Further to my question about app options for taking quick jots, I’ve compiled a summary of findings to date. Thanks to @cm @kaa @teisam @twelvety. I’m almost surprised I didn’t end up discovering Evernote (c.f Cortex podcast)
What’s the best method to simulate “grab a scrap of paper and start writing” (such as jotting a number on a phone call, etc.) using a Mac? I have a million apps, and none seem right for this. DEVONthink has a jotter with kb shortcut, but the interface doesn’t feel right. Ideas?
I’m in my happy place.
Zettelkasten
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.
Office Space 20th anniversary: Behind the scenes of the cult classic
The oral history of Office Space: Behind the scenes of the cult classic
I have watched this movie more than any other in my life. ☕️
Adam Tinworth savages Mark Zuckerberg’s Facebook anniversary post.
And what's important to us? Your data. Which we can monetize. Dumb fucks.
Many, many truthbombs.
A pathetic zero content post because I can’t think of anything to say but want to keep my streak alive. 🤔
@jack I’ve had pi-hole running on my network for about 6 months. I love it!
Let Year 2 begin. #firstdayofschool
Roald Dahl's Work Environment
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.
- The necessity for play. Play is again considered relevant and useful in improving productivity and well-being. Dahl spends time with friends playing snooker on a regular — and scheduled — basis. I have no doubt it released stresses from his mind and left him fresh to focus on writing when it was time to do so.
- The smoking. Okay, so that was an unknown negative at the time. We're doing better on that count.
When you go to the wrestling, it’s important to embrace the experience.
I bought Castro, but I think I’m going to be heading back to Overcast.
@twelvety If it’s a hobby that you enjoy, don’t beat yourself up about it.
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.