I work in IT & for over 20 yrs, I've carried steno pads with me for note taking. They're just the right size & format for what I need. I'm also a lefty & use water or gel based inks that need to flow freely or my hand cramps. Too many cheap steno pads allow the ink to soak straight through the paper & I can't use the backsides. But THESE pads-- no such issue! Nice, thick, durable paper, no ink soaking here! And a sturdy card back makes taking notes without a surface much easier. Awesome pads. Field Notes who? ;)