diff --git a/content/journal/dispatch-7-september-2023/index.md b/content/journal/dispatch-7-september-2023/index.md index 567aee6..7110553 100644 --- a/content/journal/dispatch-7-september-2023/index.md +++ b/content/journal/dispatch-7-september-2023/index.md @@ -1,6 +1,6 @@ --- title: "Dispatch #7 (September 2023)" -date: 2023-09-04T22:38:04-04:00 +date: 2023-09-08T00:00:00-04:00 draft: false tags: - dispatch @@ -17,6 +17,22 @@ references: url: https://twonerds.net/blog/radda-in-chianti-to-siena date: 2023-09-08T20:11:47Z file: twonerds-net-pv4a04.txt +- title: "On Tools and the Aesthetics of Work - Cal Newport" + url: https://calnewport.com/on-tools-and-the-aesthetics-of-work/ + date: 2023-09-09T02:14:13Z + file: calnewport-com-jtszvi.txt +- title: "Exit, Voice, Loyalty, Neglect: Why People Leave, Stay, or Try to Burn It All Down | The Art of Manliness" + url: https://www.artofmanliness.com/character/behavior/exit-voice-loyalty-neglect-why-people-leave-stay-or-try-to-burn-it-all-down/ + date: 2023-09-09T02:15:27Z + file: www-artofmanliness-com-rx8ary.txt +- title: "Digital Notetaking Stack - Notes from your friend Chris" + url: https://chrisnotes.io/digital-notetaking-stack + date: 2023-09-09T02:17:52Z + file: chrisnotes-io-ijc95x.txt +- title: "Why note-taking apps don’t make us smarter - The Verge" + url: https://www.theverge.com/2023/8/25/23845590/note-taking-apps-ai-chat-distractions-notion-roam-mem-obsidian + date: 2023-09-09T02:26:18Z + file: www-theverge-com-mjsr9z.txt --- We were down at Lake Norman for the long weekend, and as I was pulling up the kayaks this morning, I couldn't help but feel like I was also sort of putting away the summer -- what a summer though. The last few weeks of August were pretty wall-to-wall. I went up to the Eastern Shore in Virginia to spend a long weekend with some old friends. Our rental was right on an inlet off the Chesapeake, and they had a stand-up paddleboard I was able to take out. @@ -91,7 +107,7 @@ This month: * Adventure: Italy! Claire and I [did a bike tour through Tuscany][15] in 2017 that was supposed to end at Elba Island, though for various reasons, it did not. Claire has continued to follow the resort on social media, and we decided earlier this summer to finally check it out, Nev in tow. We've been so busy that it's just now coming into focus, but we are getting excited -- [just look at this place][16]. * Project: hanging out with my buddy Ken (pictured up top), who records music as [Carillon][17], is always inspiring. I'd like to get a basic audio recording station set up in my basement and start playing with some acoustic and digital instruments. I'll probably repurpose the door I removed as part of the [closet project][18]. -* Skill: +* Skill: just get my non-fiction reading habit back -- the stack to my left here is growing. [15]: https://twonerds.net/blog/radda-in-chianti-to-siena [16]: https://www.rosselbalepalme.it/en/glamping-lodge.php @@ -109,10 +125,27 @@ Reading: Links: -* [Title][22] -* [Title][23] -* [Title][24] +* [On Tools and the Aesthetics of Work][22] -[22]: https://example.com/ -[23]: https://example.com/ -[24]: https://example.com/ + > But the Mythic is a useful reminder that the rhythms of our professional lives are not pre-ordained. We craft the world in which we work, even if we don’t realize it. + +* [Exit, Voice, Loyalty, Neglect: Why People Leave, Stay, or Try to Burn It All Down][23] + + > Hirschman observed that people who find themselves in diminishing, less-than-ideal circumstances have three options: 1) leave the declining group, company, or relationship (exit), 2) express discontent to improve the situation (voice), or 3) stay in the organization and passively hope things get better (loyalty). + > + > Since the initial publication of Exit, Voice, Loyalty in 1970, other social scientists have added a fourth option to Hirschman’s framework: neglect. + +* [Digital Notetaking Stack][24] + + > So, I’ve developed a system that works for taking paper notes. It’s custom tailored to my goals and how my brain works. And as a cherry on top, I picked a notebook binder and pen that I really enjoy touching and looking at, which makes the whole system just that much better. + > + > Similarly, I use a set of different apps for different purposes when I’m taking notes in my digital world. + +* [Why note-taking apps don’t make us smarter][25] + + > Today let’s step outside the news cycle and turn our attention toward a topic I’m deeply invested in but only rarely write about: productivity platforms. For decades now, software tools have promised to make working life easier. But on one critical dimension — their ability to improve our thinking — they don’t seem to be making much progress at all. + +[22]: https://calnewport.com/on-tools-and-the-aesthetics-of-work/ +[23]: https://www.artofmanliness.com/character/behavior/exit-voice-loyalty-neglect-why-people-leave-stay-or-try-to-burn-it-all-down/ +[24]: https://chrisnotes.io/digital-notetaking-stack +[25]: https://www.theverge.com/2023/8/25/23845590/note-taking-apps-ai-chat-distractions-notion-roam-mem-obsidian diff --git a/content/notes/first-it-must-work/index.md b/content/notes/first-it-must-work/index.md index 901694a..e370fe7 100644 --- a/content/notes/first-it-must-work/index.md +++ b/content/notes/first-it-must-work/index.md @@ -39,6 +39,10 @@ references: url: https://changelog.com/posts/still-no-silver-bullet date: 2023-07-04T16:04:24Z file: changelog-com-kqx1ni.txt +- title: "No one actually wants simplicity - lukeplant.me.uk" + url: https://lukeplant.me.uk/blog/posts/no-one-actually-wants-simplicity/ + date: 2023-09-09T02:23:06Z + file: lukeplant-me-uk-ms1b6l.txt --- ### Thoughts on priorities in software development @@ -61,6 +65,7 @@ references: * [We are wasting up to 20% of our time on computer problems, says study][7] * [Choose Boring Technology][8] * [There's still no silver bullet][9] +* [No one actually wants simplicity][10] [3]: https://grugbrain.dev/ [4]: https://world.hey.com/dhh/even-amazon-can-t-make-sense-of-serverless-or-microservices-59625580 @@ -68,4 +73,5 @@ references: [6]: https://taylor.town/millennium-sewer [7]: https://techxplore.com/news/2023-06-problems.html [8]: https://mcfunley.com/choose-boring-technology -[9]: https://changelog.com/posts/still-no-silver-bullet \ No newline at end of file +[9]: https://changelog.com/posts/still-no-silver-bullet +[10]: https://lukeplant.me.uk/blog/posts/no-one-actually-wants-simplicity/ \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/static/archive/calnewport-com-jtszvi.txt b/static/archive/calnewport-com-jtszvi.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..40783ba --- /dev/null +++ b/static/archive/calnewport-com-jtszvi.txt @@ -0,0 +1,324 @@ + #[1]Cal Newport » Feed [2]Cal Newport » Comments Feed [3]Cal Newport » + On Tools and the Aesthetics of Work Comments Feed [4]alternate + [5]alternate [6]alternate + + IFRAME: [7]https://www.googletagmanager.com/ns.html?id=GTM-W6XZ4TH + + [8]Skip to content + + [9]Cal Newport + + (BUTTON) Menu + + [10]Cal Newport + (BUTTON) Menu + * [11]Home + * [12]Scholarship + * [13]Writing + * [14]Essays + * [15]Press + * [16]Contact + + [17]Home » [18]Blog » On Tools and the Aesthetics of Work + +On Tools and the Aesthetics of Work + + September 4, 2023 + + In the summer of 2022, an engineer named Keegan McNamara, who was at + the time working for a fundraising technology startup, found his way to + the [19]Arms and Armor exhibit at the Met. He was struck by the + unapologetic mixture of extreme beauty and focused function captured in + the antique firearms on display. As reported in [20]a recent profile of + McNamara published in The Verge, this encounter with the past sparked a + realization about the present: + + “That combination of craftsmanship and utility, objects that are + both thoroughly practical and needlessly outrageously beautiful, + doesn’t really exist anymore. ‘And it especially doesn’t exist for + computers.'” + + Aesthetically, contemporary digitals devices have become industrial and + impersonal: grey and black rectangles carved into generically-modern + clean lines . Functionally, they offer the hapless user a cluttered + explosion of potential activity, windows piling on top of windows, + command bars thick with applications. Standing in the Arms and Armor + exhibit McNamara began to wonder if there was a way to rethink the PC; + to save it from a predictable maximalism. + + The result was [21]The Mythic I, a custom computer that McNamara + handcrafted over the year or so that followed that momentous afternoon + at the Met. The machine is housed in a swooping hardwood frame carved + using manual tools. An eight-inch screen is mounted above a 1980’s + IBM-style keyboard with big clacking keys that McNamara carefully + lubricated to achieve exactly the right sound on each strike: “if you + have dry rubbing of plastic, it doesn’t sound thock-y. It just sounds + cheap.” Below the keyboard is an Italian leather hand rest. To turn it + on you insert and turn a key and then flip a toggle switch. + + Equally notable is what happens once the machine is activated. McNamara + designed the Mythic for three specific purposes: writing a novel, + writing occasional computer code, and writing his daily journal. + Accordingly, it runs a highly-modular version of Linux called NixOS + that he’s customized to only offer emacs, a text-based editor popular + among hacker types, that’s launched from a basic green command line. + You can’t go online, or create a PowerPoint presentation, or edit a + video. It’s a writing a machine, and like the antique arms that + inspired it, the Mythic implements this functionality with a focused, + beautiful utilitarianism. + + In his critical classic, [22]Amusing Ourselves to Death, Neil Postman + argued that the form taken by the technologies we use impacts the + fundamental nature of our cognition. When we switched media consumption + from long newspaper articles to television soundbites, for example, our + understanding of news lost its heft and became more superficial and + emotionally-charged. + + When pondering Keegan McNamara and the Mythic, I can’t help but apply + Postman’s framework to the machines that organize our professional + activities. The modern computer, with its generic styling and + overloaded activity, creates a cognitive environment defined by urgent, + bland, Sisyphean widget cranking — work as endless Slack and email and + Zoom and “jumping on” calls, in which there is always too much to do, + but no real sense of much of importance actually being accomplished. + + In Keegan’s construction we find an alternative understanding of work, + built now on beauty, craftsmanship, and focus. Replacing everyone’s + MacBook with custom-carved hardwood, of course, is not enough on its + own to transform how we think about out jobs, [23]as these issues have + deeper roots. But the Mythic is a useful reminder that the rhythms of + our professional lives are not pre-ordained. We craft the world in + which we work, even if we don’t realize it. + + ##### + + In other news: My longtime friend Brad Stulberg has a great new book + out this week. It’s called, [24]Master of Change: How to Excel When + Everything is Changing — Including You. In my cover blurb, I noted that + this “immensely wise and timely book provides a roadmap for a + tumultuous world.” I really mean it! The idea of preparing yourself to + thrive, and not crumble, when faced with inevitable change is + self-evidently important, and Brad does a great job of delivering the + goods on this timely theme. + + Pro-tip: if you do buy the book this week, [25]go to Brad’s website to + claim a bunch of cool pre-order bonuses that he’s offering through the + first full week of publication. + + [26]We Don’t Need a New Twitter + +7 thoughts on “On Tools and the Aesthetics of Work” + + 1. + Galia + [27]September 4, 2023 at 9:27 am + Too much information when few things matter: that reminds me of the + book Essentialism. Acting like those everyday stimuli don’t exist + is the first recipe for success. + [28]Reply + 2. + Alexander Lewis + [29]September 4, 2023 at 11:57 am + I love the idea here. People still use old typewriters as art + pieces and coffee table decor in their homes. It’s hard to imagine + something similar occuring with modern computers. Laptops are used + until they’re dead, and then they’re recycled or thrown into the + junk drawer. + I think this craftsman/engineer might be onto something. + [30]Reply + 3. + Rafa Font + [31]September 4, 2023 at 3:22 pm + They have become Swiss knives, tools for all. Especially mobile + phones, they’re maps, navigators, radio, compass, torch, voice + recorder, word processor… all in one. + I gave my kids a voice recorder the other day. So that they can + have a one-action device to play with and understand what it is, on + its own. + [32]Reply + 4. + Alex Francisco + [33]September 4, 2023 at 8:04 pm + What a find! + My copies of ‘Understanding Media: The Extensions of Man’ – + McLuhan, + the Medium is the Massage are always in my mind. + A good summary is that one line by Culkin in an article about + McLuhan: + “We become what we behold. We shape our tools, and thereafter