Author Topic: The ultimate binder  (Read 9152 times)

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Maribeth

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The ultimate binder
« on: Aug 09, 2012, 08:59 pm »
This week, while prepping my next show, I realized that I have been using the same binder for about 5 years and it's still going strong! (Five years is probably 25 shows.)

It's the 3" Staples Better View Binder- easy-open D-rings, the edges and joints are reinforced with rubber, and clear insert for the front cover. I love it and will probably replace it in a few years with an identical one.

Just thought I would give it a little plug since I'm getting so much use out of it. :) Anybody else have a good one?

babens

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Re: The ultimate binder
« Reply #1 on: Aug 09, 2012, 10:11 pm »
I've been using these binders pretty much since I found them (probably around four or five years ago).  They are fantastic and have made it through multiple Theatreworks tours.  Though I haven't had the same one the entire time (as I keep turning my books in) I have noticed that a couple of mine have gone out with other stage managers since I've archived them and they are still looking pretty good on the shelf of active tour books in the Theatreworks office.

BARussell

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Re: The ultimate binder
« Reply #2 on: Aug 10, 2012, 11:53 am »
I love these binders some people don't like them but I cant understand why? They never break, they come in all the sizes you need. The only problem is they are costly, and if you don't use the button to open the rings you can really mess them up.
"We don't negotiate with weirdos!"

Maribeth

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Re: The ultimate binder
« Reply #3 on: Aug 10, 2012, 12:19 pm »
I've never had any problems with the rings, and for me $15 for a binder that will last 5 years is not expensive at all.

MatthewShiner

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Re: The ultimate binder
« Reply #4 on: Aug 10, 2012, 02:03 pm »
Maribeth - I just got this binder by mistake . . . I am intrigued.

The only thing I don't like is the side label is SO small on the spine, so not sure how to make it stand out on the shelf.

Otherwise . . . let us see how it lasts.

Also, kudos for making a binder last so long . . . I usually just get a new one every show.
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Anything posted here as in my own personal opinion, and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of my employer - whomever they be at a given moment in time.

Maribeth

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Re: The ultimate binder
« Reply #5 on: Aug 10, 2012, 02:35 pm »
Maribeth - I just got this binder by mistake . . . I am intrigued.

The only thing I don't like is the side label is SO small on the spine, so not sure how to make it stand out on the shelf.

Otherwise . . . let us see how it lasts.

Also, kudos for making a binder last so long . . . I usually just get a new one every show.


The label part doesn't bother me since I usually archive shows in envelopes, but you're right, it is a small label.

BayAreaSM

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Re: The ultimate binder
« Reply #6 on: Aug 10, 2012, 04:48 pm »
The only thing I don't like is the side label is SO small on the spine, so not sure how to make it stand out on the shelf.

I've found myself making P-Touch labels for my binders these days. One of those would probably fit, since you could adjust font size. Though I doubt that will help with the "stand out" problem.

babens

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Re: The ultimate binder
« Reply #7 on: Aug 10, 2012, 05:25 pm »
I love these binders some people don't like them but I cant understand why? They never break, they come in all the sizes you need. The only problem is they are costly, and if you don't use the button to open the rings you can really mess them up.

I just comparison shopped on the Staples website and they don't seem to be that much more expensive; $14.99 for the 3" Better Binders versus $14.49 for the Avery 3" Heavy Duty.  Now yes, there are some cheaper 3" binders, but I'm going to assume that they aren't going to hold up to the rigors of even a 7 week contract (especially if you are in a situation where you have to cart your binder around with you every day and can't leave it in the rehearsal hall and/or theatre).

BARussell

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Re: The ultimate binder
« Reply #8 on: Aug 12, 2012, 08:29 pm »
I like that there are sooo many colors! Not that I ever use one that isn't blue or black...
and the ring thing is probably just a personal problem, I'm really good at breaking things...
"We don't negotiate with weirdos!"

babens

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Re: The ultimate binder
« Reply #9 on: Aug 12, 2012, 08:51 pm »
I love the assortment of colors, and it makes me happy when Staples has purple ones in when the time to buy one arises (yes, I love purple).

LCSM

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Re: The ultimate binder
« Reply #10 on: Aug 12, 2012, 09:12 pm »
I have NEVER had to buy a binder before - I've always had tons of free, gently-used ones that gravitate towards me. Because they're free, I've never cared how long they last. However, I just moved and left my stash at home to avoid lugging them around. So this recommendation comes at a good time. I start auditions tomorrow, so I think I'll finally have to cave.

babens

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Re: The ultimate binder
« Reply #11 on: Aug 13, 2012, 12:37 pm »
Out of curiosity, does anyone know if Equity is still doing the binder trade-in/recycling here in NYC?

BeccaTheSM

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Re: The ultimate binder
« Reply #12 on: Aug 13, 2012, 03:09 pm »
Last I knew, they were. If not AEA, check with Broadway Green Alliance.
Art, in itself, is an attempt to bring order out of chaos. - Stephen Sondheim

RuthNY

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Re: The ultimate binder
« Reply #13 on: Aug 13, 2012, 05:51 pm »
Correction! I just saw a Facebook post updating us on The Binder Project. The Broadway Green Alliance HAS taken it over!  165 W. 46th St. (same building as AEA) Room 1312!



AEA is still doing it.  Go to Deborah, the 15th floor Receptionist, and she'll direct you.
« Last Edit: Aug 13, 2012, 06:14 pm by RuthNY »
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babens

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Re: The ultimate binder
« Reply #14 on: Aug 13, 2012, 06:46 pm »
Thanks, Ruth and Becca.  I'm moving soon (though not far, just into the front, and bigger, bedroom in my apartment) and I'm sure there will be some junk to be gotten rid of, including older binders.

 

riotous