There are only two types of people in this world: those who use Post-it Notes and those who don’t. You likely know what I am referencing… and who.
First… the what.
As most of you know, a Post-it Note is a small piece of paper, typically yellow, with a re-adherable strip of glue on its back, made for temporarily attaching small notes to documents or other surfaces. The parent company, 3M, had a patent for the Post-it Note, but it expired in 1997. Meanwhile, the phrase "Post-it" and the yellow color remain registered company trademarks. The term “repositionable notes” is what should be used when referencing similar offerings manufactured by others.
Post-it Notes and its related products are available in various colors, shapes and sizes. There are at least 26 colors of Post-it Notes in addition to yellow. The product has roots back to 1968 when Dr. Spencer Silver, a 3M scientist, accidentally created a reusable, pressure-sensitive adhesive. Interestingly, the original yellow color was also chosen on accident, as it was the color of scrap paper used by the lab next door.
And now… the who.
Most all of us use Post-it Notes from time to time, and we likely have a pad or two in a drawer somewhere. Then there are those who use them as a filing system. You will see them on their computer monitors, their car dashboards, their mirrors and anywhere else with open space. And although jotting reminders down on Post-it Notes may be better than napkins or paper scraps, it is hardly an organizational system. I would not use the word “orderly” to describe the folks I know who use them heavily. Having one or two in key locations makes sense. Having hundreds of them posted anywhere and everywhere doesn’t.
Some of you may even remember (or still use), the Sticky Note app on your computer. I am guessing you are the same folks with thousands of emails stored on your computer and hundreds of text messages on your phone. And if that works for you, more power to you. Just don’t expect the rest of us to ever figure it out.
So, which kind of person are you? A Post-it Note user, or a Post-it Note hater? And when you do use them, how do you do so? Shoot me a note and let me know.
Have a thoughtful Thursday, and thanks for reading.
Shane Goodman
President and Publisher
Big Green Umbrella Media
shane@dmcityview.com
515-953-4822, ext. 305
www.thedailyumbrella.com | 
