Frustrated with Obsidian's limitations around customizability and extensibility, particularly regarding graph visualization and backlinking features, Amber Williams decided to build her own personal knowledge management system (PKM). She outlines her motivations, which include the desire for a more tailored user interface, deeper integration with other tools, and greater control over her data. The post details her initial exploration of various technologies like React, Next.js, and a graph database, focusing on her process of building a graph visualization component that more closely aligns with her specific needs. Ultimately, she aims to create a PKM system uniquely suited to her workflows.
A5 is a minimal note-taking app for macOS built with SwiftUI. It focuses on simplicity and speed, featuring a distraction-free interface with markdown support, iCloud syncing, and a customizable appearance including various themes. The project is open-source and available on GitHub.
Hacker News users discussed the practicality and limitations of the A5 cipher, particularly its vulnerability to known-plaintext attacks due to its short key length. Several commenters pointed out that while simple to implement and understand, its insecurity makes it unsuitable for any real-world application beyond educational purposes. The discussion also touched upon the value of learning about such ciphers for pedagogical reasons, helping to illustrate fundamental cryptographic concepts. Some users shared resources and tools for cracking A5, further emphasizing its weakness. The overall sentiment was that A5 serves as an interesting learning tool, but its historical significance outweighs its practical use in modern cryptography.
A solo developer bootstrapped Perfect Wiki, a collaborative knowledge base targeting businesses, to $250k ARR without external funding. Focusing on a self-hosted, privacy-focused, and feature-rich alternative to cloud-based solutions like Notion and Confluence, they prioritized organic growth through content marketing (blog posts and SEO) and word-of-mouth. Key features like bidirectional linking, a powerful editor, and offline functionality resonated with users seeking a robust and secure wiki solution. The developer emphasized sustainable growth, customer feedback, and continuous improvement as core principles.
HN commenters were largely skeptical of the "perfect wiki" claim, pointing out existing solutions like Obsidian, Logseq, and Notion as strong competitors. Some questioned the valuation, particularly the $250k ARR achieved seemingly without marketing spend, and suggested it might be inflated. Others focused on the technical aspects, discussing the tradeoffs of local-first vs. server-based wiki software, the importance of offline functionality, and the challenges of syncing and collaboration. Several commenters expressed interest in self-hosting options or alternative licensing models. The founder's dismissal of marketing and apparent reliance on word-of-mouth also drew some criticism. A few users shared their positive experiences with the software, praising its speed and simplicity.
This blog post details a completely free and self-hosted blogging setup using Obsidian for writing, Hugo as the static site generator, GitHub for hosting the repository, and Cloudflare for DNS, CDN, and HTTPS. The author describes their workflow, which involves writing in Markdown within Obsidian, using a designated folder synced with a GitHub repository. Hugo automatically rebuilds and deploys the site whenever changes are pushed to the repository. This combination provides a fast, flexible, and cost-effective blogging solution where the author maintains complete control over their content and platform.
Hacker News users generally praised the blog post's approach for its simplicity and control. Several commenters shared their own similar setups, often involving variations on static site generators, cloud hosting, and syncing tools. Some appreciated the author's clear explanation and the detailed breakdown of the process. A few discussed the tradeoffs of this method compared to managed platforms like WordPress, highlighting the benefits of ownership and cost savings while acknowledging the increased technical overhead. Specific points of discussion included alternative tools like Jekyll and Zola, different hosting options, and the use of Git for version control and deployment. One commenter suggested using a service like Netlify for simplification, while another pointed out the potential long-term costs associated with Cloudflare if traffic scales significantly.
LWN's review explores Joplin, an open-source note-taking application that aims to be a robust Evernote alternative. It supports a variety of features, including Markdown editing, synchronization across devices using various services (Nextcloud, Dropbox, WebDAV, etc.), end-to-end encryption, and importing from Evernote. The review highlights Joplin's strengths, such as its offline functionality, extensive features, and active development, while also pointing out some UI/UX quirks and occasional performance issues. Overall, Joplin is presented as a compelling option for users seeking a powerful, privacy-respecting, and flexible note-taking solution.
