Do You Need a Notemaking App, or Are Word Files Enough?
It’s time to think about the power of the linked note
Is there anything wrong with keeping folders full of Word files or Google Docs and the like, rather than using a dedicated notes app?
If you have a thousand documents in messy heaps that you’d like to create something from, and you’re having trouble finding that one note that’s in there somewhere, I’d say you absolutely need an app to connect your notes, and bring some order to the chaos.
Folders can be helpful, but they’re not enough.
What you should be looking for is not just a means of storing individual notes, but a way to surface individual notes when they’re needed. You need a way to search for specific notes, categorise some of them and let others come up serendipitously, and to reference one note inside (potentially many) others.
Can your current way of storing notes do that?
If you’re doing just fine with your current system, don’t make the switch until you can explain why the change is needed — in terms of your needs, not the coolness of the app you’ve been hearing about everywhere!
Which app should I start with?
Apps like Obsidian excel at bringing the right note in front of you at the right time, because it makes it easy to link notes together in a very natural way. As your links branch out, you’ll see connections you’d never otherwise have noticed, and, down the track, this will be where the magic happens!
This video from Nicole van der Hoeven is a good place to start if you’re new to Obsidian. I’ve written a number of articles explaining how I use Obsidian, and have a free sample vault you can download and explore.
Obsidian is great for many people, but if you’re into outlining in a big way, you might want to look at Logseq instead. The no-plugin advice applies for Logseq, as well; at least until you know your way around. Check out this video (the first in a series) from One Stuttering Mind to learn more about Logseq.
Something you should know: there are other apps that can do the job, but I’m choosing to focus on those that leave you in control of your data rather than locking it away inside a proprietary format. Both Obsidian and Logseq are free, and they work by interacting with a folder of text files that’s stored on your computer.
Best advice for newbies
Once you’ve chosen an app to begin with, forget plugins at this point; you don’t need them. Where you should focus is on writing notes about the things that interest you (always in your own words), and linking, linking, linking! Take it slow, and I think you’ll come to see the Why soon enough.
The best advice I’ve seen for how to begin organised, linked note making is this:
One file until you need another file
One folder until you need another folder
Daily log of reading, writing, listening, doing (optional)
Refactor, rewrite, divide, and delete as needed
If you feel the need to tame the clutter that already exists, just stick it all in an Archive folder. Pull pieces out as it becomes apparent where they’re needed.
When you run into friction (and you will), make a note of what’s causing the discomfort. What’s happening, and what do you wish would happen instead? Keep this list handy when you’re watching videos and reading articles on related topics.
Find the people who are doing what you’re hoping to do, and ask them questions. Go to the forum for the app you’re exploring, and read what other people have asked and had answered.