our + tools shape us.” + Timeless, humbling AND empowering at once. + [34]Reply + 5. + rb + [35]September 4, 2023 at 9:47 pm + WordStar was more fun than WordPerfect, which was quite a bit more + fun than Microsoft Word. There has not been a professional writing + application since WordStar and its pale descendants including + EMACS. Everybody writes – there is opportunity here. + [36]Reply + 6. + Garrett + [37]September 6, 2023 at 1:46 pm + In my opinion, another huge value of this is that it has a distinct + physical location. There’s a lot of power (at least for me) in + having a physical place to do things. When I’m in my woodshop for + instance, I am not engaging with distractions. I’m there to create + things and I’m limited (or, empowered) by the tools around me. + [38]Reply + 7. + Judy + [39]September 6, 2023 at 6:23 pm + As someone who formerly worked in IT but transitioned to become a + classical fine art painter, I love the concept of objects that are + both utilitarian and beautiful. Many craftspeople of the past took + great pride in creating all manner of objects that were more than + simply useful, as Keegan McNamara discovered. Owners of these + well-crafted objects also loved them for their beauty. Beauty is + important in life. + [40]Reply + +Leave a Comment [41]Cancel reply + + Comment + _____________________________________________ + _____________________________________________ + _____________________________________________ + _____________________________________________ + _____________________________________________ + _____________________________________________ + _____________________________________________ + _____________________________________________ + + ____________________________________________________________ + ____________________________________________________________ + ____________________________________________________________ + ____________________________________________________________ + Name ______________________________ Email + ______________________________ ______________________________ + + [ ] Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time + I comment. + + Post Comment + + author + +About + + Cal launched the "Study Hacks" blog at calnewport.com in 2007, and has + been regularly publishing essays here ever since. Over 2,000,000 people + a year visit this site to read Cal's weekly posts about technology, + productivity, and the quest to live and work deeply in an increasingly + distracted world, while tens of thousands more subscribe to have these + essays delivered directly to their inbox (see the sign-up form below). + [42]To read more, you can browse more than 15 years of past essays in + the archive. + In the fall of 2022, Cal launched a new portal, [43]TheDeepLife.com, to + serve as the online home for all other content relevant to the deep + life movement he helped initiate. Here you can find all past episodes + of Cal's popular podcast, Deep Questions, and explore an extensive + library of original videos. + __________________________________________________________________ + + footer logo + + This site is the online home for the computer science professor and + bestselling author Cal Newport. Here you can learn more about Cal and + both his general-audience and academic writing. You can also browse and + subscribe to his long-running weekly essay series. For more on Cal's + podcast, videos, and online courses, please visit his media portal, + [44]TheDeepLife.com. + +Contact Info + + Academic Communication + [45][email protected] + Media Inquires + [46][email protected] + All Other Requests + [47]See Contact Page + +Quick Links + + * [48]Scholarship + * [49]Writing + * [50]Essays + * [51]Press + * [52]Contact + * [53]Media Kit + * [54]Podcast/Videos + + * [55]Privacy Policies + * [56]Cookie Policy + * [57]Terms of Service + * [58]Accessibility Statement + + Copyright © 2023 Cal Newport, All rights reserved. + + Cleantalk Pixel + +References + + Visible links: + 1. https://calnewport.com/feed/ + 2. https://calnewport.com/comments/feed/ + 3. https://calnewport.com/on-tools-and-the-aesthetics-of-work/feed/ + 4. https://calnewport.com/wp-json/wp/v2/posts/15503 + 5. https://calnewport.com/wp-json/oembed/1.0/embed?url=https://calnewport.com/on-tools-and-the-aesthetics-of-work/ + 6. https://calnewport.com/wp-json/oembed/1.0/embed?url=https://calnewport.com/on-tools-and-the-aesthetics-of-work/&format=xml + 7. https://www.googletagmanager.com/ns.html?id=GTM-W6XZ4TH + 8. file:///var/folders/q9/qlz2w5251kzdfgn0np7z2s4c0000gn/T/L25674-6023TMP.html#content + 9. https://calnewport.com/ + 10. https://calnewport.com/ + 11. https://calnewport.com/ + 12. https://calnewport.com/scholarship/ + 13. https://calnewport.com/writing/ + 14. https://calnewport.com/blog/ + 15. https://calnewport.com/press/ + 16. https://calnewport.com/contact/ + 17. https://calnewport.com/ + 18. https://calnewport.com/blog/ + 19. https://www.metmuseum.org/about-the-met/collection-areas/arms-and-armor + 20. https://www.theverge.com/23841276/mythic-computer-keegan-mcnamara-pc-builder + 21. https://www.mythic.computer/ + 22. https://www.amazon.com/Amusing-Ourselves-Death-Discourse-Business/dp/014303653X/ + 23. https://www.amazon.com/World-Without-Email-Reimagining-Communication/dp/0525536558/ + 24. https://www.amazon.com/Master-Change-Everything-Changing-Including/dp/006325316X + 25. https://www.bradstulberg.com/ + 26. https://calnewport.com/we-dont-need-a-new-twitter/ + 27. https://calnewport.com/on-tools-and-the-aesthetics-of-work/#comment-75274 + 28. file:///var/folders/q9/qlz2w5251kzdfgn0np7z2s4c0000gn/T/L25674-6023TMP.html#comment-75274 + 29. https://calnewport.com/on-tools-and-the-aesthetics-of-work/#comment-75292 + 30. file:///var/folders/q9/qlz2w5251kzdfgn0np7z2s4c0000gn/T/L25674-6023TMP.html#comment-75292 + 31. https://calnewport.com/on-tools-and-the-aesthetics-of-work/#comment-75309 + 32. file:///var/folders/q9/qlz2w5251kzdfgn0np7z2s4c0000gn/T/L25674-6023TMP.html#comment-75309 + 33. https://calnewport.com/on-tools-and-the-aesthetics-of-work/#comment-75349 + 34. file:///var/folders/q9/qlz2w5251kzdfgn0np7z2s4c0000gn/T/L25674-6023TMP.html#comment-75349 + 35. https://calnewport.com/on-tools-and-the-aesthetics-of-work/#comment-75355 + 36. file:///var/folders/q9/qlz2w5251kzdfgn0np7z2s4c0000gn/T/L25674-6023TMP.html#comment-75355 + 37. https://calnewport.com/on-tools-and-the-aesthetics-of-work/#comment-75579 + 38. file:///var/folders/q9/qlz2w5251kzdfgn0np7z2s4c0000gn/T/L25674-6023TMP.html#comment-75579 + 39. https://calnewport.com/on-tools-and-the-aesthetics-of-work/#comment-75642 + 40. file:///var/folders/q9/qlz2w5251kzdfgn0np7z2s4c0000gn/T/L25674-6023TMP.html#comment-75642 + 41. file:///on-tools-and-the-aesthetics-of-work/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter#respond + 42. https://calnewport.com/index.php/archive/ + 43. https://www.thedeeplife.com/ + 44. https://www.thedeeplife.com/ + 45. file:///cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#ec8f82ded8d4ac8b89839e8b8998839b82c2898899 + 46. file:///cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#7d1e1c1113180a0d120f093d0d18131a0814130f1c131912101512080e18531e1210 + 47. https://calnewport.com/index.php/contact/ + 48. https://calnewport.com/scholarship/ + 49. https://calnewport.com/writing/ + 50. https://calnewport.com/blog/ + 51. https://calnewport.com/press/ + 52. https://calnewport.com/contact/ + 53. https://calnewport.com/media-kit/ + 54. https://calnewport.com/podcasts/ + 55. https://calnewport.com/privacy-policies/ + 56. https://calnewport.com/cookie-policy/ + 57. https://calnewport.com/terms-of-service/ + 58. https://calnewport.com/accessibility-statement/ + + Hidden links: + 60. file://localhost/var/folders/q9/qlz2w5251kzdfgn0np7z2s4c0000gn/T/L25674-6023TMP.html diff --git a/static/archive/chrisnotes-io-ijc95x.txt b/static/archive/chrisnotes-io-ijc95x.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..854c002 --- /dev/null +++ b/static/archive/chrisnotes-io-ijc95x.txt @@ -0,0 +1,442 @@ + #[1]Notes from your friend Chris + + [2]Notes from your friend Chris + [3]Home [4]Archives [5]Search [6]Feed + +Digital Notetaking Stack + + So I use a paper notebook. To be more specific, I use a notebook binder + with three separate notebooks in it. Each notebook serves a specific + purpose. The first one is for tasks and to-dos. The second one is just + a scratch pad for absolutely anything under the sun: drawings, + thoughts, somebody’s phone number, anything. The last one is a very + regimented journal where I reflect on personal experiences. + + Sure, I could just use a single notebook for all of these purposes. + Hell, I could use a stack of printer paper for all these purposes; but + it would be clunky, it would be difficult, and I wouldn’t really want + to use it because it wouldn’t be very satisfying. + + So, I’ve developed a system that works for taking paper notes. It’s + custom tailored to my goals and how my brain works. And as a cherry on + top, I picked a notebook binder and pen that I really enjoy touching + and looking at, which makes the whole system just that much better. + + Similarly, I use a set of different apps for different purposes when + I’m taking notes in my digital world. + + Yes, I could probably stick to just using the default notes app on my + phone, but it would be clunky, there would be friction, it would not + adapt to the way my brain works, and I would end up using it less. Plus + it isn’t really that satisfying to look at… but that’s just my opinion. + + So instead, after nearly a decade of trial and error, I’ve developed a + system and way of working with my notes in my digital world that brings + me immense satisfaction and works well with the way my brain works and + the way my lifestyle is currently set up. + + DISCLAIMERS: + * This is not me trying to convince you to use the apps that I use. + This is what works for me, and is very tailored to my brain and + life. I’m not here to tell you what to use. But if hearing about my + setup gives you ideas, that’s great! + * This is something I will continue to change and improve. It’s been + a long evolution to land on this setup. Trial and error was + involved, and will continue to be. I think there’s an ebb and flow + to changing your setup. If you do it too often, you lose + productivity. If you don’t do it enough, your setup may stagnate + and fail to match your lifestyle. + * This is a values-based notetaking setup. I believe in owning my own + data, having an easily exportable format (markdown), and using + tools that are extensible & hackable. For someone who doesn’t share + these values, this may seem overbuilt or convoluted or not native + enough or something. + * This is not written for the PKM enthusiast community. It’s a basic, + balanced setup using tools that are widely known. If you’re a + longtime Personal Knowledge Management guru, there won’t be + anything new for you here. This is written for the layman who is + dissatisfied with their current setup and looking for inspiration. + + Anyway, if digital notetaking is something that never really clicked + for you, or if you currently have a workflow that you’re not pleased + with, this might be a blog article for you. Let me know on [7]Mastodon! + +Overview + + i. Intake / Short-term notes + ii. Long-term notes + iii. Shared / Published notes + iv. Collaborative notes + v. Closing thoughts + +Intake / Short-term notes + + One of the most important parts of my setup is my intake app. I hope + you’ve never had to experience this feeling: + + Your friend names a cool restaurant or book for you to look up + later. You hastily pull up your notes app to write it down. But + wait. Where should you make the note? Does restaurant fall under + your travel folder? Or your food folder? What should you title it? + Do you need to make a new folder? While you’re fiddling with your + app your friend has already started talking about that other boba + place you should explore. Should that go in a whole other note? Oh + god. + + I feel like a lot of people give up after going through this a couple + times and their notes app just ends up being a hodge-podge of + unorganized, random shit that they dread looking back at later. + + This is exactly why I use an intake app, and my app of choice for this + incredibly important role is, of course, Drafts. + + [8]✨Drafts✨ + + Drafts is made for this exact purpose. By default, it opens to a blank + new note. Whatever you type as the first line is considered the title. + And it has this insane concept called Actions that lets you quickly + process your notes by moving them elsewhere through deep interactions + with your other existing apps. + + Let’s look at some pictures: + + [723b4f53-202a-41b6-981c-d1e2710d6e47.png] + + [896a49c3-ec20-4dff-89ac-33f9cf1e6120.png] + + [78912a4e-95cc-463f-af64-5e55f4ddb395.png] + + In the leftmost image, you can see where I keep Drafts. Front and + center, only app in my bottom drawer. + + Middle image, you have the first thing you see when the app opens: a + blank note to write that restaurant / song / boba place. + + Rightmost image, you have the actions pane. + + The actions in this pane are customized to my workflow. You are able to + configure multiple pages, but I’m content with just one for now. + + Drafting a text to your mom? Send it as a text message after you’ve + perfected it. Shopping list? Export straight into wherever you keep + that (for me it’s Things). Deep thought that’s perhaps a little too + deep? File it away in Day One where it will never see the light of day. + + Basic tagging, shortcuts integration, and an archive folder really tie + everything together. Process a ton of drafts at once by selecting them + in the app and then doing a batch operation. + + Drafts comes with a pretty comprehensive set of actions right out of + the box, but the true power here comes from tapping into the [9]Drafts + Directory: a massive repository of actions sourced from the Drafts + community (as well as many written by the creator). + + Every app you could imagine is in this directory. + + And the best part: if your app isn’t in there you can write your own + action! + + Drafts could honestly take up a whole series of blog posts so I’ll stop + there for now. I haven’t even scratched the surface of what it can do, + but you really don’t need to dive very deep to reap the benefits. + + Let’s table Drafts for now. It’ll come up later with how it pipes into + my other systems. + +Long-term notes + + So you may have picked up on the fact that notes don’t stay in Drafts + long. They either get exported or archived. + + Not every note is worthy of a permanent place in your note-taking + kingdom. Embracing this concept was a huge step in cleaning up my + digital world and starting to build a meaningful notes database for my + life. + + As I continued to acclimate to digital notes, I noticed that certain + note categories began to make themselves known. + + [11b85744-48ac-4c2d-a817-6e813929b837.png] + + The middle 3 folders are the important ones to note here. + +Core + + My core folder is where deeply personal stuff goes. Longterm goals, + journal entries, guiding principles and personal mantras. I wouldn’t + expect you to understand mine, but I’d encourage anyone to explore this + category of notes for themselves. + + The notes in this folder don’t change much. But I recently started + recording a daily voice note diary of my day that I then transcribe and + summarize with AI. + + I also do yearly, quarterly, monthly, and weekly planning sessions, and + the artifacts from these sessions often end up in here. + +Projects + + Projects is my favorite folder in my long-term notes. + + For me, this is a place for all kinds of things. Packing lists + + itineraries + other details for an upcoming trip, startup ideas, + potential blog posts, plans and details for my numerous hobbies. + + Notes in here often originate in Drafts and get quickly exported to my + projects folder via Drafts actions. + + Projects are usually temporary, and get moved to my archive folder when + they’re completed (or when I get bored and move onto the next hobby). + +Reference + + This is for lists and information that I will want to keep as + reference. Quotes, wishlists, movie bucket list, books to read, etc. + + I used to maintain a personal wiki of information on different topics. + Zettelkasten-esque, my knowledge wiki is currently in need of cleanup + and will likely be featured in its own blog post if I continue to work + on it. + +Other folders + + Archive is self-explanatory. Old notes go in here. + + Templates is for fill-in-the-blank templates for notes that I take + often. Like those yearly/quarterly/etc check-ins and certain types of + projects. There’s an Obsidian plugin that has some functionality to + take advantage of these, but right now I just duplicate and move + markdown files manually as-needed. Nothing fancy. + __________________________________________________________________ + + I find this setup to be just enough. My main folders allow plenty of + flexibility within them for me to develop all kinds of systems to match + how my brain works. + +Apps and stuff + + Yes, yes, we’ll talk about the app I use, but that’s much less + important than the underlying foundation. + + My long-term note-taking system is really just two things: + * A collection of markdown files + * A syncing service that circulates these files between my devices + + If you commit to using the first, you can choose whatever you want for + the second and migrate between syncing providers at-will with minimal + headache. I’m not going to say much more on that, since others have + covered it very well ([10]File over App from one of the people + responsible for Obsidian). + + And as long as you have these two, you can access all of your notes on + all of your devices with whatever Markdown tools you’d like. Ultimate + freedom, extensibility, and hackability. + + That said, I use Obsidian. + + [11]✨Obsidian✨ + + My go-to sync tool was Dropbox for a long time, but after committing + fully to Obsidian as my default app across Mac / iPad / iPhone I’ve + switched over to Obsidian Sync for the E2E encryption, longer note + history, and seamless integration with Obsidian. + + It basically works like Dropbox used to before the weird Apple OS + integration stuff. Obsidian Sync downloads all the files onto your + device, so you still can access them with any markdown editor that has + access to the filesystem. + + Drafts can export to my longterm notes via both the OS filesystem and + Obsidian app urls. Same for Shortcuts, which I’ll get to later. + + Obsidian also plays nicely with iCloud, and supports Dropbox / Google + Drive / S3 through its community plugins. I have it connected to my + Dropbox for publishing / sharing notes, which I’ll get into in a bit. + + My main reasons for using Obsidian are: + * It has command palette + * It has quick open + * It’s hackable & has community plugins + + Honestly, the specific app here doesn’t really matter as much as the + underlying system. I could switch to using Ulysses or 1Writer or Byword + or nvAlt or something else entirely if I wanted. + + I will say, like Drafts, Obsidian is a product of thoughtful design. + You don’t need to dive to deep to reap the benefits. But if you want to + be a power user, there’s a LOT it can do. For me, the important thing + is that I can open files and do stuff with them easily, and I can hack + it to accommodate to pretty much any use case my weird brain comes up + with. + + Obsidian really knocks it out of the park for me, so I use it almost + exclusively right now (for long-term notes). + +Published / shared notes + + I’m not going to shit on Notion in this post (not much, at least), but + one thing I really missed from migrating from it was the + ease-of-sharing. + + I would put together an itinerary, packing list, cost breakdown, and + car-pooling plan for group camping trips in minutes, hit the share + button, and fire it off to my group chat of friends with no hiccups. + + I had been craving that functionality in my new note-taking system, so + I built it. Kind of. + + Before we get to that, let’s talk about my workflow for posting blog + articles. + +Publishing blog posts + + Remember how I said I use Dropbox still for sharing / publishing? + + I do that with help from a service called Blot. + + [12]✨Blot✨ + + Blot turns a folder in your Dropbox account into a fully functioning + blog. + + Their website explains it all, but basically to publish this article I + literally just dropped it into a folder in my Dropbox, which I can do + without leaving Obsidian. + + I wouldn’t say this is anything groundbreaking, but I find it immensely + satisfying. + +Sharing notes + + Okay, back to Notion-esque sharing. + + Let’s say I put together a travel itinerary for a camping trip in my + Projects folder. It has a list of everyone attending, cost breakdown, + directions, packing list, and pictures of the campsite to drum up hype. + + It’s all ready to go, but I need to share it out to my friends. + + Enter Blot. Same service, different folder. This time, instead of + having Blot publish to chrisnotes.io, I have a separate domain I use + only for this purpose. I move the note to the shared folder and shoot + my friends the link. + + The end. No fuss, no need for them to have an account, it’s just + published to a non-indexed domain that I use as an external + file/note-share. + + ”But it’s not collaborative!” Yeah, and it’s not meant to be. + +Collaborative notes + + Okay, so once in a blue moon I have a valid reason to collaborate on a + note with someone. It’s incredibly rare, and usually a very niche + use-case. + + If it’s like a Resume or something, I use Google Drive, because the + output artifact is a document. + + If it’s for brainstorming or something, Figma. + + If it’s project tracking, Notion. + + These aren’t really notes anymore. This is a one-off collaboration with + a specific outcome in mind, so it doesn’t really fall into the purview + of this post. + + To be honest, I don’t think my personal notes database is something + that would ever require collaboration. My notes are deeply personal, + and I like it that way. I can publish if I need to, and there are + plenty of collaborative tools that work for other tasks. But I have yet + to need real-time collaboration on my actual notes. + +My gripe with Notion + + Okay fine, quick note on Notion. While it’s a powerful tool that sparks + creativity in a very attractive interface, it goes against my core + values. You don’t own your data, it’s on their servers the entire time. + Offline mode barely works. Exporting is a mess because while they + present themselves as Markdown-esque, their stuff is so custom it’s a + mess to port to other apps. + + You get punished as soon as you try to leave. + + Best of luck to anyone entangled in that system. It took some work to + get my notes out of Notion, and I will not be going back. + +Closing thoughts + + You made it to the end! + + Personally, after having tried a lot of tools with varying levels of + depth and complexity, I find this setup very balanced. + + It does just enough. I haven’t gone too deep into any of the tools. + It’s still portable. I could still switch stuff around with very little + overhead if I wanted to. + + Being candid, my sync system is the one thing I am considering + changing. I don’t like that Obsidian Sync has no way to run headless, + and has no API access for other apps to tap into. If I wanted to change + editor, I’d need to switch back to Dropbox. It wouldn’t take much to + make the switch: maybe 5 minutes to update the config across all my + devices. + + But that’s the only thing I’m really not happy with right now. I find + this system pretty seamless to work with. It has structure and + organization, without being so confined that it limits creativity. + +Bonus goodies + + If you made it this far, you’re either really into notetaking systems + or you’re friends with me. Either way, you might get a kick out of some + of the cool functionality that comes from a system like this. + +Custom share sheet actions + + Any time I’m browsing the web and come across something I want to buy + later, I can instantly append it to my Wishlist note using a share + sheet action that uses Obsidian’s deep-linking. + + I could easily replicate this functionality using the OS filesystem in + shortcuts. + + Or, if I was using Dropbox, I could do it with Dropbox’s shortcut + integrations. + + I have a similar shortcut action for prepending selected text to my + Quotes note. + + If I wanted, I could have an automation that downloads the current + weather and top news stories to a daily note for me to review when I + start my morning. + + With a little scripting, you can really bend any of these tools / files + to do whatever you want because of the format. + + Anyway, thanks so much for reading this far. I hope you got something + from it. And if you have any input, please let me know. I’m not going + to pretend I’m any kind of guru, and I love learning new things. If you + have suggestions or ideas or feedback, please send them my way on + [13]Mastodon! + __________________________________________________________________ + +Date + + September 4, 2023 + +References + + 1. https://chrisnotes.io/feed.rss + 2. file:/// + 3. file:/// + 4. file:///archives + 5. file:///search + 6. file:///feed.rss + 7. https://mastodon.social/@chrisnotes + 8. https://getdrafts.com/ + 9. https://directory.getdrafts.com/ + 10. https://stephanango.com/file-over-app + 11. http://obsidian.md/ + 12. https://blot.im/ + 13. https://mastodon.social/@chrisnotes diff --git a/static/archive/lukeplant-me-uk-ms1b6l.txt b/static/archive/lukeplant-me-uk-ms1b6l.