Hacker News users discuss Joplin's strengths as a note-taking application, particularly its open-source nature, end-to-end encryption, Markdown support, and cross-platform availability. Several commenters appreciate its ability to handle code snippets effectively. Some compare it favorably to other note-taking apps like Obsidian, Standard Notes, and Evernote, highlighting its speed and offline functionality as advantages. Concerns mentioned include the interface being less polished than commercial alternatives and the reliance on Electron. One commenter raises a security concern related to the use of Electron, while another suggests alternative synchronization methods for improved privacy. A few users share their positive experiences with Joplin and its extensibility.
Notion has launched Notion Mail, an email client integrated directly into its workspace platform. It aims to streamline communication and project management by connecting emails to Notion pages, databases, and workflows. Key features include customizable inboxes with filters and sorting, the ability to convert emails into Notion tasks, and a built-in AI assistant called Notion AI for summarizing threads, composing replies, and translating messages. Notion Mail is currently in beta and available via a waitlist. It's designed to help users manage email within their existing Notion workflow, reducing context switching and improving productivity.
Hacker News users reacted to Notion Mail with skepticism and cautious curiosity. Several commenters questioned the value proposition, especially given the existing robust email clients and Notion's already broad feature set. Some worried about vendor lock-in and the potential for Notion to become bloated. Others expressed interest in specific features like the integrated task management and the potential for improved collaboration within teams already using Notion. A few users pointed out the limited availability (invite-only) and the potential for pricing concerns down the line. There was also discussion comparing Notion Mail to Superhuman and other email clients focusing on productivity and organization. Overall, the sentiment leaned towards a "wait-and-see" approach, with many wanting to observe real-world usage and reviews before considering a switch.
memEx is a personal knowledge base application drawing inspiration from the zettelkasten method and org-mode. It aims to provide a streamlined, keyboard-driven interface for creating, linking, and navigating interconnected notes. Built with a text-based UI using Go and Bubble Tea, memEx emphasizes speed, simplicity, and extensibility. Features include bidirectional linking, flexible queries, integration with external editors like Vim and Emacs, and the ability to export notes in various formats like Markdown and Org-mode. The project is open source and encourages community contributions.
HN users generally praised the memEx project for its simplicity and clean interface, particularly appreciating the focus on plain text and Markdown. Some compared it favorably to other personal knowledge management tools, noting its speed and ease of use. Several commenters suggested potential features, including graph visualization, backlinking, and improved search functionality. A few expressed concern about the project's longevity and the potential lock-in of using a self-hosted solution. The developer actively engaged with the commenters, addressing questions and acknowledging suggestions for future development.
Fingernotes is a note-taking web app that generates preview images directly from the handwritten content of the note itself. This eliminates the need for separate titles or descriptions, allowing users to quickly visually identify their notes based on a glimpse of the handwriting within. Essentially, what you write becomes the visual representation of the note.
Hacker News users generally reacted positively to Fingernotes. Several praised its simplicity and elegance, particularly the automatic preview image generation. One commenter appreciated the focus on handwriting and avoiding complex features like LaTeX support. A few questioned the long-term viability of the project given its reliance on a single developer, expressing concern about potential feature stagnation or abandonment. Some suggested potential improvements, including a tagging system, search functionality, and the ability to export notes in different formats. The developer engaged with commenters, responding to questions and acknowledging suggestions for future development.
Notetime is a minimalist note-taking app that automatically timestamps every line you write, creating a detailed chronological record of your thoughts and ideas. It's designed for capturing fleeting notes, brainstorming, journaling, and keeping a log of events. The interface is intentionally simple, focusing on quick capture and easy searchability. Notes are stored locally, offering privacy and offline access. The app is available for macOS, Windows, and Linux.
Hacker News users generally praised Notetime's minimalist approach and automatic timestamping, finding it useful for journaling, meeting notes, and tracking progress. Some expressed a desire for features like tagging, search, and different note organization methods, while others appreciated the simplicity and lack of distractions. Concerns were raised about the closed-source nature of the app and the potential for vendor lock-in, with some preferring open-source alternatives like Joplin and Standard Notes. The developer responded to several comments, clarifying the reasoning behind design choices and indicating openness to considering feature requests. Discussion also touched on the benefits of plain text notes and the challenges of balancing simplicity with functionality.
