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676

General Software Discussion / Re: Top 3 programs you use

« Last post by Dormouse on December 22, 2019, 11:02 AM »

http://www.mytreedb....reedbnotes_free.html

Up for me

-nickodemos (December 22, 2019, 10:47 AM)

So it is.
Before, I just got this when I googled:

Viagra Same Day Delivery: Strongest Pill Ever
www.mytreedb.com
order cialis paypal. \"TreeDBNotes. get cialis very cheap · viagra nhs prescription · cialis overnight new york · ebay viagra · retail pharmacy price cialis ...

And this one failed at the purchase link.

https://www.softpedi...reeDBNotes-Pro.shtml

Very glad it is still there. I rarely use it now, but still have fond memories.

677

General Software Discussion / Re: I'm thinking of going primitive, with discursion into zettelkasten

« Last post by Dormouse on December 22, 2019, 10:53 AM »

Nice to be back to content. I've spent far more time on programs than I anticipated.
Feeling good at the moment.

In my mind, the zettelkasten works like having my own room in the Bodleian, with my current activities laid out on a large table in the middle, surrounded by small bookcases with the books needed for immediate references.
If I want more, or am moving on, then I can wander round the main library collecting books and other materials as I need. And if I need to do a detailed trawl into less familiar materials, I can ask the librarians to bring me stuff that might be relevant from the stacks.

Concentric circles. The more intensely worked material on the table in the middle, with all my notes; linked books and journals nearby. Associated material a little further away and stuff I might conceivably available after a little search.

I'll probably use Microsoft ToDo

-Dormouse (December 19, 2019, 09:34 AM)

No I won't. Still too complicated for my needs. Also insufficient.
Google Keep I think. Always liked it for lists. I'll have as many checklists as I want, when I need them. Share with Evernote (& then the zk when I think the record might be useful). I know I could do it in Evernote, but I always find that more cumbersome for checklists.

678

General Software Discussion / Re: Sagelight Image Editor v4 and is Pay-What-You-Want

« Last post by Dormouse on December 22, 2019, 10:13 AM »

Looks as if it is very nearly 10 years since I bought v4.

679

General Software Discussion / Re: Top 3 programs you use

« Last post by Dormouse on December 22, 2019, 10:12 AM »

2. TreeDBNotes

-BGM (December 21, 2019, 07:51 PM)

Looks as if the main website is now down completely and purchase links no longer function.
The free version was always good enough for most uses.

680

General Software Discussion / Re: IS THERE AN ADJUSTABLE "DARK SCREEN" FOR WINDOWS?

« Last post by Dormouse on December 21, 2019, 11:33 AM »

I used WindowBlinds for a period. I was very pleased with it early on.
But I found it needed a lot of maintenance. Often little things, just to get it going again. Dealing with imperfections in chosen themes. Etc.
That's why I ended up going with global changes. At least they're stable. And light themes are ubiquitous in programs, so I get no surprises from unexpected white panels. (With the exception of Evernote - but I'll be fine as long as i can use classic mode.) Where I can, I choose more subtle themes. Used WindowsBlinds to do that for all programs but themes always introduced a glitch somewhere along the line.

I'm not sure what I'll do with photos etc long-term. Maybe use another computer. Maybe some programs would allow me to reverse the reversal, just within their own window.

681

General Software Discussion / Re: Sagelight Image Editor v4 and is Pay-What-You-Want

« Last post by Dormouse on December 21, 2019, 06:55 AM »

Just glad he could deal with the important things without Sagelight being a burden.

Still have fond memories, but never thought there was any chance of it resurfacing. They were the days when I didn't have to worry about glare! Be interesting to see what it does now, though I'll have to take time working out what computer to use it on. Or setting a  computer up to use it on.

682

General Software Discussion / Re: I'm thinking of going primitive, with discursion into zettelkasten

« Last post by Dormouse on December 19, 2019, 06:55 PM »

So far, the biggest irritation for a program that is a diary equivalent is, despite hierarchical organisation, the Category and Calendar mode seems to works as fixed folders rather than virtual folders or filters. Evernote has this one nailed.
I’ve not found a convenient way to see all notes from a given chunk of days.

-Dormouse (December 15, 2019, 09:19 AM)

Two solutions currently.

