George Stanley Soft Touch Gold Foil 'Inspire' Journal, 25404

Just as described

I’ve used multiple George Stanley soft touch notebooks, as you can see in the pics by the “pink” notebook’s worn markings. The past notebooks were heavily used for business purposes, including when I kept them folded open to use for long periods of time AND traveling with them. The materials on past notebooks were consistently good quality + nice appearance. The outside cover was soft, with a cream colored, decent interior; the paper quality was sturdy yet lightweight; and the binding seam exceptional!Pics show the “pink/blush” notebook - original few years old and well used - VS the brand new less quality notebook with the “brown exterior and strange black inside cover”...I wanted the same size and quality to continue using for a specific business project and to be able to travel with again. The newer notebooks have similar exterior cover regarding weight BUT all of the following appear cheaper and incomparable to the older notebooks….a) exterior color is a strange brownish not copper or gold foilb) the binding is a larger, very obvious seam with noticeable fraying ends (top and bottom) on the outside AND on the inside, first page even, the seam is “pulling”… whereas the older notebooks after lots of use still have tightly bound seams!c) the interior of the cover is a cheap BLACK material, not good appearance or quality!d) the paper quality is not the same, feels harder than the other notebooksOverall, displeased. Why do companies change a GOOD THING?!I’ve taken the time to share this review but not worth the hassle or time to “return” - disappointed in quality and will not order again, unfortunately.