Mastering File-Based Knowledge Management: A Transformative Approach
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Chapter 1: Embracing Plain Text for Task Management
Greetings! I’m Ellane, and this is my weekly digest focused on simplifying and optimizing my digital-analog workflow. This edition is a bit lengthier than usual due to my overwhelming excitement!
Plain Text Task Lists
Recently, inspired by an article from Scott Nesbitt, I’ve adopted the practice of maintaining a weekly task list. This is in addition to my TaskPaper-style overview, and I’m using Text Edit for a refreshing change of perspective. It also allows me to keep the file accessible even when Obsidian isn’t active. For now, I’m bypassing his recommended DONE annotations.
If you’re unfamiliar with Scott’s site, prepare for a delightful dive into plain text! Just a heads-up: the site is no longer updated, so it might not be accessible when you check it out. If that concerns you, my advice is simple: Omnivore.
File System Knowledge Management: A Subtle yet Significant Shift
In just a few days, I’ve realized there’s no turning back; a revelation I had last week has transformed my approach to notes.
Summarizing this change in a few words is challenging, but here it is: I’m now organizing my files to be app-independent, ensuring they are easy to search across various dimensions and viewable directly in Finder. I no longer depend on app-specific features to track creation and modification dates. Embracing chronology and utilizing Saved Searches have become essential to my process!
To provide some context and essential insights (while keeping this newsletter a quick read), I initially believed that the essence of my strategy was plain text. While that’s mostly true, I’ve come to understand that the file system is the true foundation for achieving maximum interoperability.
This shift in mindset is not about overhauling my structure but refining it. My language learning flashcards sparked what I now term file-based knowledge management (FKM).
This article has clarified my approach and illuminated how it can function as a comprehensive framework:
Understanding Personal Knowledge Management (PKM): Essential Theory to Build Your Own System
This video delves into the fundamentals of PKM and offers insights on crafting a personalized knowledge management system.
File System Infobase Manager
I’ve drafted a complete outline of my File System Based Info Manager, the tool I employ to manage all my writing endeavors.
Most individuals prefer utilizing multiple data categorization methods to access their notes from various perspectives at different times. — Dougist
Doug’s framework has served as an excellent reference rather than a strict guide. I’m implementing D for daily entries, W for writing, N for notes on others’ work, T for my thoughts, and P for projects. I appreciate the flexibility to change naming conventions swiftly, all while preserving modification dates!
Now, I’ve established a system that is stable, sustainable, and scalable, seamlessly blending into my workflow. It allows me to reference notes, write, generate new ideas, and synthesize existing ones without battling with software. I foresee this as a long-term, platform-agnostic solution that is highly adaptable. — Dougist
Recent Developments in My Workflow
Due to my focus on FKM, I've implemented several changes:
- Created a keyboard shortcut for YYYYMMDD dates (20230921) to streamline file naming.
- Prioritized creation and modification dates, using the key date at the start of file names, with additional dates included within the file (YAML/Obsidian Properties).
- Established separate files for each daily note entry, each referencing my main daily note, enabling backlinks in Obsidian for an efficient overview.
I’m not waiting to finalize my FKM system before I start implementing it. As Doug suggested, it’s vital to remain adaptable, as bulk renaming files is straightforward. Internal metadata can also be quickly renamed using tools like VS Code.
Next week, I’ll explore how FKM influences my plain text project and task management system.
Ellane assists non-tech-savvy Apple users in effective planning and learning without relying on complex applications.
Download some free productivity resources, including an Obsidian Planner demo vault, here.
Chapter 2: The Future of PKM
Beyond Words: The Future of PKM - Exploring 5 Cards from The MindSET Visual Thinking Framework
This video investigates the future of PKM by examining five key concepts from the MindSET Visual Thinking Framework.