1. All entries in one journal/Category. It's then possible to scroll through all entries one month at a time.
2. Using Topics and Search by Topic. A lot of control of which entries are seen, and for what period. Downside for me is that it is not so visually comfortable. And requires that the tagging be done.

I can manage with this.

683

General Software Discussion / Re: I'm thinking of going primitive, with discursion into zettelkasten

« Last post by Dormouse on December 19, 2019, 09:34 AM »

An unrelated observation arising from my new freedom to focus on a single workflow largely based on documents, is that I'm quite ruthlessly ditching many 'best' programs. If they are important for a project, then  that's fine but otherwise out. Trello, for example, will probably go even though it's a good personal fit. Easy share from Android has become a key feature which frees me from requiring a particular program on all platforms. Many things will be shared with Evernote (but could easily be something else) which can then be exported to documents or The Journal. I'll probably use Microsoft ToDo because it will fit in rather than any better ToDo solution.

Paradoxically I can envision the possibility of using Evernote more not less. It's quite good at merging notes for saving into documents.

All part of a brain decluttering process.

684

General Software Discussion / Re: I'm thinking of going primitive, with discursion into zettelkasten

« Last post by Dormouse on December 18, 2019, 07:26 PM »

are you talking about seeing a bunch of notes at once?  like full notes in several windows or boxes on the screen?  If so, yes, that would be an awesome feature. 

-superboyac (December 18, 2019, 03:52 PM)

Yes. Google Keep does it of course.

I don't need the whole note. Just sufficient to know whether it's what I think I remember. In a timeline I can speed through. The note pane will show the whole note, but I won't look at that unless I think it might be the right note. Similar UI view need as an email client.

Many programs do something similar, but they vary on how to see the timeline and on how much of the note you can see in the extract (few have options to set this). I like Evernote's implementation for this, but the colours are wrong and there are the other concerns.

The use case is trying to replicate the function of an old writer's notebook or diary (old fashioned diary where you write in the new date/time with every entry - not something pre-printed). Can be useful for finding something that you know you did two years ago, probably. Unnecessary if you remember a tag you gave it or a word you used (assuming no typo), but otherwise quickly scanning through approximately the right period is usually successful. Also useful for browsing: you see something you did, it strikes a chord it hadn't at the time, then you look around for other notes fitting the new chord. A bit like a mine going through its spoil heap with updated extraction methods.

685

General Software Discussion / Re: I'm thinking of going primitive, with discursion into zettelkasten

« Last post by Dormouse on December 18, 2019, 04:49 AM »

I've decided to regularly import snippets from Evernote to The Journal. Seems simple to do, and The Journal has convenient document save options. And i can set it up to suit my eyes which is a big advantage over native Evernote client where I'm stuck with white text on black background - functional, but tiring after a while.

-Dormouse (December 15, 2019, 09:19 AM)

Because there doesn’t seem an adequate manual, I’ve been having to try things out on The Journal, so I accept that I might have missed some of the features I want.

So far, the biggest irritation for a program that is a diary equivalent is, despite hierarchical organisation, the Category and Calendar mode seems to works as fixed folders rather than virtual folders or filters. Evernote has this one nailed.
I’ve not found a convenient way to see all notes from a given chunk of days. Search requires a text term as the basis for the search. History will apply, but I think that’s simply backwards from now.
There are possible workarounds. Search for a ubiquitous word like ‘the’. Combine all categories and use annual or monthly journals instead of daily. Use Topics instead of Categories.
But still.

686

General Software Discussion / Re: I'm thinking of going primitive, with discursion into zettelkasten

« Last post by Dormouse on December 17, 2019, 05:21 PM »

What initially attracted me to this idea is the prolific output of that guy, regarding writing books.  So I think it's ok that the process is rigorous and somewhat difficult, because the time spent on that fine-tuning and curating seems to be what makes the putting together of a book or something so much faster.  So i think the efficiency is in the ultimate output of these notes.  The process is definitely not efficient.

