43 Folders

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

Note Taking Tips?

I’m in my first year of university and trying desperately to come up with the best way to take notes on my mac…

I’ve been looking into notae and yojimbo (I like the tagging features alot, but dislike that I can’t put in pictures and such) but have heard good things about journler and devonthink.

The problem with Notae (which I used today) is everything is in SQL databases which is going to make it difficult. Plus most of these apps REQUIRE you to make a new database file rather than a bunch of text files which it will database and collect, etc. I’ve also heard wiki’s are a great way to take notes but have no clue how to do so on my mac.

So please, if you have any suggestions I’d love to hear them. I’m sure there are many like me who also would love to know any suggestions for great apps for us Univeristy kids.

wood.tang's picture

Paper first, then the computer

You should really consider taking the notes on paper, then putting them into the computer later. The computer will just be a distraction, and you won’t be engaged in what the professor is saying. That screen creates a little wall between you and everyone else in the room. I had a former manager ban laptops from meetings for this very reason.

Even if you possess the self-control to not check your email, IM, surf the web, etc, the temptation will be too great to twiddle around with the settings/formats/tags in your note taking program and you won’t really grasp what’s going on. It will be pretty and fantastically searchable, but it won’t mean anything because you just copied it down like a robot. Your brain will be more actively engaged as you write by hand. Plus, you can revise and review when you type them up later, and you’ll retain it better for exam time.

 
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The Podcast Feed

Inbox Zero

The original 43 Folders series looking at the skills, tools, and attitude needed to empty your email inbox — and then keep it that way. Don’t miss the free video of Merlin’s Inbox Zero presentation.

Making Time

3-part series on attention management for artists and makers. Read Bad Correspondence, The Job You Think You Have, and One Clear Line.