File...Don't Pile: A proven filing system for personal and professional use 
asked by freedrink on November 21, 2006 8:30 PM
If you have ever watched the stacks of papers, magazins, clippings, and projects pile up out of control, File....Don't Pile will provide fast, easy practical advice. More than a collection of random hints, this handy guide presents systems of organization for every conceivable type of household paper. Topics covered include:How to cut through the clutter--the 5 step solutionChoosing the right paper-control system for your needs10 questions to determine whether to save a piece of paperCategorizing, tab systems, coding systems, indexing, cross-referencingHow to plan for growth and expansionKeeping files current and useful--the 4 step maintenance planCreating and using a personal business filePlus comprehensive systems for organizing mail, greeting cards, a Rolodex, newspapers, and magazines, coupons, and much more, including sample file headings for a wide variety of useful subjects. File...Don't Pile is the fast prescription for anyone drowning in household paper.
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I had at least 20 boxes of papers and clutter filling my office closet and making the floor into a minefield. Now I'm down to 5 boxes and have no fears that I won't be able to finish them. After fighting with filing for 30+ years, I found the answer in Pat Dorff's book.
Some people may find the book daunting to read - but if you try the system, step by step, you'll come to see how simplifying it really is. I had to do some adaptation because of the huge amount of unfiled papers I had, but that wasn't difficult, either. What I like best about this system are the way you can see it working and, because of this, the confidence it gives you to keep going. I used to be afraid to open the boxes. Now I approach them with energy!
Some people may find the book daunting to read - but if you try the system, step by step, you'll come to see how simplifying it really is. I had to do some adaptation because of the huge amount of unfiled papers I had, but that wasn't difficult, either. What I like best about this system are the way you can see it working and, because of this, the confidence it gives you to keep going. I used to be afraid to open the boxes. Now I approach them with energy!
reviewed by casurf on November 29, 2006 5:45 AM
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First let me start by reviewing the pros of this book -- Although the indexing system in this book is not ideal for my circumstances, I found that there were other topics in the book that were helpful. Some of the helpful aspects of the book were the sections on the personality profiles and how they relate to paper management (or lack there of), as well as the questions to ask yourself when deciding whether or not to keep a document. If you need motivation to get started, this book could provide that as well. I find that whenever I am working on a project it is better to read everything I can get my hands on and then just determine what methods will work best for me.
Now for the cons -- At first I thought this system would be helpful for me to organize my document files, however after further review I don't feel that it is the best solution to align with today's technology. Over the past few weeks I have been reviewing several books and guides on the subject of filing and I have come to the realization that I don't want to use one system for my paper files and a completely different system for my computer files. I want the way I organize documents whether they are hard copy or electronic to be exactly the same. This should streamline the process not only when I am creating a place to store a document, but also when I want to retrieve it.
The author states that the advantages of using a a numbered index system are:
1st - To avoid having to redo all of your folders when you want to add a new one (necessary to keep all tabs in the proper sequence). Other organizers have suggested to use files that have the tab all to the left or all to the right to avoid this problem, however I tried that method for the last few years and I find that I still have to search for a file because the only tab I can see when I open the file drawer is the first one.
2nd - To eliminate the need to throw away folders from no longer kept subjects because they have already been written on. I avoid this problem by using removable labels.
3rd - The indexing system is easier for making revisions. Since I am using removable labels this isn't an issue.
4th - To avoid problems due to illegible writing. You can use a label maker if this is a problem for you.
None of these issues exist when filing documents on a computer, therefore it creates double work for electronic files. In fact in my opinion, using this system on the computer doesn't make any sense at all. Ultimately I have chosen to go with the recommendations from two other books "Conquering the Paper Pile-up" and "Taming the Paper Tiger". While neither of these books provided the exact solution to my paper management challenge, they provided a good foundation to start from and then I made adjustments for my particular needs.
Now for the cons -- At first I thought this system would be helpful for me to organize my document files, however after further review I don't feel that it is the best solution to align with today's technology. Over the past few weeks I have been reviewing several books and guides on the subject of filing and I have come to the realization that I don't want to use one system for my paper files and a completely different system for my computer files. I want the way I organize documents whether they are hard copy or electronic to be exactly the same. This should streamline the process not only when I am creating a place to store a document, but also when I want to retrieve it.
The author states that the advantages of using a a numbered index system are:
1st - To avoid having to redo all of your folders when you want to add a new one (necessary to keep all tabs in the proper sequence). Other organizers have suggested to use files that have the tab all to the left or all to the right to avoid this problem, however I tried that method for the last few years and I find that I still have to search for a file because the only tab I can see when I open the file drawer is the first one.
2nd - To eliminate the need to throw away folders from no longer kept subjects because they have already been written on. I avoid this problem by using removable labels.
3rd - The indexing system is easier for making revisions. Since I am using removable labels this isn't an issue.
4th - To avoid problems due to illegible writing. You can use a label maker if this is a problem for you.
None of these issues exist when filing documents on a computer, therefore it creates double work for electronic files. In fact in my opinion, using this system on the computer doesn't make any sense at all. Ultimately I have chosen to go with the recommendations from two other books "Conquering the Paper Pile-up" and "Taming the Paper Tiger". While neither of these books provided the exact solution to my paper management challenge, they provided a good foundation to start from and then I made adjustments for my particular needs.
reviewed by bones on November 29, 2006 9:44 AM
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I found this book at a thrift store for 25 cents. I flipped though it and it looked dated, but interesting, so I decided to get it.
As other reviewers mention, it is dated -- but you gotta know that up front when you get it. It's published in 1986, when there were no (well, almost no) home computers. So you have to accept up front that it's talking about organizing papers using more papers -- but that's something we still all got to do occasionally.
So it's a system of notepads, file folders, etc. It does help you try to understand why you want to keep papers, etc, and what you can do about it. However, it does get overly complex, and really doesn't seem applicable in today's world, where there are far fewer "homemakers" who spend time organizing sewing and recipe files, as this book seems to be focused on.
Finally, I have to mention that it was the continual religion-related references that put me off to the book in the end. Others who are comfortable with this may not even notice it, but for me, I felt I was being preached to a bit too much to find it tolerable. Just my personal taste; I'm sure some others will disagree with this judgement, but I have to admit after enough casual religion references tossed randomly throughout the text, I gave up on the book and put it in the recycle bin.
As other reviewers mention, it is dated -- but you gotta know that up front when you get it. It's published in 1986, when there were no (well, almost no) home computers. So you have to accept up front that it's talking about organizing papers using more papers -- but that's something we still all got to do occasionally.
So it's a system of notepads, file folders, etc. It does help you try to understand why you want to keep papers, etc, and what you can do about it. However, it does get overly complex, and really doesn't seem applicable in today's world, where there are far fewer "homemakers" who spend time organizing sewing and recipe files, as this book seems to be focused on.
Finally, I have to mention that it was the continual religion-related references that put me off to the book in the end. Others who are comfortable with this may not even notice it, but for me, I felt I was being preached to a bit too much to find it tolerable. Just my personal taste; I'm sure some others will disagree with this judgement, but I have to admit after enough casual religion references tossed randomly throughout the text, I gave up on the book and put it in the recycle bin.
reviewed by harrypotter on November 29, 2006 9:51 AM