-superboyac (December 17, 2019, 04:46 PM)

I believe that Luhmann's process was efficient.
He didn't treat all material the same. I don't know what fraction of his academic reading made its way into his zettel, but I'd be surprised if it were more than 25% and probably less than 10%. Academics skim a lot, have a rough memory for what they have seen and only pay close attention to what is in their own field. A lot of reading ends at the abstract. They do also have to take notes in areas where their knowledge is slight, but they're required to give a lecture - but they'd be exceptionally skimpy notes. He emphasised the need to be selective in the reading and note-taking. He also emphasised the need to only do what you feel like doing when you feel like doing it - another way of improving selectivity.

Selecting the material to make notes on, managing the depth of the notes, controlling the time and effort spent making links - all these are an intrinsic part of the process, but they tend to be ignored.

687

General Software Discussion / Re: I'm thinking of going primitive, with discursion into zettelkasten

« Last post by Dormouse on December 17, 2019, 05:02 PM »

Dormouse, regarding your sources...I still don't quite understand.  If you have pdf's of articles or even textbooks, you put the actual pdf file in that source directory?  and then you annontate it?  i was almost thinking you copied the text into a text file, and then annotated....but that would be crazy.

-superboyac (December 17, 2019, 04:46 PM)

Digital copies of articles, books etc simply live in a Publications file.
If I write a note on them, then they're moved to the Sources file in the zettel, so that I have all my links together. Probably no annotating or highlighting. Just the one link.
If i am examining the source in more detail, I will probably highlight as I go and then copy each highlight into separate notes. Quickly add the 1st brief note, then revisit for the better written 2nd pass note. I don't discard the first note, although it may have outlived its purpose (no time saved by discarding; there may be a future value in having a better detailed history of the note and development of thought). I keep all these on one document.
Further notes will then add and comment on cross links etc. These may be done at any convenient time.

688

General Software Discussion / Conserving cognitive effort and time

« Last post by Dormouse on December 17, 2019, 10:24 AM »

I’ve noticed that most discussion of zettelkasten seems to be about the perfection of the process with little interest in workflow or efficiency. Apart from a frequent attraction to database options that make IDs and linking quicker. Maybe that can be justified if the zettelkasten itself is the desired endpoint. Otherwise I’d expect anyone interested in working productively to maximise effectiveness. Which means expending time and effort commensurate with the gains.

Taking the typical academic, reading a journal in his area of interest. Let’s say an experimental scientist..
If there’s a paper very closely aligned to her/his (I was tempted to write his - are most zettelkastenites male, I wonder?) own work, I’d expect detailed notes on the question, the design and methodology, the stats, results and interpretation. With a number of rounds of reconsideration, comparison with other experiments, own work etc. Probably 20-50 notes in all. With a lot of time and thinking going in to it. And all at or close to the time of the original reading.
The rest of the journal might only warrant one note. Looking at topics covered, paradigms and stats used etc. Useful for considering changing trends in the field. A bit of a reminder of what’s in it. But not immediately useful, so undeserving of more time.

Seems to me that this approach is essential if the zettelkasten is to be a useful tool rather than an albatross hanging around the users neck.

689

General Software Discussion / Re: I'm thinking of going primitive, with discursion into zettelkasten

« Last post by Dormouse on December 16, 2019, 04:44 PM »

If there's a note in the zettel, it I regard it as part of that process not an independent file; otherwise not.

-Dormouse (December 16, 2019, 05:32 AM)

think this sentence got mangled (I *think* I know what you mean -- but not sure...)

-tomos (December 16, 2019, 03:47 PM)

I'd rewritten it but tidied insufficiently.
Thank you. I'll revise now.

And I do realise that this almost semantic, definitely pedantic, concern to define the boundary's position may be meaningless in practical terms. But it makes my head clearer because I know exactly where I am.

690

General Software Discussion / One further observation about my zettelkasten process.

« Last post by Dormouse on December 16, 2019, 05:32 AM »

I regard my source material as intrinsic part of my zettelkasten process. I realise that many seem not to do that, but I feel that my approach is both more efficient and more similar to Luhmann's. On the back of each note he recorded the appropriate reference source; books and journal articles in his case. I do the same for books and articles.

However, unlike him, I have the advantage of a digital zettel. I have many books, articles and other sources on my computer. I will take advantage of these to extract sections I'm commenting on. Direct linking to these is more efficient than simply citing them. So I regard all of these as part of the same thing. But only when there is a proper zettel note with a link. Unconnected potential sources are not part of the zettel.