Docs is a free and open-source alternative to proprietary note-taking and knowledge management applications like Notion and Outline. Built with PHP and Symfony, it offers features such as a WYSIWYG editor, Markdown support, hierarchical page organization, real-time collaboration, and fine-grained access control. It aims to provide a robust, self-hostable platform for individuals and teams to create, organize, and share documents securely. Docs prioritizes simplicity and performance while maintaining a clean and intuitive user interface.
Hacker News users generally expressed interest in Docs as a self-hosted alternative to Notion, praising its open-source nature and potential for customization. Several commenters discussed the importance of data ownership and control, highlighting Docs as a solution to vendor lock-in. Some voiced concerns about features, performance, and the overall maturity of the project compared to established solutions like Notion, while others shared their excitement to try it and contribute. The lack of a mobile app was mentioned as a current drawback. There was also discussion around different database backends and the project's use of Tauri for cross-platform compatibility. A few commenters pointed out similar existing projects, offering alternatives or suggesting potential collaborations.
A graphics tablet can be a surprisingly effective tool for programming, offering a more ergonomic and intuitive way to interact with code. The author details their setup using a Wacom Intuos Pro and describes the benefits they've experienced, such as reduced wrist strain and improved workflow. By mapping tablet buttons to common keyboard shortcuts and utilizing the pen for precise cursor control, scrolling, and even drawing diagrams directly within code comments, the author finds that a graphics tablet becomes an integral part of their development process, ultimately increasing productivity and comfort.
HN users discussed the practicality and potential benefits of using a graphics tablet for programming. Some found the idea intriguing, particularly for visual tasks like diagramming or sketching out UI elements, and for reducing wrist strain associated with constant keyboard and mouse use. Others expressed skepticism, questioning the efficiency gains compared to a keyboard and mouse for text-based coding, and citing the potential awkwardness of switching between tablet and keyboard frequently. A few commenters shared their personal experiences, with varying degrees of success. While some abandoned the approach, others found it useful for specific niche applications like working with graphical programming languages or mathematical notation. Several suggested that pen-based computing might be better suited for this workflow than a traditional graphics tablet. The lack of widespread adoption suggests significant usability hurdles remain.
Nash is a simple, self-contained note-taking application presented as a single HTML file. It allows users to create and edit a single note, which is automatically saved to the browser's local storage. Featuring a clean, minimalist interface with markdown support, Nash prioritizes ease of use and portability, making it readily accessible from any browser without the need for servers or external dependencies.
HN users generally praised the simplicity and self-contained nature of Nash, finding its single HTML file approach appealing for quick note-taking and sharing. Some appreciated the clean interface and lack of distractions. A few commenters suggested potential improvements like adding search functionality, local storage options beyond the browser, and the ability to export notes in different formats. Others discussed alternative minimalist note-taking tools and the benefits of plain text files. The discussion also touched on the security implications of storing notes client-side and the potential for data loss if the browser cache is cleared.
Roam Research competitor, Roame, a Y Combinator-backed startup focused on networked thought, is seeking a Chief of Staff to directly support the CEO. This role involves a wide range of responsibilities, from investor relations and fundraising to strategic planning and special projects. Ideal candidates are highly organized, analytical, and excellent communicators with a strong interest in the future of knowledge management. This is a high-impact opportunity to join a fast-growing company at a crucial stage of its development.
Hacker News users reacted with skepticism to Roam Research's Chief of Staff job posting, questioning the need for such a role in a small startup (around 20 people). Several commenters viewed the position as potentially signaling dysfunction or a lack of clear organizational structure within the company. Some suggested the responsibilities listed were already part of a CEO's or other existing roles, while others speculated it might be a stepping stone to a more defined position. A few commenters, however, saw the listing as a legitimate need for support in a rapidly growing company, particularly given the complexities of Roam's product and market. The high salary offered also drew attention, with some questioning its justification.
Micro Journal is a minimalist, distraction-free writing tool designed for quick journaling and note-taking. It prioritizes simplicity and privacy by storing entries locally in plain text files, eliminating the need for accounts, cloud syncing, or databases. The interface is deliberately barebones, offering only essential features like creating, saving, and searching entries. This focus on core functionality aims to encourage regular writing by reducing friction and ensuring quick access to past thoughts and ideas.
