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.
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.
TalkNotes is a website that transforms free-form text into actionable tasks. Users input their thoughts, ideas, or meeting notes, and TalkNotes uses AI to identify and extract tasks, assigning due dates and prioritizing them based on context. The platform aims to simplify task management by eliminating the need to manually parse and organize notes, allowing users to focus on brainstorming and ideation while ensuring follow-up actions are captured and scheduled. It offers a clean and intuitive interface for managing the generated tasks and integrating them into existing workflows.
HN users generally expressed skepticism and criticism of TalkNotes. Several pointed out existing, more robust solutions like Todoist, Mem, or even simple note-taking apps. The core critique revolved around the limited functionality of TalkNotes, particularly the lack of editing capabilities and organizational features beyond basic tagging. Some questioned the value proposition of converting spoken thoughts directly into tasks, suggesting it might lead to an overwhelming and unmanageable task list. The perceived simplicity of the site was also seen as a negative, with commenters arguing it didn't offer enough to justify its existence over readily available alternatives. A few users suggested potential improvements, such as adding editing and task management features, but the overall sentiment leaned towards finding the current iteration too basic.
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.