I treat work I have produced myself in the same way. As part of my shift to a document approach, most of it will end up in document files. If it's the product of a database program, then I will export periodically or at the end of the project. If there's a note in the zettel, I regard that source as part of the zettel process and not an independent file; otherwise not.

691

General Software Discussion / Observation two: Individual Differences and User Interface

« Last post by Dormouse on December 15, 2019, 10:03 AM »

One of the things that I have noticed in this process is that the user interface suiting me is much more important than features. There's a minimum feature set, but otherwise it is the user interface all the way. Visual preferences have enhanced the effect, but they're not the only explanation - not even the main one. And I know that what best suits me in the interface may be quite different to most people. I noticed the same thing when I was looking at writing programs (and I still intend to get back to finalising that review).

Partly it's clearer to me because i'm not bouncing so much between programs and activities.

I think this highlights a problem with traditional reviews, which are often undertaken after limited use and consist of little more than a feature checklist. It's important to know what features are present, but that tells you little about how well a program will work for you. And what looks very good on first acquaintance, easily falls into disuse when little irritations intrude into your workflow.

My efficiency. My ergonomics.

692

General Software Discussion / Observation one: Archaic programs

« Last post by Dormouse on December 15, 2019, 09:49 AM »

I've noticed that many of the programs I am using most are now very old, often with interfaces that have changed little since XP.

Maybe it's something to do with me, but it's not because I'm a stick in the mud only using what I'm used to. Many of them were new to me. Partly reflects changing needs and circumstances - PIM type functions are less important.

One common factor I recognise is a smooth, stable, efficient and easy workflow. Often with developers who use the program themselves. Constant change always produces new irritations. Of course, there's always a potential issue with how long that developer wants, or is able, to continue to do it.

693

General Software Discussion / Web clips. Snippets.

« Last post by Dormouse on December 15, 2019, 09:19 AM »

Web clips. Snippets.
Evernote is a bit too central in both for my liking. If it changes too much, I'll have to find something else but the system is designed to minimise any disruption. And I'll keep exporting new notes so that nothing is locked up - that's pretty effort free and fast, so negligible cost.

I've decided to regularly import snippets from Evernote to The Journal. Seems simple to do, and The Journal has convenient document save options. And i can set it up to suit my eyes which is a big advantage over native Evernote client where I'm stuck with white text on black background - functional, but tiring after a while. Fully agree with comments that it looks archaic and the most recent monthly newsletter is from Jan 2018. But regularly updated - last month was the most recent - and a smooth functional workflow. Strange 'tag' system - but Topics seem to have the relevant properties and can be set within documents. And a journal format is ideal for snippets. An easier program for writing than RightNote - at least for me.

694

General Software Discussion / Re: I'm thinking of going primitive, with discursion into zettelkasten

« Last post by Dormouse on December 15, 2019, 09:03 AM »

OK.
I think I have the bones together now.
Everything either in document form, or easily convertible.
Software can be switched out and replaced, with no more than moderate disruption at worst.
Database programs, chosen to export easily to documents, for specific projects.
Potential to switch to use plain text if it seems better, with no disruption to what has already been done.

Onto the polishing and getting in to the habit.

695

General Software Discussion / Re: I'm thinking of going primitive, with discursion into zettelkasten

« Last post by Dormouse on December 13, 2019, 04:57 PM »

That makes sense to me.

As I have said I see it all as a matter of workflow and efficiency. I'm now only working in one office and have no restrictions on software or hardware choices (I had freedom before, but only in some places for some activities). So I'm streamlining.

I see the functionality and durability of a zettel, but also recognise that each note is high cost: which means it should only be used for high value activities. And possibly there's a disadvantage if using it for notes that fit within a known and tightly defined structure (that's why I'm using OneNote in a specific project). I think it is particularly helpful for emerging structures and long term usage.

I'm not happy with my webclip and snippets system. I know that I'll have to rethink if the current Evernote beta becomes compulsory - but the alternatives wouldn't necessarily be permanent either. It will do for now, and there's not much learning curve.

I've not found an easy way of doing snippet browsing on RightNote, so probably won't use that. The Journal looks more possible, though actually Evernote itself is better in some ways despite having limited configurability.