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..2961cd3 --- /dev/null +++ b/static/archive/lukeplant-me-uk-ms1b6l.txt @@ -0,0 +1,126 @@ + * Site + + [1]Home + + [2]About me + * Blog + + [3]Posts + + [4]Categories + * Post + + [5]Comments + + [6]Related + +No one actually wants simplicity + + by [7]Luke Plant + Posted in: + * [8]Rants + * [9]Software development + * [10]Web development + + — August 22, 2023 18:49 + + The reason that modern web development is [11]swamped with complexity + is that no one really wants things to be simple. We just think we do, + while our choices prove otherwise. + + A lot of developers want simplicity in the same way that a lot of + clients claim they want a fast website. You respond “OK, so we can + remove some of these 17 Javascript trackers and other bloat that’s + making your website horribly slow?” – no, apparently those are all + critical business functionality. + + In other words, they prioritise everything over speed. And then they + wonder why using their website is like rowing a boat through a lake of + molasses on a cold day using nothing but a small plastic spoon. + + The same is often true of complexity. The real test is the question + “what are you willing to sacrifice to achieve simplicity?” If the + answer is “nothing”, then you don’t actually love simplicity at all, + it’s your lowest priority. + + When I say “sacrifice”, I don’t mean that choosing simplicity will mean + you are worse off overall – simplicity brings massive benefits. But it + does mean that there will be some things that tempt you to believe you + are missing out. + + For every developer, it might be something different. For one, the + tedium of having to spend half an hour a month ensuring that two + different things are kept in sync easily justifies the adoption of a + bulky framework that solves that particular problem. For another, the + ability to control how a checkbox animates when you check it is of + course a valid reason to add another 50 packages and 3 layers of + frameworks to their product. For another, adding an abstraction with + thousands of lines of codes, dozens of classes and page after page of + documentation in order to avoid manually writing a [12]tiny factory + function for a test is a great trade-off. + + Of course we all claim to hate complexity, but it’s actually just + complexity added by other people that we hate — our own bugbears are + always exempted, and for things we understand we quickly become unable + to even see there is a potential problem for other people. Certainly + there are frameworks and dependencies that justify their existence and + adoption, but working out which ones they are is hard. + + I think a good test of whether you truly love simplicity is whether you + are able to remove things you have added, especially code you’ve + written, even when it is still providing value, because you realise it + is not providing enough value. + + Another test is what you are tempted to do when a problem arises with + some of the complexity you’ve added. Is your first instinct to add even + more stuff to fix it, or is it to remove and live with the loss? + + The only path I can see through all this is to cultivate an almost + obsessive suspicion of [13]FOMO. I think that’s probably key to + learning to [14]say no. + +Links + + * [15]Discussion of this post on Lobsters + +You may also like: [16]§ + + * [17]Test smarter, not harder + * [18]Announcement: Django Views - The Right Way + * [19]Wedding hacks - seating planner using simulated annealing + * [20]Wedding hacks - John Lewis gift list hyperlink + * [21]A prayer to the programming gods + * [22]Why learning Haskell/Python makes you a worse programmer + * [23]A Django website that took (a lot) more than 20 minutes. + +Comments [24]§ + + Comments should load when you scroll to here... + + Copyright Luke Plant + + Built using [25]Nikola + Powered by [26]DigitalOcean + +References + + 1. file:///var/folders/ + 2. file:///var/folders/personal/ + 3. file:///var/folders/q9/ + 4. file:///var/folders/q9/categories/ + 5. file:///var/folders/q9/qlz2w5251kzdfgn0np7z2s4c0000gn/T/L26554-9864TMP.html#comments + 6. file:///var/folders/q9/qlz2w5251kzdfgn0np7z2s4c0000gn/T/L26554-9864TMP.html#related + 7. https://lukeplant.me.uk/ + 8. file:///var/folders/q9/categories/rants/ + 9. file:///var/folders/q9/categories/software-development/ + 10. file:///var/folders/q9/categories/web-development/ + 11. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BtJAsvJOlhM + 12. file:///var/folders/q9/qlz2w5251kzdfgn0np7z2s4c0000gn/test-factory-functions-in-django/ + 13. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fear_of_missing_out + 14. https://grugbrain.dev/#grug-on-saying-no + 15. https://lobste.rs/s/ao2x0v/no_one_actually_wants_simplicity + 16. file:///var/folders/q9/qlz2w5251kzdfgn0np7z2s4c0000gn/T/L26554-9864TMP.html#related + 17. file:///var/folders/q9/qlz2w5251kzdfgn0np7z2s4c0000gn/test-smarter-not-harder/ + 18. file:///var/folders/q9/qlz2w5251kzdfgn0np7z2s4c0000gn/announcement-django-views-the-right-way/ + 19. file:///var/folders/q9/qlz2w5251kzdfgn0np7z2s4c0000gn/wedding-hacks---seating-planner-using-simulated-annealing/ + 20. file:///var/folders/q9/qlz2w5251kzdfgn0np7z2s4c0000gn/wedding-hacks---john-lewis-gift-list-hyperlink/ + 21. file:///var/folders/q9/qlz2w5251kzdfgn0np7z2s4c0000gn/a-prayer-to-the-programming-gods/ + 22. file:///var/folders/q9/qlz2w5251kzdfgn0np7z2s4c0000gn/why-learning-haskell-python-makes-you-a-worse-programmer/ + 23. file:///var/folders/q9/qlz2w5251kzdfgn0np7z2s4c0000gn/a-django-website-that-took-a-lot-more-than-20-minutes/ + 24. file:///var/folders/q9/qlz2w5251kzdfgn0np7z2s4c0000gn/T/L26554-9864TMP.html#comments + 25. https://getnikola.com/ + 26. https://m.do.co/c/cef485980f20 diff --git a/static/archive/www-artofmanliness-com-rx8ary.txt b/static/archive/www-artofmanliness-com-rx8ary.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..81ce12f --- /dev/null +++ b/static/archive/www-artofmanliness-com-rx8ary.txt @@ -0,0 +1,873 @@ + #[1]alternate [2]alternate [3]alternate + + IFRAME: [4]https://www.googletagmanager.com/ns.html?id=GTM-KXJGHMC + + Menu [5]logo [6]podcast ____________________ + Submit + + * [7]Get Style + + [8]Clothing + + [9]Accessories + + [10]Facial Hair + + [11]Ties + * [12]Get Strong + + [13]Fitness + + [14]Health + + [15]Program Review + * [16]Get Social + + [17]Family + + [18]Fatherhood + + [19]Relationships + + [20]Social Skills + * [21]Get Skilled + + [22]How To + + [23]Manly Know-How + + [24]Outdoor/Survival + * [25]Podcast + * [26]Books + * Find more of the Art of Manliness: + instagram icon [27]Instagram + feedly icon [28]Feedly + facebook icon [29]Facebook + twitter icon [30]Twitter + youtube icon [31]YouTube + * ____________________ cross Submit + Search + + * [32]Clothing + * [33]Accessories + * [34]Facial Hair + * [35]Ties + + [36]How to Get the Stink Out of Synthetic Workout Shirts + + [37]A Man’s Guide to Black Tie: How To Wear A Tuxedo + + [38]How to Protect Your Clothing From Moths + + [39]How to Wear Corduroy + + [40]Did Commandos Go Commando? + + [41]A Man’s Guide to Fragrance: How to Choose and Wear Cologne + + [42]My Go-To Sunglasses for Summer + + [43]How to Pick the Perfect Men’s Wedding Ring + + [44]Your No-Nonsense Guide to Choosing the Right Beard Style + + [45]How to Grow a Beard: The One and True Guide + + [46]Beard Oil FAQs: Answering All Your Pressing Beardly Questions + + [47]Beard Grooming 101: The Lowdown on Products and Routine + + [48]How to Tie a Tie + + [49]Skill of the Week: Tie the Half-Windsor Necktie Knot + + [50]How to Match a Shirt and Tie + + [51]Is the Necktie Obsolete? + + [52]Browse all Get Style + * [53]Fitness + * [54]Health + * [55]Program Review + + [56]How to Use an Assault Bike to Improve Your All-Around Conditioning + + [57]Skill of the Week: Throw a Devastating Left Hook Punch + + [58]What to Do If You Don’t Feel Like Working Out + + [59]How Often Should You One-Rep Max? + + [60]Podcast #920: Is Cannabis a Safe Drug? + + [61]Podcast #721: The Psychology of Effective Weight Loss + + [62]What’s the Deal With Electrolytes, Anyway? + + [63]Melatonin: Everything You Need to Know + + [64]The Insanely Difficult Standards of History’s Hardest P.E. Program + + [65]Which Fitness Program Is Right for You? + + [66]A Review of the MovNat Workshop + + [67]Strengthen Your Tribe: A Report on the Atomic Athlete Vanguard + + [68]Browse all Get Strong + * [69]Family + * [70]Fatherhood + * [71]Relationships + * [72]Social Skills + + [73]The Best Riddles for Kids (With Answers!) + + [74]Podcast #858: The Affectionate, Ambiguous, and Surprisingly + Ambivalent Relationship Between Siblings + + [75]How to Fight Entitlement and Develop Gratitude in Your Kids + + [76]How and Why to Hold a Weekly Marriage Meeting + + [77]Sunday Firesides: We Shouldn’t (and Should) Be Friends With Our + Kids + + [78]What to Do When Your Kid Lies to You + + [79]You Don’t Have to Be Your Dad: How to Become Your Family’s + Transitional Character + + [80]Podcast #810: How to Turn a Boy Into a Man + + [81]Podcast #919: Advice on Making Love Last . . . From a Divorce + Lawyer + + [82]The Challenge of Social Discoordination + + [83]Sunday Firesides: The Maturing Mirror of Marriage + + [84]Is the 7-Year-Itch Real? + + [85]Podcast #915: Finally Learn to Say No + + [86]Sunday Firesides: Enough About Me + + [87]Podcast #875: Authority Is More Important Than Social Skills + + [88]Podcast #874: Throw a 2-Hour Cocktail Party That Can Change Your + Life + + [89]Browse all Get Social + * [90]How To + * [91]Manly Know-How + * [92]Outdoor/Survival + + [93]How to Smoke A Cigar: An Illustrated Guide + + [94]My New Favorite Knot + + [95]How to Take Out a Sentry + + [96]Skill of the Week: Shuffle a Deck of Cards + + [97]Skill of the Week: Make a Bed + + [98]How to Jump Start a Car – The Complete Guide + + [99]Skill of the Week: Catch a Souvenir Baseball + + [100]Skill of the Week: Gird Up Your Loins + + [101]Skill of the Week: Dig a Cathole + + [102]Skill of the Week: Survive Inside a Plummeting Elevator + + [103]Skill of the Week: Remove a Leech + + [104]Skill of the Week: Measure Remaining Sunlight With Your Hands + + [105]Browse all Get Skilled + + in: [106]Behavior, [107]Character + + Brett & Kate McKay • September 5, 2023 + + Exit, Voice, Loyalty, Neglect: Why People Leave, Stay, or Try to Burn It All + Down + + When someone is dissatisfied with a product, group, or relationship, + how do they remedy that dissatisfaction? + + A German economist and political scientist, Albert Hirschman, laid out + a theory of how people respond to dissatisfaction in his influential + treatise [108]Exit, Voice, Loyalty: Responses to Decline in Firms, + Organizations, and States. + + Hirschman observed that people who find themselves in diminishing, + less-than-ideal circumstances have three options: 1) leave the + declining group, company, or relationship (exit), 2) express discontent + to improve the situation (voice), or 3) stay in the organization and + passively hope things get better (loyalty). + + Since the initial publication of Exit, Voice, Loyalty in 1970, other + social scientists have added a fourth option to Hirschman’s framework: + neglect. + + Which option a person exercises will depend on many factors, and the + path they choose can help reverse, stem, or exacerbate a group’s + deterioration. + + The exit, voice, loyalty, neglect (EVLN) framework will help you + understand why people stay in or leave a relationship (including + friendships), why people stay in or leave a job, why people stay in or + leave a church, and many more of life’s interpersonal and institutional + dynamics. + + Let’s unpack it. + +Exit, Voice, Loyalty, Neglect + + I read Hirschman’s book a few months ago and went on a deep dive into + related research that’s been done since it was published. The EVLN + framework has become a fundamental mental model in my brain. It’s a + decidedly simple paradigm and is something people already intuitively + know, but once you see it spelled out explicitly, you start to see it + everywhere. + +Exit + + The exit option is exercised when an individual is dissatisfied with + something and decides to quit it altogether. + + You use the exit option all the time as a consumer. If you’re + dissatisfied with shaving cream brand A, you stop using it and start + using shaving cream brand B. + + You can also use the exit option when dissatisfied with a job, + relationship, or group. + + Not happy with your job? You can quit it. + + Not happy with your relationship? You can break up. + + Not happy with the state of your congregation? You can stop going to + that church and start going to another. + + What’s interesting about the exit option is that it often accelerates + decline in groups. According to Hirschman, the people most sensitive to + a decrease in quality are typically those with the most resources, + skills, and talents that could be used to effectuate improvement. The + people who are the least sensitive to quality usually have fewer + resources, skills, and talents. When the people who have resources + leave, it results in a “brain drain.” With fewer well-resourced + members, the quality of the group further declines; it thus has even + more trouble attracting new members (especially well-resourced ones); + as a result, even more people leave. Things go from bad to worse, and + the group or organization enters a death spiral that can be difficult + or impossible to recover from. + + To illustrate this phenomenon, Hirschman uses the example of parents + pulling their kids out of public schools and putting them into private + schools. According to Hirschman, affluent parents are much more + sensitive to education quality than less affluent parents. It’s not + that less affluent parents don’t care about their children’s education; + they