A decision we face daily: staple or paper clip?
We have researched this as well as discussed it at DMC meetings and even at dinner parties.
In favor of staples:
- More secure
- Fun to use the stapler, that feel in our hand when the stapler staples
- Nice to hear the sound the stapler makes
- Staples add less bulk than paper clips to files
In favor of paper clips:
- Cheaper because they are reusable
- Cheaper because no need to buy a stapler
- Avoids annoyance of a jammed stapler
- Avoids foot picking up staple (ouch) that has fallen on floor
- Good for bigger batches of papers—paper clips are available in much bigger sizes than staples
- More colorful—paper clips, but not staples, come in varying colors
Both? Belt and Suspenders?
- Use both a staple and paper clip, have advantages of both
- Use one then the other, use paper clip to hold papers in position for stapling: first get papers positioned, then held together with paper clip, then staple, then remove paper clip
Dear DMC
As dull men tend to compromise, and often take on both side of a matter at issue, they may use staples and clips. To the list of suitable paper fasteners, why not add the Supaclip, by Rapesco? Their clear transparent dispensers allow you to look at plain or coloured stainless clips. Besides, there’s safe excitement in the one-at-a-time refilling of your dispenser.
A final comment : though I favour plain staples (copper or steel), a fair match should include coloured staples into the basket.
Best regards
Francois Gojat,
Wimereux, France
Paper clips are so versatile. You can straighten them out and measure them. Wrap them round a pencil and make a spring. Make a necklace for you, your wife, mistress, girlfriend or other person of equal distinction. Staples are purely functional, unrecycleable and provide limited creative opportunity for the dull man.
No contest
Staples certainly do come in assorted colors.
http://www.acco.com/swingline/productdetail.aspx?sku=S7035121P&cat=1012
You can get stapleless staplers now.
There is a woman in our office who refuses to staple anything . . . she is just awful [three exclamation points removed]
Her name is [name deleted so we don’t get into trouble, dull men don’t like trouble]