696

General Software Discussion / Snippets

« Last post by Dormouse on December 11, 2019, 09:14 PM »

I've not decided what to do about snippets.

The defining feature of a snippet is that it is short. And individual snippets are disparate and unconnected.

• It could be a brief description
• An interesting word usage
• An interesting fact
• A nice phrase
• Ideas
• Overheard conversation

It could be something I've written myself or have read.

In use, they're found by browsing through them or vaguely remembering that such a note was made (and probably then roughly when).

They are the sorts of idle scribbles that might be found in any writers notebook.

They really need to be portable so that they can be made any time.
Ideally accept photos (often the easiest way of recording something).
Word search and tags are useful. And easily found by date.
They need to be easily browsed and read.

I've considered plain text documents. Could be made in almost any program - SimpleNote, Evernote, Word, Google Docs, etc - and saved a page at a time. Somewhat cumbersome; individual snippets not easily tagged.

Writemonkey works really well with snippets, but it's not mobile and only works effectively for notes made when using the program.

Evernote is tempting, if I use it for webclips, but not ideal for browsing, though the client can be set up to work well enough. Maybe that would work better with a partner; I will have to check that out.

OneNote wouldn't work; SimpleNote might.

I think I'm contemplating a digital imitation of a pen and paper writer's note book or journal. Evernote as a major (or main) input mechanism. I'd need to see what partner programs would bring to the party. I know of RightNote and The Journal. And I would expect to be able to save  into separate documents.

697

General Software Discussion / Web Clips

« Last post by Dormouse on December 11, 2019, 07:51 PM »

Having tried many web clippers, I've decided to stick with Evernote, at least so long as it still functions well. I downgraded from Premium to Plus because I simply never need the extra Premium features.

Bigger notes, worthy of longer term processing will be exported/downloaded as separate documents and incorporated in the Zettelkasten. This will be done when the value is realised, not necessarily at the time of clipping.

Others can stay accessible in Evernote. I will export backups from time to time.

698

General Software Discussion / Re: looking for cheap email hoster

« Last post by Dormouse on December 09, 2019, 12:48 PM »

I like Frantech. Idiosyncratic, but good value so long as you don't need a lot of hand holding.

699

General Software Discussion / Re: I'm thinking of going primitive, with discursion into zettelkasten

« Last post by Dormouse on December 06, 2019, 05:25 PM »

I'm still interested in snippets. Worth keeping, but not worth the extra admin and effort of a processed standalone note. Tagable, but worth tagging? Web clips are very similar though some will be worth a full entry.
Easier to manage in a database zettel, but I don't think they're worth it even there. I think they would clog the system.
Luhmann seems to have been quite strong on exclusion criteria, emphasising the need to be selective.

I think I agree, but there remains a value in having selected notes that don't make the zettel. They are a tiny fraction of the universe of possible notes and an easier first search.

I've not decided where my snippets should go, or how to do them. I see web clips as separate.

I'm interested in efficient workflow and have little interest in a purist's zettelkasten (or a purist's plain text approach).
For this, I think I need a database. Or two. But I don't want lots of programs open.

700

General Software Discussion / Re: I'm thinking of going primitive, with discursion into zettelkasten

« Last post by Dormouse on December 06, 2019, 02:45 PM »

Let's say you are watching a Popeye cartoon, making notes on Popeye.
At times, you might make notes on

• his appearance,
• his demeanour,
• his speech,
• his reaction to Bluto,
• his reaction to Olive,
• setting scenes,
• plot scenes,
• action scenes,
• drug dependence.

The initial notes would simply be observations at a point in the cartoon.
The next sequence of more developed notes might chunk them. I assume demeanour can be categorised (and probably everything else too). This sequence will link to the original observations.
You might then have a further layer looking at changes and the way they inter-relate. More links.

You'll probably think it necessary to watch the cartoon again to do the same for Bluto, Olive, Spinach (etc).
And maybe even watch another cartoon or two. Multiplying links.

At that point, you will be in a position to summarise/analyse the different scenes.

I doubt you would need to watch many before being able to create and plot out new cartoons.

And you could do the whole thing within the zettelkasten.
And you could do it with drawings, not words.

You will, I hope, notice that if the focus of each note isn't tight, then linking becomes less clear and further analysis becomes more muddled.