just don’t have the luxury of being hyper-sensitive to deficits in + quality. Because they know that private school isn’t an option for + them, they don’t spend as much time wondering if the grass is greener + at another school as affluent parents do. + + Because school is a matter of optionality for wealthy parents, they + notice perceived flaws in their children’s education more acutely. If + these parents become dissatisfied with the education being offered in a + public school, they’ll switch their child over to a private school. + When these affluent families leave a public school, they take their + resources, and their possibly greater propensity to push for + improvement, with them. As a result, the struggles of the public school + deepen. + +Voice + + Sometimes people find themselves in a situation where they’re + dissatisfied with a group or relationship, but they don’t want to leave + it. They still see good in it. It’s still working for them on some + level, or they see potential for how it could work if things were done + differently. They may feel they can do more good being an agent on the + inside than being a critic on the outside. + + In these cases, people may decide to stay around and exercise the voice + option — complaining, offering feedback, and agitating for change to + improve things. + + An unhappy employee can talk to his boss about changing the company’s + culture. + + An unhappy husband can tell his wife about his concerns for the + relationship, or together they can talk to a therapist. + + An unhappy customer can contact customer support to raise concerns and + seek redress. + + Unhappy parents can talk to their child’s teacher about an issue with + their kid or join the PTA to advocate for broader changes. + +Loyalty + + While Hirschman clearly defined exit and voice, he was ambiguous about + loyalty. It’s one of the biggest criticisms he received for his work. + Many social scientists since Hirschman have described loyalty as a + “passively positive” response in the face of dissatisfaction. Instead + of taking action (exit or voice), the loyal customer, employee, spouse, + or church member will stay aboard and not raise a stink, hoping things + will get better on their own if they wait long enough. + + Take an employee dissatisfied with his job. Maybe he’s decided he can’t + quit, and perhaps he’s also decided that voicing his concerns to his + boss will only increase the animosity between them. So he chooses to + stay with the company, thinking, “Well, maybe things will improve. + Maybe we’ll get a new supervisor. Maybe I’ll get moved to a new + division. I’ll just keep working and wait and see.” + +Neglect + + Social scientist [109]Carly Rusbult added a fourth option to + Hirschman’s exit/voice/loyalty options for dealing with + dissatisfaction: neglect. + + Neglect is similar to loyalty in that the dissatisfied person decides + to stay on board with the declining job, relationship, or group, but + instead of thinking things might improve if they’re patient, the person + who adopts the neglect option has decided things won’t get better and + chooses to take a “negative passive” approach to the situation by + putting in less effort or not taking action to prevent the relationship + or group from further falling apart. + + Rather than helping an ineffectual organization continue to limp feebly + along, this individual stays but withdraws their support, with the idea + that by letting the group collapse, its leadership will finally be + forced to take action to change and improve it. The neglect approach + is: “I’m not going to actively put out fires. I’m just going to let + this thing burn to the ground so we can start fresh.” + + Consider the overworked church member in a struggling congregation. + He’s juggling multiple roles and dealing with a cadre of difficult + people. Leaving isn’t an option because his wife grew up in that church + and would never consider it. He knows raising his concerns to + leadership would be ineffective because he tried that in the past. So + exit and voice are off the table. + + He also doesn’t think things will get better if he sticks around and + just keeps plugging away. Goodbye loyalty. + + Hello, neglect. + + This burned-out church member may start doing the bare minimum in his + responsibilities, if that. He’ll say no to requests for his time, + money, and talent. If he sees an issue or problem, he won’t do anything + to correct it. He thinks that those who remain loyal are only + perpetuating a state of dysfunction. By withholding his help, he hopes + to push the congregation to a critical level of failure, which will + require the leadership to fix the underlying issues. + +Predictors of Response to Dissatisfaction + + So, in the face of dissatisfaction, people can respond with exit, + voice, loyalty, or neglect. + + A person in declining circumstances conducts an explicit or implicit + cost/benefit analysis in figuring out which path to take. + + In [110]Predicting Exit, Voice, Loyalty, and Neglect, researchers + Michael Withey and William Cooper fleshed out the factors that go into + this analysis when people consider how to respond to dissatisfaction: + +Cost of the Action + + Exit, voice, loyalty, and neglect all come with costs, both direct and + indirect. + + Exiting a job can result in the loss of income and health benefits; + divorcing a spouse can result in emotional and financial distress; + leaving a church can result in spiritual and social isolation. + + Raising your voice at work could create rancor with your boss; speaking + up in a marriage could create resentment with your spouse. + + Whether you’re exiting or using your voice, there can also be a loss in + the thing humans hold most dear: status. In leaving or dissenting, you + risk jeopardizing your identity. + + Staying loyal to a relationship or organization comes with costs, too. + If you keep your job in a toxic office, you’ll have to continue to + weather the stress and debasement that comes with going to work each + day. Same thing with staying in a struggling, conflict-ridden marriage + or church. + + If you decide to be neglectful in your job, it could result in + discipline or blocked opportunities. Neglect in a marriage will only + lead to increased resentment and tension. + + The exit option tends to have the most dramatic consequences, and is + thus much more reluctantly exercised and typically used as a last + resort. + + But there’s no option in the EVLN framework that doesn’t carry + downsides; each has its own pros and cons, and part of how people weigh + their choices comes down to which path they think has more of the + former and less of the latter. + +Efficacy of the Response + + In deciding between exit, voice, loyalty, and neglect, people will also + consider which response will be the most effective at resolving their + dissatisfaction. + + A big factor in whether someone thinks a particular response will be + effective is whether they believe there’s hope for improvement. If + someone has this hope, they’re more likely to choose voice or loyalty; + if they don’t, they’re more likely to choose exit or neglect. If an + unhappy employee thinks things would be a lot better at work if their + supervisor moved on, and there’s a rumor they’ll soon be replaced, the + employee is more likely to stick around. If a church member thinks + their concerns will be listened to and addressed, they’re more likely + to stay and raise their voice; if they think their concerns will be + dismissed, they’re more likely to leave. + + A significant element in whether someone has hope for a better future + is their prior satisfaction with the group or relationship. If + someone’s marriage is struggling now, but was great for the first + decade, they’re more apt to keep working on it and believe there’s a + chance of returning to those happier times. If someone’s marriage was + rocky from the start, they’re more likely to choose divorce. + +Internal vs. External Locus of Control + + If an individual has an internal locus of control, they’re more likely + to choose a response that’s proactive. That is, if they believe they + have control over their actions and outcomes, they’re more likely to + use voice or exit. + + Someone who has an external locus of control — a belief that their life + is controlled by external circumstances — is more likely to passively + endure a bad situation (loyalty or neglect). + +Attractiveness of Alternatives + + If someone feels like there are better options outside their current + job/relationship/church, they’re more likely to leave. + + If someone’s in a job they dislike and has been fielding hiring + interest from another employer, they’re more likely to quit. + + If, on the other hand, someone feels they won’t be able to do much + better in an alternate situation, they’re more likely to exercise the + options of voice, loyalty, and neglect. + + An individual who’s sixty and in a so-so marriage may not feel bullish + about their prospects of finding another partner and decide they’d + rather be with someone, anyone, than alone. + +Commitment + + The decision to go, stay, or otherwise is also rooted in one’s inner + values. + + Someone in an unhappy marriage who’s deeply committed to the sanctity + of the marriage vow is more likely to choose therapy over divorce. + + Someone who is disturbed by recent trends in their church but deeply + believes in the tenets of their faith is more likely to stay than + exit. + + Someone who prizes loyalty will stay longer in a job they dislike than + someone who doesn’t. + +Will Someone Choose Exit, Voice, Loyalty, or Neglect? + + In a series of studies, Withey and Cooper used the above factors to + create a rubric that helps predict which response a dissatisfied + employee will use. It likely carries over to people dissatisfied with + other situations as well: + + Exit More Likely When: + * costs of exit are low + * costs of voice are high + * prior satisfaction is low + * belief in improvement is low + * commitment is low + * attractive alternatives are available + * individual has an internal locus of control + + Voice More Likely When: + * costs of exit are high + * costs of voice are low + * prior satisfaction is high + * belief in improvement is high + * commitment is high + * attractive alternatives are not available + * individual has an internal locus of control + + Loyalty More Likely When: + * costs of exit are high + * costs of voice are high + * prior satisfaction is high + * belief in the likelihood of improvement is high + * commitment is high + * attractive alternatives are not available + * individual has an external locus of control + + Neglect More Likely When: + * costs of exit are high + * costs of voice are high + * prior satisfaction is low + * belief in the likelihood of improvement is low + * commitment is low + * attractive alternatives are not available + * individual has an external locus of control + + Something that Withey and Cooper didn’t explore, but Hirschman did, is + the phenomenon of people who exercise the option of exit and voice. + + Hirschman argued that you see people use both exit and voice in + situations where even if they leave a group due to dissatisfaction, + they’re still affected by the group’s actions. + + You see this phenomenon with people who become disaffected with a + church or religion. They may leave a faith, but they still have friends + and family members who belong to it. Because the disaffected individual + still interacts with these people, whose faith informs these + interactions, the disaffected person is still impacted by the faith, + even if they no longer practice it. At the same time, an individual who + leaves a religion may feel that the religion damaged them somehow, and, + though they have removed themselves from its direct influence, they + don’t want to see other people get hurt in the same way. + + Consequently, people who leave a religion sometimes become its most + vocal critics. + +Conclusion + + As I mentioned at the start, once I learned about the exit, voice, + loyalty, and neglect paradigm, I started to see it everywhere. If + you’re a business owner, it can help explain why customers react to a + dissatisfying experience the way they do. If you’re in a bad + relationship, it can help you think about what action you want to take. + If you’re a leader in a church, it can help you figure out why some + people leave your congregation while others stick around. + + It can also help you understand why struggling groups often continue to + struggle: If a group loses enough good people, it’s apt to enter a + death spiral. + + As you go about dealing with people in all kinds of situations, the + ELVN framework is one mental model you’ll want to keep in your back + pocket. + +Related Posts + + * [111]Manvotional: The Right Kind of People + * [112]How to Develop a Manly Voice [VIDEO] + * [113]Podcast #506: How to Improve Your Speaking Voice + * [114]Develop a Strong He-Man Voice by Using the Voice Nature Gave + You + * [115]Sunday Firesides: You Are Not Responsible for Other People's + Feelings + * [116]Sunday Firesides: Why Bad Things Happen to Good People + (According