So yesterday I was looking at notebooks in a shop, as is my habit. There were fancy ones, plain ones, and ones with spiral hinges. But what caught my attention was a set of unassuming black books in various sizes and with an utterly ludicrous price tag. I speak, of course, of the everpresent 'Moleskine', and wish to ask simply this of my more knowledgable comrades:
What is up with them?
I know they have a somewhat textured cover, are held closed with an elastic, and have smooth, thin, unlined pages (not my ideal surface for drawing, and definitely not something I'd trust with a fountain pen...). The label says something about Picasso and Hemingway having used the brand. Is that it? Is that why they're so famous and prolific? All I hear is that they play into the complete cliche of those 'artsy/writer types' who sit around in coffee shops and sigh balefully over their lattés.

Any enlightenment would be very much appreciated.

Spindle out.