For $2-3, you can purchase the secret weapon of professional storytellers.

You’ve seen them before. Those long, narrow pads of paper that journalists pull out during interviews.

The reporter’s notebook is instantly recognizable by its unusual dimensions. And the serious look on the face of whoever holds it.

You can ​get them by the dozen​ if you want to get your journalist on:

This odd shape serves a clear purpose. It fits perfectly in a jacket pocket or shirt pocket. Ready when a story breaks.

But there’s more to it than portability.

The form factor means you can jot more notes before turning the page. Your hand doesn’t have to travel as far across the paper. You can keep eye contact with your subject.

These practical design choices make it perfect for people who need to capture information quickly. It keeps the focus on the story.

Maybe you’ve already spotted the developer engagement lesson here.

A reporter’s tools, both physical and mental, can help you reach more developers when you find the story that matters to them.

When you’re writing about your next product release or event recap, grab that notebook and get your journalist on.

Your changelog doesn’t have to be a boring bulleted list. Your event recap doesn’t need to regurgitate the agenda. Instead, ​find the story behind the updates​.

Even if you’ve never been a journalist, you can keep this trick in your back pocket like a Portage Professional Reporter’s Notebook.