to a Stoic) + + [117]Previous [118]Next + + document + + Never miss an update + + Subscribe to the AoM Newsletter + ____________________ + ____________________ + Daily [ ] Weekly [ ] + I agree to the [119]privacy policy terms. [ ] + Subscribe + + teddy teddy icon + + Want to start taking action on the content you read on AoM? + [120]Join the Strenuous Life + [121]Learn More + + document + + Never miss an update + + Subscribe to the AoM Newsletter + ____________________ + ____________________ + Daily [ ] Weekly [ ] + I agree to the [122]privacy policy terms. [ ] + Subscribe + + podcast + + [123]podcast icon + + [124]Podcast #924 + +How to Develop Rugged Flexibility + + [125]podcast icon + + [126]Podcast #753 + +Take Back the Weekend + + [127]podcast icon + + [128]Podcast #923 + +Leadership Is Overrated + + [129]podcast icon + + [130]Podcast #922 + +For Whom the Bell Tolls + + [131]View all + + Related + + Articles/// + [132] + +6 Sunday Habits to Prepare for Tackling the Week Ahead + + [133] + +Podcast #924: How to Develop Rugged Flexibility + + [134] + +Podcast #753: Take Back the Weekend + + [135] + +How to Choose What Advice to Take + + [136]View all + + Never miss an update + [137]Subscribe to the newsletter + + The Art of Manliness + Copyright © 2023 All Rights Reserved + + * [138]Contact + * [139]Legal + * [140]About + * [141]All Topics + * [142]Archives + + The Art of Manliness participates in affiliate marketing programs, + which means we get paid commissions on editorially chosen products + purchased through our links. We only recommend products we genuinely + like, and purchases made through our links support our mission and the + free content we publish here on AoM. + +References + + Visible links: + 1. https://www.artofmanliness.com/app-json/wp/v2/posts/178403 + 2. https://www.artofmanliness.com/app-json/oembed/1.0/embed?url=https://www.artofmanliness.com/character/behavior/exit-voice-loyalty-neglect-why-people-leave-stay-or-try-to-burn-it-all-down/ + 3. https://www.artofmanliness.com/app-json/oembed/1.0/embed?url=https://www.artofmanliness.com/character/behavior/exit-voice-loyalty-neglect-why-people-leave-stay-or-try-to-burn-it-all-down/&format=xml + 4. https://www.googletagmanager.com/ns.html?id=GTM-KXJGHMC + 5. https://www.artofmanliness.com/ + 6. https://www.artofmanliness.com/podcast + 7. https://www.artofmanliness.com/style/ + 8. https://www.artofmanliness.com/style/clothing/ + 9. https://www.artofmanliness.com/style/accessories/ + 10. https://www.artofmanliness.com/style/facial-hair/ + 11. https://www.artofmanliness.com/style/ties/ + 12. https://www.artofmanliness.com/health-fitness/ + 13. https://www.artofmanliness.com/health-fitness/fitness/ + 14. https://www.artofmanliness.com/health-fitness/health/ + 15. https://www.artofmanliness.com/health-fitness/program-review/ + 16. https://www.artofmanliness.com/people/ + 17. https://www.artofmanliness.com/people/family/ + 18. https://www.artofmanliness.com/people/fatherhood/ + 19. https://www.artofmanliness.com/people/relationships/ + 20. https://www.artofmanliness.com/people/social-skills/ + 21. https://www.artofmanliness.com/skills/ + 22. https://www.artofmanliness.com/skills/how-to/ + 23. https://www.artofmanliness.com/skills/manly-know-how/ + 24. https://www.artofmanliness.com/skills/outdoor-survival/ + 25. https://www.artofmanliness.com/podcast/ + 26. https://store.artofmanliness.com/collections/books/ + 27. https://www.instagram.com/artofmanliness/ + 28. https://feedly.com/i/subscription/feed/http://feeds2.feedburner.com/TheArtOfManliness + 29. https://www.facebook.com/artofmanliness/ + 30. https://twitter.com/artofmanliness + 31. https://www.youtube.com/user/artofmanliness + 32. https://www.artofmanliness.com/style/clothing/ + 33. https://www.artofmanliness.com/style/accessories/ + 34. https://www.artofmanliness.com/style/facial-hair/ + 35. https://www.artofmanliness.com/style/ties/ + 36. https://www.artofmanliness.com/style/clothing/how-to-get-the-stink-out-of-workout-shirts/ + 37. https://www.artofmanliness.com/style/clothing/black-tie-how-to-wear-tuxedo/ + 38. https://www.artofmanliness.com/style/clothing/how-to-protect-your-clothing-from-moths/ + 39. https://www.artofmanliness.com/style/clothing/how-to-wear-corduroy/ + 40. https://www.artofmanliness.com/style/did-commandos-go-commando/ + 41. https://www.artofmanliness.com/style/accessories/guide-to-fragrance/ + 42. https://www.artofmanliness.com/style/accessories/huckberry-weekender-sunglasses/ + 43. https://www.artofmanliness.com/style/accessories/how-to-pick-mens-wedding-ring/ + 44. https://www.artofmanliness.com/style/facial-hair/your-no-nonsense-guide-to-choosing-the-right-beard-style/ + 45. https://www.artofmanliness.com/style/facial-hair/growing-a-manly-beard/ + 46. https://www.artofmanliness.com/style/facial-hair/beard-oil-faq/ + 47. https://www.artofmanliness.com/style/facial-hair/beard-grooming-products-routine/ + 48. https://www.artofmanliness.com/style/ties/how-to-tie-a-tie/ + 49. https://www.artofmanliness.com/style/ties/how-to-tie-a-half-windsor-knot/ + 50. https://www.artofmanliness.com/style/ties/how-to-match-a-shirt-and-tie/ + 51. https://www.artofmanliness.com/style/ties/is-the-necktie-obsolete/ + 52. https://www.artofmanliness.com/style/ + 53. https://www.artofmanliness.com/health-fitness/fitness/ + 54. https://www.artofmanliness.com/health-fitness/health/ + 55. https://www.artofmanliness.com/health-fitness/program-review/ + 56. https://www.artofmanliness.com/health-fitness/fitness/assault-bike-conditioning/ + 57. https://www.artofmanliness.com/health-fitness/fitness/how-to-throw-a-left-hook/ + 58. https://www.artofmanliness.com/health-fitness/fitness/what-to-do-if-you-dont-feel-like-working-out/ + 59. https://www.artofmanliness.com/health-fitness/fitness/how-often-should-you-one-rep-max/ + 60. https://www.artofmanliness.com/health-fitness/health/podcast-920-is-cannabis-a-safe-drug/ + 61. https://www.artofmanliness.com/health-fitness/health/podcast-721-the-psychology-of-effective-weight-loss/ + 62. https://www.artofmanliness.com/health-fitness/health/whats-the-deal-with-electrolytes-anyway/ + 63. https://www.artofmanliness.com/health-fitness/health/melatonin-everything-you-need-to-know/ + 64. https://www.artofmanliness.com/health-fitness/program-review/the-insanely-difficult-standards-of-historys-hardest-p-e-program/ + 65. https://www.artofmanliness.com/health-fitness/program-review/fitness-program-right/ + 66. https://www.artofmanliness.com/health-fitness/program-review/a-review-of-the-movnat-workshop/ + 67. https://www.artofmanliness.com/health-fitness/program-review/atomic-athlete-vanguard/ + 68. https://www.artofmanliness.com/health-fitness/ + 69. https://www.artofmanliness.com/people/family/ + 70. https://www.artofmanliness.com/people/fatherhood/ + 71. https://www.artofmanliness.com/people/relationships/ + 72. https://www.artofmanliness.com/people/social-skills/ + 73. https://www.artofmanliness.com/people/family/riddles-for-kids/ + 74. https://www.artofmanliness.com/people/family/podcast-sibling-ambivalent/ + 75. https://www.artofmanliness.com/people/family/how-to-develop-gratitude-in-your-kids/ + 76. https://www.artofmanliness.com/people/family/how-and-why-to-hold-a-weekly-marriage-meeting/ + 77. https://www.artofmanliness.com/people/fatherhood/sunday-firesides-we-shouldnt-and-should-be-friends-with-our-kids/ + 78. https://www.artofmanliness.com/people/fatherhood/what-to-do-when-your-kid-lies-to-you/ + 79. https://www.artofmanliness.com/people/fatherhood/you-dont-have-to-be-your-dad-how-to-become-your-familys-transitional-character/ + 80. https://www.artofmanliness.com/people/fatherhood/how-to-turn-a-boy-into-a-man/ + 81. https://www.artofmanliness.com/people/relationships/podcast-920-advice-on-making-love-last-from-a-divorce-lawyer/ + 82. https://www.artofmanliness.com/people/relationships/the-challenge-of-social-discoordination/ + 83. https://www.artofmanliness.com/people/relationships/sunday-firesides-the-maturing-mirror-of-marriage/ + 84. https://www.artofmanliness.com/people/relationships/is-the-7-year-itch-real/ + 85. https://www.artofmanliness.com/people/social-skills/podcast-915-finally-learn-to-say-no/ + 86. https://www.artofmanliness.com/people/social-skills/sunday-firesides-enough-about-me/ + 87. https://www.artofmanliness.com/people/social-skills/authority-is-more-important-than-social-skills-in-being-influential/ + 88. https://www.artofmanliness.com/people/social-skills/2-hour-cocktail-party/ + 89. https://www.artofmanliness.com/people/ + 90. https://www.artofmanliness.com/skills/how-to/ + 91. https://www.artofmanliness.com/skills/manly-know-how/ + 92. https://www.artofmanliness.com/skills/outdoor-survival/ + 93. https://www.artofmanliness.com/skills/how-to/how-to-smoke-a-cigar/ + 94. https://www.artofmanliness.com/skills/how-to/my-new-favorite-knot-the-alpine-butterfly-knot/ + 95. https://www.artofmanliness.com/skills/how-to/how-to-take-out-a-sentry/ + 96. https://www.artofmanliness.com/skills/how-to/how-shuffle-a-deck-of-cards-an-illustrated-guide/ + 97. https://www.artofmanliness.com/skills/manly-know-how/how-to-make-a-bed-using-hospital-corners/ + 98. https://www.artofmanliness.com/skills/manly-know-how/how-to-jump-start-a-car-the-complete-guide/ + 99. https://www.artofmanliness.com/skills/manly-know-how/how-to-catch-a-souvenir-baseball/ + 100. https://www.artofmanliness.com/skills/manly-know-how/how-to-gird-up-your-loins-an-illustrated-guide/ + 101. https://www.artofmanliness.com/skills/outdoor-survival/how-to-dig-a-cathole/ + 102. https://www.artofmanliness.com/skills/outdoor-survival/how-to-survive-inside-a-plummeting-elevator/ + 103. https://www.artofmanliness.com/skills/outdoor-survival/how-to-remove-a-leech/ + 104. https://www.artofmanliness.com/skills/outdoor-survival/how-to-measure-remaining-sunlight-with-your-hands/ + 105. https://www.artofmanliness.com/skills/ + 106. https://www.artofmanliness.com/character/behavior/ + 107. https://www.artofmanliness.com/character/ + 108. https://amzn.to/3Prv3ox + 109. https://text2fa.ir/wp-content/uploads/Text2fa.ir-Exit-Voice-Loyalty-and-Neglect-1.pdf + 110. https://www.jstor.org/stable/2393565 + 111. https://www.artofmanliness.com/character/manly-lessons/manvotional-the-right-kind-of-people/ + 112. https://www.artofmanliness.com/skills/how-to/how-to-develop-a-manly-voice-video/ + 113. https://www.artofmanliness.com/character/behavior/improve-your-speaking-voice/ + 114. https://www.artofmanliness.com/skills/how-to/masculine-voice/ + 115. https://www.artofmanliness.com/character/advice/sunday-firesides-you-are-not-responsible-for-other-peoples-feelings/ + 116. https://www.artofmanliness.com/character/sunday-firesides-why-bad-things-happen-to-good-people-according-to-a-stoic/ + 117. https://www.artofmanliness.com/character/advice/podcast-753-take-back-the-weekend/ + 118. https://www.artofmanliness.com/character/advice/podcast-924-how-to-develop-rugged-flexibility/ + 119. file:///var/folders/q9/qlz2w5251kzdfgn0np7z2s4c0000gn/T/L25875-8468TMP.html + 120. https://strenuouslife.co/ + 121. https://strenuouslife.co/ + 122. file:///var/folders/q9/qlz2w5251kzdfgn0np7z2s4c0000gn/T/L25875-8468TMP.html + 123. https://www.artofmanliness.com/character/advice/podcast-924-how-to-develop-rugged-flexibility/ + 124. https://www.artofmanliness.com/character/advice/podcast-924-how-to-develop-rugged-flexibility/ + 125. https://www.artofmanliness.com/character/advice/podcast-753-take-back-the-weekend/ + 126. https://www.artofmanliness.com/character/advice/podcast-753-take-back-the-weekend/ + 127. https://www.artofmanliness.com/career-wealth/leadership/podcast-923-leadership-is-overrated/ + 128. https://www.artofmanliness.com/career-wealth/leadership/podcast-923-leadership-is-overrated/ + 129. https://www.artofmanliness.com/living/reading/podcast-922-for-whom-the-bell-tolls/ + 130. https://www.artofmanliness.com/living/reading/podcast-922-for-whom-the-bell-tolls/ + 131. https://www.artofmanliness.com/podcast/ + 132. https://www.artofmanliness.com/character/habits/6-sunday-habits-to-prepare-for-tackling-the-week-ahead/ + 133. https://www.artofmanliness.com/character/advice/podcast-924-how-to-develop-rugged-flexibility/ + 134. https://www.artofmanliness.com/character/advice/podcast-753-take-back-the-weekend/ + 135. https://www.artofmanliness.com/character/advice/how-to-choose-what-advice-to-take/ + 136. https://www.artofmanliness.com/character/behavior/ + 137. https://www.artofmanliness.com/newsletter/ + 138. https://www.artofmanliness.com/contact/ + 139. https://www.artofmanliness.com/privacy-policy/ + 140. https://www.artofmanliness.com/about-2/ + 141. https://www.artofmanliness.com/all-topics/ + 142. https://www.artofmanliness.com/archives/ + + Hidden links: + 144. https://www.artofmanliness.com/style/clothing/how-to-get-the-stink-out-of-workout-shirts/ + 145. https://www.artofmanliness.com/style/clothing/black-tie-how-to-wear-tuxedo/ + 146. https://www.artofmanliness.com/style/clothing/how-to-protect-your-clothing-from-moths/ + 147. https://www.artofmanliness.com/style/clothing/how-to-wear-corduroy/ + 148. https://www.artofmanliness.com/style/did-commandos-go-commando/ + 149. https://www.artofmanliness.com/style/accessories/guide-to-fragrance/ + 