Hacker News users generally praised the Micro Journal for its minimalist design and focus on distraction-free writing. Several commenters appreciated its open-source nature and the use of readily available components, making it easy to replicate or modify. Some discussed the potential benefits of e-ink for focused writing and its lower power consumption. A few expressed concerns about the limited functionality compared to more feature-rich options, while others suggested potential improvements like a larger screen or different keyboard layouts. The project sparked discussion about the value of dedicated writing devices and the desire for simpler, more focused technology. Some users shared their own experiences with similar minimalist writing setups and offered alternative software suggestions.
The author explains their extensive use of Org Mode, an Emacs extension, as a powerful, all-encompassing tool beyond simple note-taking. They highlight its flexibility for managing writing projects, from initial brainstorming and outlining to drafting, editing, and publishing. Org Mode's structured format, using plain text and simple markup, facilitates easy reorganization, version control with Git, and export to various formats like HTML and PDF. The author demonstrates how features like tags, links, and the ability to embed code and results directly into documents make it ideal for technical writing, literate programming, and project management, ultimately creating a unified system for knowledge creation and organization.
Hacker News users generally praised the article for its clear explanation of Org Mode's benefits and the author's workflow. Several commenters shared their own experiences and tips for using Org Mode, highlighting its versatility for tasks beyond writing, such as project management and note-taking. Some discussed the learning curve associated with Org Mode, acknowledging its initial complexity but emphasizing the long-term payoff. A few users mentioned alternative tools, but the overall sentiment leaned towards appreciating Org Mode's powerful features and extensibility. The discussion also touched upon the advantages of plain text and the philosophical appeal of owning your data.
Mikey is a free, open-source meeting note-taking application for Windows designed to streamline the process of capturing and organizing meeting information. It focuses on simplicity and efficiency, offering features like automatic speaker identification, timestamped notes, action item tracking, and easy export options to plain text, Markdown, or JSON. The aim is to allow participants to focus on the meeting itself rather than scrambling to take notes, resulting in more productive and engaging discussions.
HN commenters generally expressed interest in Mikey, praising its simple approach and potential usefulness for quickly jotting down notes during meetings. Some suggested improvements like global hotkeys, Markdown support, and cloud syncing. A few users compared it to other note-taking tools, mentioning alternatives like Notepad++, Typora, and dedicated meeting software. Concerns were raised regarding the Windows-only limitation, with commenters hoping for cross-platform compatibility or suggesting similar existing solutions for other operating systems. Some skepticism was expressed about the long-term viability of small, independent projects like this.
This blog post details how to create and manage recurring checklists within Emacs' Org Mode. It leverages the SCHEDULED and STYLE properties of list items to automate the reappearance of tasks at specified intervals. The author demonstrates how to define a daily checklist template, schedule its repetition daily, and configure it to reset each morning, ready for a new day's checking. Furthermore, it explores more complex scenarios, including using timestamps to track completion history and adding specific scheduling keywords for more nuanced control over recurrence, like excluding weekends. The post also briefly covers handling checklist items that don't need daily resetting.
Hacker News users generally praised the article for its clear explanation of using Org Mode for recurring tasks. Several commenters shared their own workflows and modifications, including using the org-super-agenda package, scripting with elisp for more complex recurring tasks, and integrating with mobile apps like Orgzly. Some pointed out potential limitations of the author's approach, suggesting alternatives like dynamic blocks for greater flexibility. The discussion also touched on broader Org Mode features, such as capturing tasks and agenda views. A few users highlighted the steep learning curve of Emacs and Org Mode but affirmed their power once mastered.
NotepadJS is a cross-platform, open-source text editor inspired by the simplicity of Windows Notepad. Built with web technologies (HTML, CSS, and JavaScript) using Electron, it aims to provide a lightweight and distraction-free writing experience across different operating systems. It supports essential features like basic text editing, find and replace, customizable themes, and automatic file saving, while intentionally avoiding more complex functionalities found in full-fledged code editors. The project focuses on maintaining a clean and minimal interface, prioritizing speed and ease of use for quick note-taking and text manipulation.
