Anyone using Zettelkasten?

Posted by nathanb
Apr 12, 2019 at 08:15 PM

I don’t use an ubiquitous Zettelkasten, where every topic has a zettel code, but I’m a fan of using Z-codes as robust linking between systems. I have a Z-code generator on hotkey, just a date-time stamp that I know will be unique. Now my notes, tasks, filenames, calendar, etc are littered with these Z-codes which are simply two way links. As long as I NEVER delete or change these codes as I find them, my ‘links’ stay good, even if I completely re-arrange one system (which usually breaks one-way links) or switch entire platforms.

Examples:
Taking notes generate a lot of action items. I just ‘tag’ that task within my notes with a Z-code, then add that task to my task manager with the same Z-code. Within my notes, the z-code is a signal that this particular inline task is managed within my to-do lists. Within my tasks, when I complete that one, I can search for it’s original home within my notes and dive back in there to see if there is more followup tasks to be activated.

It’s also a nice way to link to files and without worrying about breaking links by renaming files (except for the Zxxx part) or re-structuring directories.

It just relies on search, which is easy. Even if I completely forget the context and ecosystem of a Z-code reference, it’s usually not more than 3 quick searches away. That’s real handy for things you don’t deal with very often. Like reviewing life insurance every year (or five, whatever). I can keep excel files and pdf scans within a file system, notes and thoughts within notes, etc and a year later the Zettel-codes tying these elements together still let me find the references. Even if I’ve completely changed all the platforms, locations, and hierarchies since last time I messed with it.

Of course it’s kind of old school and clunky. But CRIMPers know the frustrating trade off between interconnectability and fragility of our information systems. I’m still looking for that Ferrari of a solution, but until then, plunking z-codes throughout my digital world has proven to be a very reliable daily driver.