Every week, the Seattle Review of Books backs a Kickstarter, and writes up why we picked that particular project. Read more about the project here. Suggest a project by writing to kickstarter at this domain, or by using our contact form.

What's the project this week?

comp. We've put $20 in as a non-reward backer

Who is the Creator?

Aron Fay.

What do they have to say about the project?

comp is a redesign of the classic composition notebook––made for the 21st century.

What caught your eye?

Maybe it's just that I'm a sucker for a nicely reconsidered thing, but I think these re-examined comp notebooks are pretty cool. The designer put a ton of time into imagining a superior version of something utilitarian. This is something designers do, taking utility objects and refining them. To people who love design, this is a kind of sport. To people who hate design, they scratch their heads and wonder why you'd spend $19 on something you could buy at the local store for $3.

But they're not the same, are they? The ones from the store up the street are on cheap wood-pulp paper that will fade over time. There is, of course, a pleasure in the lowbrow, in enjoying utility. This is not about that. This is about a refined product, made nice and presented in small batches. This is about a mix of high and low, and an expression of where a person's particular obsession can lead.

Why should I back it?

Personally? I'd do it for the tote bag, because it's pretty sweet. A good notebook is always handy, and these, as lay-flat with the nice paper, would be perfect to write a story or a book in. If you're buying expensive notebooks with little elastic bands around them, perhaps try one of these instead?

How's the project doing?

They're 106% funded, so doing great. You're guaranteed a notebook, if you order one.

Do they have a video?

Kickstarter Fund Stats

• Projects backed: 46
• Funds pledged: $920
• Funds collected: $720
• Unsuccessful pledges: 2
• Fund balance: $120