.

Overall, I love this book. I do wish it came in 8.5x11 and maybe even with the option for it to be spiral bound but that's personal preference.I am a project manager and use this to keep track of my ongoing projects. I wish it had a couple more ribbons but I use adhesive tabs to keep up with which project is where. It's professional enough I can take it to meetings and I have a good record of my tasks/processes.An additional suggestion: the instructions and tips in the back can be replaced with more workable pages and those sheets made into an insert within the packaging. Not really needed to always be with you and having more space is ALWAYS a benefit :)Buying another already after just a few short months because I like it so much and don't want it to go out of stock or off the market.

I've been working with an amazing consulting firm, Katrina Schenfield Research, and they wanted me to take out time to brainstorm and track all my ideas daily. This journal really helps me think through new products and services from start to finish - implementation is so much easier!

Have had several projects floating around in various places and this book helps you pull everything together in a very nice way. Laid out so that you can start with an overall view of the project and then work your way into as much detail as you wish as you go into subsequent sections. Helpful questions that nudge you in the right direction and can actually help you decide if something is worth doing or not. If you are serious about any type of project--writing a book, completing any DIY undertaking around the house, marketing an invention, putting together a presentation for work, etc., this book has the structure to help you make it happen.

Ive always wanted plan and organize more but I've always flown by the seat of my pants historically so empty notebooks and planners have just been eventually forgotten. This planner has so many ready-to-fill-out sections that make planning easier on a beginner. The roles section, sleep, food and daily habit trackers really have been keeping me filling it out every day and enjoying seeing the connections between my lifestyle, mood and productivity. There are full dot pages behind each week to fill with notes and your own planning additions. I haven't used them but for someone who likes the current weekly layout but wishes it had one more thing there is space to add with.

Solid notebook for ideas. The organization of the sections is a little strange but it'll work.

I love my Hatch notebook. I have started dropping ideas into it, at first it was a little daunting as far as where to start, but then I started just dropping what I had in flight into the notebook and couldn't be happier.Great work on organizing this beauty ladies! Next I am going to buy the PDF version so I can print select portions for my projects at work, which don't always fall into an entrepreneurial framework.Bottom line: Love it. Was worth every penny, well constructed, well thought out, easy to use!

Good idea but for the price very disappointed. Not good value for money