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43Folders.com is Merlin Mann’s website about finding the time and attention to do your best creative work.

File Organization Tipps

Hi,

A few weeks ago i was totally re-organizing my file system on the computer.
What i did. I threw all of my projects, everything, into 1 folder and from there moved them to "Archive" or the "Pending" box.

The problem starts with Archive. I don't where exactly to store my files. Some are more like Art, Music (i am a musician) and so on. But problems come in when i reach files for my job. As i said i am a musician - an Audio Engineer to. So where do i store those file regarding reading material about Audio Engineering which tell about music theory? Hmm?!
Sure, i can tag those files with Quicksilver or Punakea (the best tagging software i found for the mac except it doesnt let you choose which characters to use for delimiting tags) but, you know, that isn't exactly what i am looking for.

So i asked myself, how are you organizing your files, your life etc into folders and subfolders?

Thanks in advance

quiviran's picture

Kinkless vs File Organization

Hi Zettt,

I just went through the process suggested on Kinkless to cure (hopefully) my desktop clutter issues. My observation is that particular process is just to force working the desktop clutter issue, not the grand scheme for file organization on your computer. If you note at about 2:38 into Screencast 2 Schoonover opens his Archive folder and reveals a very richly structured filing space for ALL of his documents. I see this as equivalent to the file cabinet in the physical GTD process, while the Inbox is just the Inbox, which now has some clever automated tools to help you keep it empty and the clutter off your desktop.

So, that said, I think your next step is to build a subfolder structure within the Archives folder that makes sense for you and lets you enjoy a Zen desktop like water. I'm working on that now. My desktop goal was to be able to enjoy pictures and background on my screen when I wasn't actually using any applications. Right now I have a picture titled "Tardis in Trouble". I'm sure this urge will pass before too long.

 
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