150. https://www.artofmanliness.com/style/accessories/huckberry-weekender-sunglasses/ + 151. https://www.artofmanliness.com/style/accessories/how-to-pick-mens-wedding-ring/ + 152. https://www.artofmanliness.com/style/facial-hair/your-no-nonsense-guide-to-choosing-the-right-beard-style/ + 153. https://www.artofmanliness.com/style/facial-hair/growing-a-manly-beard/ + 154. https://www.artofmanliness.com/style/facial-hair/beard-oil-faq/ + 155. https://www.artofmanliness.com/style/facial-hair/beard-grooming-products-routine/ + 156. https://www.artofmanliness.com/style/ties/how-to-tie-a-tie/ + 157. https://www.artofmanliness.com/style/ties/how-to-tie-a-half-windsor-knot/ + 158. https://www.artofmanliness.com/style/ties/how-to-match-a-shirt-and-tie/ + 159. https://www.artofmanliness.com/style/ties/is-the-necktie-obsolete/ + 160. https://www.artofmanliness.com/health-fitness/fitness/assault-bike-conditioning/ + 161. https://www.artofmanliness.com/health-fitness/fitness/how-to-throw-a-left-hook/ + 162. https://www.artofmanliness.com/health-fitness/fitness/what-to-do-if-you-dont-feel-like-working-out/ + 163. https://www.artofmanliness.com/health-fitness/fitness/how-often-should-you-one-rep-max/ + 164. https://www.artofmanliness.com/health-fitness/health/podcast-920-is-cannabis-a-safe-drug/ + 165. https://www.artofmanliness.com/health-fitness/health/podcast-721-the-psychology-of-effective-weight-loss/ + 166. https://www.artofmanliness.com/health-fitness/health/whats-the-deal-with-electrolytes-anyway/ + 167. https://www.artofmanliness.com/health-fitness/health/melatonin-everything-you-need-to-know/ + 168. https://www.artofmanliness.com/health-fitness/program-review/the-insanely-difficult-standards-of-historys-hardest-p-e-program/ + 169. https://www.artofmanliness.com/health-fitness/program-review/fitness-program-right/ + 170. https://www.artofmanliness.com/health-fitness/program-review/a-review-of-the-movnat-workshop/ + 171. https://www.artofmanliness.com/health-fitness/program-review/atomic-athlete-vanguard/ + 172. https://www.artofmanliness.com/people/family/riddles-for-kids/ + 173. https://www.artofmanliness.com/people/family/podcast-sibling-ambivalent/ + 174. https://www.artofmanliness.com/people/family/how-to-develop-gratitude-in-your-kids/ + 175. https://www.artofmanliness.com/people/family/how-and-why-to-hold-a-weekly-marriage-meeting/ + 176. https://www.artofmanliness.com/people/fatherhood/sunday-firesides-we-shouldnt-and-should-be-friends-with-our-kids/ + 177. https://www.artofmanliness.com/people/fatherhood/what-to-do-when-your-kid-lies-to-you/ + 178. https://www.artofmanliness.com/people/fatherhood/you-dont-have-to-be-your-dad-how-to-become-your-familys-transitional-character/ + 179. https://www.artofmanliness.com/people/fatherhood/how-to-turn-a-boy-into-a-man/ + 180. https://www.artofmanliness.com/people/relationships/podcast-920-advice-on-making-love-last-from-a-divorce-lawyer/ + 181. https://www.artofmanliness.com/people/relationships/the-challenge-of-social-discoordination/ + 182. https://www.artofmanliness.com/people/relationships/sunday-firesides-the-maturing-mirror-of-marriage/ + 183. https://www.artofmanliness.com/people/relationships/is-the-7-year-itch-real/ + 184. https://www.artofmanliness.com/people/social-skills/podcast-915-finally-learn-to-say-no/ + 185. https://www.artofmanliness.com/people/social-skills/sunday-firesides-enough-about-me/ + 186. https://www.artofmanliness.com/people/social-skills/authority-is-more-important-than-social-skills-in-being-influential/ + 187. https://www.artofmanliness.com/people/social-skills/2-hour-cocktail-party/ + 188. https://www.artofmanliness.com/skills/how-to/how-to-smoke-a-cigar/ + 189. https://www.artofmanliness.com/skills/how-to/my-new-favorite-knot-the-alpine-butterfly-knot/ + 190. https://www.artofmanliness.com/skills/how-to/how-to-take-out-a-sentry/ + 191. https://www.artofmanliness.com/skills/how-to/how-shuffle-a-deck-of-cards-an-illustrated-guide/ + 192. https://www.artofmanliness.com/skills/manly-know-how/how-to-make-a-bed-using-hospital-corners/ + 193. https://www.artofmanliness.com/skills/manly-know-how/how-to-jump-start-a-car-the-complete-guide/ + 194. https://www.artofmanliness.com/skills/manly-know-how/how-to-catch-a-souvenir-baseball/ + 195. https://www.artofmanliness.com/skills/manly-know-how/how-to-gird-up-your-loins-an-illustrated-guide/ + 196. https://www.artofmanliness.com/skills/outdoor-survival/how-to-dig-a-cathole/ + 197. https://www.artofmanliness.com/skills/outdoor-survival/how-to-survive-inside-a-plummeting-elevator/ + 198. https://www.artofmanliness.com/skills/outdoor-survival/how-to-remove-a-leech/ + 199. https://www.artofmanliness.com/skills/outdoor-survival/how-to-measure-remaining-sunlight-with-your-hands/ + 200. https://getpocket.com/edit?url=https://www.artofmanliness.com/character/behavior/exit-voice-loyalty-neglect-why-people-leave-stay-or-try-to-burn-it-all-down/ + 201. https://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=https://www.artofmanliness.com/character/behavior/exit-voice-loyalty-neglect-why-people-leave-stay-or-try-to-burn-it-all-down/ + 202. https://pinterest.com/pin/create/link/?url=https://www.artofmanliness.com/character/behavior/exit-voice-loyalty-neglect-why-people-leave-stay-or-try-to-burn-it-all-down/ + 203. https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https://www.artofmanliness.com/character/behavior/exit-voice-loyalty-neglect-why-people-leave-stay-or-try-to-burn-it-all-down/ + 204. file://localhost/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#033c616c677a3e6b77777370392c2c7474742d6271776c656e626d6f6a6d6670702d606c6e2c606b627162607766712c61666b62756a6c712c667b6a772e756c6a60662e6f6c7a626f777a2e6d66646f6660772e746b7a2e73666c736f662e6f666275662e7077627a2e6c712e77717a2e776c2e6176716d2e6a772e626f6f2e676c746d2c + 205. https://www.artofmanliness.com/character/manly-lessons/manvotional-the-right-kind-of-people/ + 206. https://www.artofmanliness.com/skills/how-to/how-to-develop-a-manly-voice-video/ + 207. https://www.artofmanliness.com/character/behavior/improve-your-speaking-voice/ + 208. https://www.artofmanliness.com/skills/how-to/masculine-voice/ + 209. https://www.artofmanliness.com/character/advice/sunday-firesides-you-are-not-responsible-for-other-peoples-feelings/ + 210. https://www.artofmanliness.com/character/sunday-firesides-why-bad-things-happen-to-good-people-according-to-a-stoic/ diff --git a/static/archive/www-theverge-com-mjsr9z.txt b/static/archive/www-theverge-com-mjsr9z.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..129fabb --- /dev/null +++ b/static/archive/www-theverge-com-mjsr9z.txt @@ -0,0 +1,469 @@ + #[1]The Verge + + [2]Skip to main content + The Verge logo.[3]The Verge homepage + + * [4]The Verge homepageThe Verge logo./ + * [5]Tech/ + * [6]Reviews/ + * [7]Science/ + * [8]Entertainment/ + * (BUTTON) MoreMenuExpand + + The Verge logo. + (BUTTON) MenuExpand + + * [9]Platformer/ + * [10]Apps/ + * [11]Tech + +Why note-taking apps don’t make us smarter + +Why note-taking apps don’t make us smarter + + / + +They’re designed for storage, not sparking insights. Can AI change that? + + By [12]Casey Newton, a contributing editor who has been writing about + tech for over 10 years. He founded Platformer, a newsletter about Big + Tech and democracy. + Aug 25, 2023, 2:30 PM UTC| (BUTTON) Comments + +Share this story + + * (BUTTON) + * (BUTTON) + * (BUTTON) + + Screenshots of the note-taking app Obsidian. + Screenshots of the note-taking app Obsidian. Image: Obsidian + + This is Platformer, a newsletter on the intersection of Silicon Valley + and democracy from Casey Newton and Zoë Schiffer. [13]Sign up here. + __________________________________________________________________ + + Today let’s step outside the news cycle and turn our attention toward a + topic I’m deeply invested in but only rarely write about: productivity + platforms. For decades now, software tools have promised to make + working life easier. But on one critical dimension — their ability to + improve our thinking — they don’t seem to be making much progress at + all. + + Meanwhile, the arrival of generative artificial intelligence could make + the tools we use more powerful than ever — or they could turn out to be + just another mirage. + + To understand where things went wrong, I want to focus on the humble + note-taking app: the place where, for so many of us, thinking begins. + + I. + + Earlier this week I read a story about farmers. “America’s Farmers Are + Bogged Down by Data,” read the headline on [14]Belle Lin’s story in the + Wall Street Journal. I thought to myself: You and me both, farmer! And + I read the piece. + + Over the past decade, farmers have been offered all manner of software + tools to analyze and manage their crops. In general, though, the more + software that farmers use, the more they find themselves overwhelmed by + data that the tools collect. “We’re collecting so much data that you’re + almost paralyzed with having to analyze it all,” one farmer told the + Journal. + + As a journalist, I’ve never collected as much data as I do now. The + collapse of Twitter has me browsing four or five text-based social + feeds a day, scanning for news and thoughtful conversation. The growing + popularity of arXiv and pre-prints in general has left me with a stack + of research that I will never get through. Book galleys pile up in my + house. + A screenshot of the app Notion. A screenshot of the app Notion. + A screenshot of the app Notion. A screenshot of the app Notion. + A screenshot of the app Notion. Image: Notion + + Meanwhile, all day long I browse the web. Stories that might belong in + Platformer get saved into a database in the productivity platform + Notion. Every link that has ever been in this newsletter is stored + there, in many cases with the full article text. + + Collectively, this material offers me an abundance of riches — far more + to work with than any beat reporter had such easy access to even 15 + years ago. + + And yet most days I find myself with the same problem as the farmer: I + have so much information at hand that I feel paralyzed. + + II. + + One solution to this data paralysis is to take notes. As a journalist, + of course, I have always taken notes. A few years ago, I thought we had + seen some true breakthroughs in note-taking, and increasingly put my + faith in those tools not just to capture my writing but to improve the + quality of my thinking. + + The breakthrough tool was [15]Roam Research. In 2021, I wrote here + about [16]my first year using the subscription-based software, which + had two key insights into knowledge work. One was to make professional + note-taking feel more like journaling. It turns out that a fresh note + created each day, labeled with a date, is a good canvas for collecting + transient thoughts, which can serve as a springboard into deeper + thinking. + + The second is known to note-taking nerds as “[17]bidirectional + linking.” Standard links, like the ones you find on the web, go in only + one direction — from one page to another. In a note-taking app, + bidirectional links join two pages together. This effectively lets you + add backlinks to any concept — a company that’s important to you, say, + or a concept that’s on your mind — and then let you browse everything + you’ve collected related to that concept at your leisure. + A graphic from Roam illustrating bidirectional linking. A graphic from + Roam illustrating bidirectional linking. + A graphic from Roam illustrating bidirectional linking. A graphic from + Roam illustrating bidirectional linking. + A graphic from Roam illustrating bidirectional linking. Image: Roam + + On one level, that’s not so different from adding tags to notes. But + tags are more about search. Bidirectional links, which some apps show + you on pages that include snippets of all the other notes that contain + the same link, are more about browsing and rediscovery. + + Initially, I threw myself into this kind of associative note-taking. I + gathered links around concepts I wanted to explore (“the internet + enables information to travel too quickly,” for example, or social + networks and polarization). When I had an interesting conversation with + a person, I would add notes to a personal page I had created for them. + A few times a week, I would revisit those notes. + + I waited for the insights to come. + + And waited. And waited. + + Note-taking apps are up against a much stronger foe + + My gusto for concept-based, link-heavy note-taking diminished. Roam’s + development slowed to a crawl, and I spent a season with the + lightweight, mostly free alternative known as [18]Obsidian. Obsidian’s + brutalist design wore on me, though, and eventually I decamped for the + more polished user interface of [19]Mem. (These apps all enable the + exporting of your notes in Markdown, making switching relatively + painless.) + + I continue to journal most days, and occasionally find myself working + to refine one concept or another among those notes. + + But the original promise of Roam — that it would improve my thinking by + helping me to build a knowledge base and discover new ideas — fizzled + completely. + + III. + + One interpretation of these events