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Fileflag could be a good product...

05 03 07 - 08:47 - Bookmark this post

I received a small package a month ago with a new product called the Fileflag. This is a product developed to make it easy to put your files back in the right folder. Check out the website for an excellent explanation. I received a FileFlag to try out for myself. I did so the last couple of weeks and I have mixed feelings about it.

It is a nice and small gadget. It is well constructed and feels comfortable. But the use of it is not always that handy. I use a filefolder a couple of seconds, minutes or a few hours. Depends on the work I am doing. But to put the FileFlag in place where the folder should be takes more than a few seconds. I have to really squeeze it in the openings of the filefolder. Sometimes it takes me longer to put the FileFlag in place that to use the contents of the folder all together. Furthermore, I know there are some folders on the market that don't have the cut-outs on top where you can insert the FileFlag. So if you have those kind of folders, the FileFlag is of no use to you.

Conclusion: While this is a nice idea and certainly fills a need for some people, to me the FileFlag takes too long to use sometimes and it doesn't always fit on all filefolders we have.

Update: Neil gives some more information in the comments: "The user permanently installs one fileflag on each hanging folder. It stays on the folder and never gets removed. so there is no need to "install" it when you want to remove a folder."
OK, so that gives it some more perspective.

Couldn’t you just use a binder clip on the top edge of the folder and accomplish the same thing?
Matthew Glover - 06 03 07 - 00:18

At least it keeps you busy while we talk.
Martijn - 07 03 07 - 22:47

I appreciate the review, and agree. There’s actually a much simpler solution that every executive assistant and secretary has known for years, and which I show my clients: When you pull a file, simply lift up the file behind it a few inches (OK cm) and let the remaining files in front of that one lean back. You’ll find they keep the “bookmark” file up above the rest until you’re ready to return the pulled file. At that point, when it’s time to return the pulled file to its original spot, simply drop it in front of the raised “bookmark” file, push the bookmark file back down, and close the drawer. Viola!

There are a few limitations, including:
o You can’t shut the file drawer while the file is pulled.
o Sometimes the “bookmark” file drops down.
o Sometimes you have to use the A-Z divider tab instead of a file.

But for the most part this is an “aha” for my (admittedly sophisticated) clients.

Cheers!
Matthew Cornell - 08 03 07 - 02:59

I am the inventor of FileFlag. Those who’ve commented have misunderstood how to use the product! The objections voiced in the previous comments are based on the assumption that the user must install a fileflag each time an item is removed from a file folder – this is not how fileflag is used. The user permanently installs one fileflag on each hanging folder. It stays on the folder and never gets removed. so there is no need to “install” it when you want to remove a folder.
Neil - 23 06 07 - 13:43