Putting this here as a method of recording the fact that the concept of zettelkasten and leveraging software to create an effective collection of zettels is taking up an unreasonable portion of my brain space.
The parallel problem is that there are too many intriguing options that offer possible solutions, and I can’t settle on one. Probably my wiki has been my most comprehensive effort, but I have also loved TheBrain. It is expensive, but the content stays private. Of course, there’s my old reliable DEVONthink. I’m hopeful that VoodooPad makes a great comeback, but there’s much radio silence from developer Plausible Labs. I had a look at Tinderbox, but as interesting as it looks, I don’t think I’ll end up working so well with that one.
At this stage, the wiki is free, but has editing friction. TheBrain is expensive, but is quick and fun to create visual links.
Aw man, I can’t decide nor settle.
A winning situation: the family down the street have a kid the same age as ours. The kids now go to the same school and are becoming friends. The Dad visits today, and we have a conversation about Star Wars v Star Trek. My kind of neighbours!
@twelvety Can you convince me that I don’t need to start investigating Tinderbox?
I’m in a quandry about the beard I have grown. I’m getting slightly annoyed by it, but it represents months of investment that I will probably never undertake again, should I shave it off.
It was an interesting thing to be doing some research, and then think, “Hmm, I’m sure @twelvety has written on that. Let me check his wiki.” And bang, there it is.
Working from my second public library in one day. I love community resources.
Roald Dahl’s books brought me hours of enjoyment when I was a child. There was little that could top the excitement of reading one of his books that would, of course, be illustrated by Quentin Blake. He created a world into which I could immerse myself, no matter how fantastical the setting might be.
Now, via Jason Kottke, I’ve had an opportunity to see, in the video embedded below, the environment in which Dahl worked, and to him him speak of the mindset needed to create such amazing works of fiction.
There are concepts arising in this video that have started to again be considered relevant in today’s modern world as being helpful in improving productivity and performance.
Highlights from this short clip include:
The need to immerse himself, for around 4 to 5 hours per day, in the work, and be away from other things. This reflects perfectly the concept of 'deep work' as recently brought into public consciousness by Cal Newport. It takes time, focus and the avoidance of distraction to reach a zone of high productivity. This place is rare in the modern workplace. Making time for extended periods of focus can represent a huge competitive advantage over the competition.
The simplicity of the tools. No computers, typewriters, productivity methods. Just paper, pencil, a basic desk and a thermos of tea. The tools don't make the work. They are, however, customised to his needs.
I’m about two-thirds through the audiobook of Educated by Tara Westover. It is such an amazing, but heart-wrenching story. Incredible to think it is a memoir from our modern era.
Writing on a wiki seems easier than publishing a blog post. I feel a latent pressure for a blog post to be of a certain quality and style. A wiki is just continuous editing and improvement.
The experience of owning the content here is sprawling to other ways I can own, refactor, and share more stuff that I used to keep to myself or surrender to others.
I just resonate so much with the mission that Manton has, and his belief of the importance of owning our content, and being, in some ways, good stewards of ourselves and our thoughts and our creative output. Don’t give it to someone, don’t turn it over. Own it and keep it and make it available to share on your own terms.
For the millions (and millions!) of fans tracking development of my wiki… I present to you… an RSS feed! 🙏
In the first of what may — or may not — be a regular series, this is a review of my past month.
What Went Well at Home?
The first month of my self-anointed Year of Fun went well. I remembered the theme as I went about my days and it helped create a better attitude and a happier daily mood.
Summer school holidays are almost done. Our family has survived intact which must be considered a win!
A staycation weekend was a welcome reprieve for Hannah and I. We rarely get the opportunity to enjoy each other’s company without children, so this break was a blessing.
What Went Well at Work?
January is always a slow month for work. I managed to use the time effectively to ensure I’m not carrying forward a backlog into the rest of the year.
Highlights
A visit to Perth Observatory where we viewed the night sky. Our son had a ball.
The Australia Day Fireworks were impressive.
My Media Diet
Watched the first two episodes Star Trek: Discovery, season 2. Already it is better than the inaugural season.
Bohemian Rhapsody was an enjoyable movie that compelled my wife and I to play Queen music on the drive home.
