Johnny.Decimal is a system for organizing digital files and folders using a hierarchical decimal system. It encourages users to define ten top-level areas of responsibility, each numbered 00-09, and then subdivide each area into ten more specific categories (00.00-00.09, 01.00-01.09, etc.), and so on, creating a logical and easily navigable structure. This system aims to combat "digital sprawl" by providing a clear framework for storing and retrieving files, ultimately improving focus and productivity. By assigning a decimal number to every project and area of responsibility, Johnny.Decimal makes it easier to find anything quickly and maintain a consistent organizational structure.
The Johnny.Decimal system, as meticulously detailed on its official website, presents a comprehensive and granular methodology for organizing digital and physical information, promoting clarity, efficiency, and effortless retrieval. It achieves this through a hierarchical decimal-based classification system, reminiscent of the Dewey Decimal System used in libraries, but tailored for personal and professional use. The core principle revolves around dividing all of one's information into ten top-level categories, assigned numbers from 00 to 99. These broad areas represent the major facets of an individual's life, such as work, finances, or personal projects.
Each of these ten primary categories is then further subdivided into ten secondary categories, again utilizing the 00-99 numerical range. This creates a more refined categorization, allowing for specific areas within each broader topic to be delineated. For example, under the category "Work," subcategories might include project management, client communication, or professional development. This process effectively establishes 100 distinct areas (10 x 10), each designated by a unique two-digit decimal number.
Furthermore, each of these 100 secondary categories can then be further subdivided into an additional ten tertiary categories, creating an even finer granularity and totaling 1,000 potential categories. However, the system advocates for pragmatism, recommending that users only create as many levels and categories as they genuinely require, thereby avoiding unnecessary complexity. The system doesn't mandate the use of all 1,000 possible classifications, but rather offers the flexibility to tailor the structure to individual needs and preferences.
The website meticulously explains the implementation process, emphasizing the importance of carefully considering the initial ten top-level categories, as they form the foundational structure of the entire system. It advises users to begin by brainstorming and listing all areas of responsibility, interest, and activity, before grouping and consolidating them into ten overarching categories. This thoughtful initial planning ensures a robust and adaptable system for future expansion and modification.
Beyond mere categorization, the Johnny.Decimal system advocates for consistent file naming conventions within each category, further enhancing searchability and retrievability. While the website doesn't prescribe specific naming conventions, it encourages users to adopt a consistent and logical approach within their chosen system, whether it be alphabetical, chronological, or keyword-based.
The website also highlights the numerous benefits of implementing the Johnny.Decimal system, such as reduced stress from information overload, increased productivity through efficient file management, and improved focus by eliminating the mental clutter of disorganized data. The system is presented not merely as a filing system, but as a holistic approach to information management, promoting a sense of control and clarity across all aspects of one's digital and physical life. The site emphasizes the system's adaptability to various platforms and tools, demonstrating its versatility and effectiveness for both personal and professional organization.
Summary of Comments ( 116 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43128093
Hacker News users discussed Johnny.Decimal's potential benefits and drawbacks. Several praised its simplicity and effectiveness for personal file management, noting its improvement over purely chronological or alphabetical systems. Some found the 10-area/100-file limit too restrictive, preferring more granular or flexible approaches like tagging. Others questioned the system's long-term maintainability and scalability, especially for collaborative projects. The decimal system itself was both lauded for its logical structure and criticized for its perceived rigidity. A few commenters mentioned alternative organizational systems they found more effective, such as PARA and a Zettelkasten approach. Overall, the comments suggest Johnny.Decimal is a viable option for personal file organization but may not suit everyone's needs or work style.
The Hacker News post discussing Johnny.Decimal, a system for organizing digital files, has generated a substantial number of comments. Many users share their experiences with similar systems, offer alternative approaches, or discuss specific aspects of the Johnny.Decimal system.
Several commenters express appreciation for the system's simplicity and flexibility. One user highlights the benefit of assigning a decimal number to each area of responsibility, making it easy to locate files related to a specific project or task. Another commenter praises the system's focus on areas of responsibility rather than strict categorization, allowing for a more natural and personalized organization structure. The ability to adapt the system to individual needs is a recurring theme, with users describing how they've modified the system to fit their specific workflows.
A common point of discussion revolves around the granularity of the system. Some users find the 10-10-10 structure (10 areas, 10 categories within each area, and 10 files within each category) too restrictive, while others appreciate its enforced structure. Suggestions for alternative structures emerge, including using more or fewer levels or adapting the numbering system for larger projects. The use of symbolic links and tagging systems is also mentioned as a way to enhance the system's flexibility.
The discussion also touches on the challenges of maintaining such a system. Some commenters express concern about the overhead of assigning and remembering the decimal codes. Others highlight the importance of consistent use and periodic review to prevent the system from becoming unwieldy. The integration of the system with existing tools and workflows is also a topic of interest, with users sharing their experiences using Johnny.Decimal with various file managers and cloud storage services.
Several alternative systems are mentioned, including PARA (Projects, Areas, Resources, Archives), a similar system that focuses on different categories of information. The benefits and drawbacks of each system are discussed, with some users preferring the simplicity of Johnny.Decimal and others finding the PARA system more suited to their needs. The conversation also extends to the use of dedicated note-taking applications and the role of search functionality in managing digital files.
Overall, the comments reflect a general interest in personal organization systems and a willingness to experiment with different approaches. While many users express enthusiasm for Johnny.Decimal, the discussion also highlights the importance of finding a system that fits individual needs and workflows. The comments offer a valuable perspective on the practical considerations of implementing and maintaining such a system in a real-world setting.