Hacker News users generally praised NotepadJS for its simplicity and cross-platform compatibility, viewing it as a welcome alternative to Electron-based text editors. Some appreciated its small size and speed, while others suggested potential improvements like syntax highlighting, tabbed interfaces, and mobile support. A few commenters pointed out existing similar projects like Lite XL and discussed the merits of using Tauri versus Electron for such applications. The developer's choice of using vanilla JavaScript also garnered positive feedback. Some expressed nostalgia for simpler text editors and lauded the project for fulfilling a specific need for a lightweight, no-frills notepad application.
Memos is an open-source, self-hosted alternative to tools like Rewind and Recall. It allows users to capture their digital life—including web pages, screenshots, code snippets, terminal commands, and more—and makes it searchable and readily accessible. Memos emphasizes privacy and data ownership, storing all data locally. It offers a clean and intuitive interface for browsing, searching, and organizing captured memories. The project is actively developed and aims to provide a powerful yet easy-to-use personal search engine for your digital life.
HN users generally praise Memos for its simplicity and self-hostable nature, comparing it favorably to commercial alternatives like Rewind and Recall. Several commenters appreciate the clean UI and straightforward markdown editor. Some discuss potential use cases, like journaling, note-taking, and team knowledge sharing. A few raise concerns about the long-term viability of relying on SQLite for larger databases, and some suggest alternative database backends. Others note the limited mobile experience and desire for mobile apps or better mobile web support. The project's open-source nature is frequently lauded, with some users expressing interest in contributing. There's also discussion around desired features, such as improved search, tagging, and different storage backends.
Summary of Comments ( 61 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=44022448
HN users generally praise the author's initiative and technical skill in building a custom PKM solution. Several commenters discuss the tradeoffs between using existing tools like Obsidian and developing a bespoke system. Some highlight the benefits of a tailored approach, such as precise control and avoiding vendor lock-in, while others caution about the significant time investment and potential for feature creep. The discussion touches on specific technical choices, including using SQLite and web technologies. Some suggest pre-existing open-source solutions the author could have leveraged or contributed to. There's also interest in the author's indexing and search strategy, with suggestions for libraries and techniques to improve performance. Finally, several users express anticipation for the open-sourcing of the project.
The Hacker News post "Ditching Obsidian and building my own" (linking to an article about building a personal knowledge management system) generated a moderate number of comments, largely focusing on the author's perceived motivations, the practicality of building versus using existing solutions, and alternative PKM approaches.
Several commenters questioned the author's stated reasons for abandoning Obsidian, suggesting that the desire to build their own system might be driven by the inherent enjoyment of building, rather than a genuine deficiency in Obsidian. One commenter succinctly stated, "It's the builder's itch." Another speculated that the appeal lies in the journey and the process of refining the system to one's exact specifications.
Others debated the practicality of creating a custom PKM from scratch. Some acknowledged the potential benefits of a tailor-made system but cautioned about the significant time investment and the potential for "reinventing the wheel," especially given the maturity and feature richness of existing tools like Obsidian. A few commenters shared their own experiences with building and maintaining personal tools, highlighting the ongoing maintenance burden and the risk of the project becoming a distraction from the actual knowledge management.
A recurring theme was the exploration of alternative PKM methods. Several commenters suggested simpler approaches, including plain text files, folder structures, and even email. One user advocated for a system based on email, arguing that its inherent organization and searchability make it a powerful, albeit unconventional, PKM tool. Another commenter suggested focusing on "knowledge representation" as opposed to tooling, highlighting the importance of finding a conceptual model that works well for the individual, regardless of the specific software used.
A few commenters expressed interest in the author's technical choices, particularly the use of SQLite and Python. They inquired about specific implementation details and shared their own preferences for databases and programming languages for similar projects.
Finally, some comments touched on the broader topic of PKM philosophy and the challenge of finding the "perfect" system. One commenter observed that the pursuit of the ideal PKM can become an endless quest, and that it's essential to find a balance between experimentation and actual knowledge work. Another emphasized the importance of adapting the system to evolving needs, acknowledging that a PKM is not a static entity but a constantly evolving tool.