is that the software failed: that + journaling and souped-up links simply don’t have the power some of us + once hoped they did. + + Another view, though, is that they are up against a much stronger foe — + the infinite daily distractions of the internet. + + Note-taking, after all, does not take place in a vacuum. It takes place + on your computer, next to email, and Slack, and Discord, and iMessage, + and the text-based social network of your choosing. In the era of + alt-tabbing between these and other apps, our ability to build + knowledge and draw connections is permanently challenged by what might + be our ultimately futile efforts to multitask. + + Ezra Klein wrote beautifully about this situation this week [20]in the + New York Times: + + Gloria Mark, a professor of information science at the University of + California, Irvine, and the author of “[21]Attention Span,” started + researching the way people used computers in 2004. The average time + people spent on a single screen was 2.5 minutes. “I was astounded,” + she told me. “That was so much worse than I’d thought it would be.” + But that was just the beginning. By 2012, Mark and her colleagues + found the average time on a single task was 75 seconds. Now it’s + down to about 47. + + This is an acid bath for human cognition. Multitasking is mostly a + myth. We can focus on one thing at a time. “It’s like we have an + internal whiteboard in our minds,” Mark said. “If I’m working on one + task, I have all the info I need on that mental whiteboard. Then I + switch to email. I have to mentally erase that whiteboard and write + all the information I need to do email. And just like on a real + whiteboard, there can be a residue in our minds. We may still be + thinking of something from three tasks ago.” + + My first thought upon reading this was that it seems rare for me to + spend even 47 seconds looking at one screen on my computer without at + least glancing at another. (I bought a 38-inch widescreen monitor for + the express purpose of being able to glance at many windows + simultaneously. At the time I understood this as a tool for enhancing + my productivity.) + + My second thought is that if you want to take good notes, you have to + first extract your mind from the acid bath. + + IV. + + Klein’s piece starts from the observation that productivity growth is + now about half of what it was in the 1950s and ‘60s. The internet’s + arrival briefly speeded it up, he writes, but the more we stared at our + screens the slower our productivity improved. He worries that AI will + have a similar effect on the economy — promising to make us more + productive, while simultaneously inventing so many new distractions and + entertainments that they overwhelm and paralyze us. + + The piece stuck with me, because there is one specific way I am + counting on AI to make me more productive. It goes back to that + database of links I’ve been building in Notion, and the insights I was + hoping to get out of Roam. + Saving an article in Mem. Saving an article in Mem. + Saving an article in Mem. Saving an article in Mem. + Saving an article in Mem. Image: Mem + + Earlier this year, like many productivity tools, Notion added a handful + of AI features. I use two of them in my links database. One extracts + the names of any companies mentioned in an article, creating a kind of + automatic tagging system. The other provides a two- or three-sentence + summary of the article I’m saving. + + Neither of these, in practice, is particularly useful. Tags might + theoretically be useful for revisiting old material, but databases are + not designed to be browsed. And while we publish summaries of news + articles in each edition of Platformer, we wouldn’t use AI-written + summaries: among other reasons, they often miss important details and + context. + + At the same time, the database contains nearly three years of links to + every subject I cover here, along with the complete text of thousands + of articles. It is here, and not in a note-taking app, that knowledge + of my beat has been accreting over the past few years. If only I could + access that knowledge in some way that went beyond my memory. + + It’s here that AI should be able to help. Within some reasonable period + of time, I expect that I will be able to talk to my Notion database as + if it’s ChatGPT. If I could, I imagine I would talk to it all the time. + + Much of journalism simply involves remembering relevant events from the + past. An AI-powered link database has a perfect memory; all it’s + missing is a usable chat interface. If it had one, it might be a + perfect research assistant. + + Today’s chatbots can’t do any of this to a reporter’s standard + + I imagine using it to generate little briefing documents to help me + when I return to a subject after some time away. Catch me up on + Canada’s fight with Meta over news, I might say. Make me a timeline of + events at Twitter since Elon Musk bought it. Show me coverage of + deepfakes over the past three months. + + Today’s chatbots can’t do any of this to a reporter’s standard. The + training data often stops in 2021, for one thing. The bots continue to + make stuff up, and struggle to cite their sources. + + But if I could chat in natural language with a massive archive, built + from hand-picked trustworthy sources? That seems powerful to me, at + least in the abstract. + + Of course, the output from this kind of AI tool has to be trustworthy. + A significant problem with using AI tools to summarize things is that + you can’t trust the summary unless you read all the relevant documents + yourself — defeating the point of asking for a summary in the first + place. + + Still, if you are the sort of productivity-tool optimist who will try + any to-do list or calendar app on the off chance it makes you even a + little happier at work, it seems to me that a database you can talk to + might be the next-generation note-taking tool we have been waiting for. + + V. + + I’ve learned something else about note-taking apps, though, since my + mania for them began in 2020. + + In short: it is probably a mistake, in the end, to ask software to + improve our thinking. Even if you can rescue your attention from the + acid bath of the internet; even if you can gather the most interesting + data and observations into the app of your choosing; even if you + revisit that data from time to time — this will not be enough. It might + not even be worth trying. + + I’ll admit to having forgotten those questions over the past couple + years + + The reason, sadly, is that thinking takes place in your brain. And + thinking is an active pursuit — one that often happens when you are + spending long stretches of time staring into space, then writing a bit, + and then staring into space a bit more. It’s here here that the + connections are made and the insights are formed. And it is a process + that stubbornly resists automation. + + Which is not to say that software can’t help. Andy Matuschak, a + researcher whose [22]spectacular website offers a feast of thinking + about notes and note-taking, observes [23]that note-taking apps + emphasize displaying and manipulating notes, but never making sense + between them. Before I totally resign myself to the idea that a + note-taking app can’t solve my problems, I will admit that on some + fundamental level no one has really tried. + + “The goal is not to take notes — the goal is to think effectively,” + [24]Matuschak writes. “Better questions are ‘what practices can help me + reliably develop insights over time?’ [and] ‘how can I shepherd my + attention effectively?’” + + I’ll admit to having forgotten those questions over the past couple + years as I kept filling up documents with transient strings of text + inside expensive software. And I accept that to be a better thinker, + I’ll have to devote more time and attention to wrestling with what I + find. + + If there’s a friendly AI to help me do that, though, I’ll be first in + line to try it. + + IFRAME: [25]https://www.platformer.news/embed + + (BUTTON) Comments + Most Popular + 1. [26] + +Chrome is about to look a bit different + ______________________________________________________________ + + 2. [27] + +Tesla’s $25,000 ‘next-generation car’ will have a Cybertruck design + ______________________________________________________________ + + 3. [28] + +iOS 16.6.1 fixes a big iPhone security vulnerability used to install Pegasus +spyware + ______________________________________________________________ + + 4. [29] + +You’ll soon be able to buy a brand-new Xbox 360 + ______________________________________________________________ + + 5. [30] + +BMW drops plan to charge a monthly fee for heated seats + ______________________________________________________________ + +Verge Deals + + / Sign up for Verge Deals to get deals on products we've tested sent to + your inbox daily. + + Email (required) ____________________ (BUTTON) Sign up + + By submitting your email, you agree to our [31]Terms and [32]Privacy + Notice. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google [33]Privacy + Policy and [34]Terms of Service apply. + From our sponsor + + Advertiser Content From Sponsor logo + Sponsor thumbnail + +More from [35]Apps + + * [36]Dropbox blames crypto miners and resellers for ending its + unlimited cloud storage plan + * Image of Meta’s logo with a red and blue background. Image of + Meta’s logo with a red and blue background. + [37]Meta is pulling the plug on Messenger Lite on Android + * An image showing the Threads logo An image showing the Threads logo + [38]Threads on the web is here + * [39]Max will launch a 24/7 CNN stream for all subscribers next + month + * Advertiser Content From Sponsor logo + + + The Verge logo. + * [40]Terms of Use + * [41]Privacy Notice + * [42]Cookie Policy + * [43]Do Not Sell Or Share My Personal Info + * [44]Licensing FAQ + * [45]Accessibility + * [46]Platform Status + * [47]How We Rate and Review Products + + * [48]Contact + * [49]Tip Us + * [50]Community Guidelines + * [51]About + * [52]Ethics Statement + + The Verge is a vox media network + * [53]Advertise with us + * [54]Jobs @ Vox Media + + © 2023 [55]Vox Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved + +References + + Visible links: + 1. file:///rss/index.xml + 2. file:///var/folders/q9/qlz2w5251kzdfgn0np7z2s4c0000gn/T/L26893-4475TMP.html#content + 3. file:/// + 4. file:/// + 5. file:///tech + 6. file:///reviews + 7. file:///science + 8. file:///entertainment + 9. file:///platformer + 10. file:///apps + 11. file:///tech + 12. file:///authors/casey-newton + 13. https://www.platformer.news/ + 14. https://www.wsj.com/articles/americas-farmers-are-bogged-down-by-data-524f0a4d + 15. https://roamresearch.com/ + 16. https://www.platformer.news/p/notes-on-a-year-using-roam-research + 17. https://maggieappleton.com/bidirectionals + 18. https://obsidian.md/ + 19. https://get.mem.ai/ + 20. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/28/opinion/artificial-intelligence-thinking-minds-concentration.html + 21. https://www.harpercollins.com/products/attention-span-gloria-mark?variant=40346590117922 + 22. https://notes.andymatuschak.org/§Note-writing_systems + 23. https://notes.andymatuschak.org/§Note-writing_systems?stackedNotes=zsRuFxYgckGS81tr2eiBAP + 24. https://notes.andymatuschak.org/§Note-writing_systems?stackedNotes=z8V2q398qu89vdJ73N2BEYCgevMqux3yxQUAC&stackedNotes=z7kEFe6NfUSgtaDuUjST1oczKKzQQeQWk4Dbc + 25. https://www.platformer.news/embed + 26. file:///2023/9/7/23862311/google-chrome-redesign-material-you-web-store + 27. file:///2023/9/8/23864172/tesla-next-generation-car-cybertruck-design-price + 28. file:///2023/9/8/23864150/ios-16-6-1-iphone-security-vulnerability-0-day-exploit-patch-update + 29. file:///2023/9/8/23864463/xbox-360-replica-mega-target-halo-3 + 30. file:///2023/9/7/23863258/bmw-cancel-heated-seat-subscription-microtransaction + 31. https://www.voxmedia.com/legal/terms-of-use + 32. https://www.voxmedia.com/legal/privacy-notice + 33. https://policies.google.com/privacy + 34. https://policies.google.com/terms + 35. file:///apps + 36. file:///2023/8/25/23845554/dropbox-ending-unlimited-storage-advanced-plan + 37. file:///2023/8/24/23845179/meta-messenger-lite-android-google-play-shutting-down + 38. file:///2023/8/22/23840441/meta-threads-web-app + 39. file:///2023/8/24/23844121/cnn-max-warnerbros-discovery-news + 40. https://www.voxmedia.com/legal/terms-of-use + 41. https://www.voxmedia.com/legal/privacy-notice + 42. https://www.voxmedia.com/legal/cookie-policy + 43. file:///contact + 44. https://www.voxmedia.com/pages/licensing + 45. https://www.voxmedia.com/legal/accessibility + 46. https://status.voxmedia.com/ + 47. file:///pages/how-we-rate + 48. file:///contact-the-verge + 49. file:///a/tip-us-secure-contact-email + 50. file:///community-guidelines + 51. file:///about-the-verge + 52. file:///ethics-statement + 53. https://www.voxmedia.com/vox-advertising + 54. https://jobs.voxmedia.com/ + 55. https://www.voxmedia.com/ + + Hidden links: + 57. file://localhost/ + 58. file://localhost/ + 59. http://theverge.com/ + 60. http://theverge.com/ + 61. http://theverge.com/ + 62. http://theverge.com/ + 63. file://localhost/