How I Capture & PROCESS using Readwise & Obsidian

How to Capture Knowledge Seamlessly with Readwise and Obsidian

Introduction to Readwise and Reader

• The video introduces a method for capturing knowledge that integrates into the Unified Inbox in Obsidian, emphasizing the role of Readwise.

• Readwise serves as a bridge between highlights made while browsing or reading and storage applications like Notion or Obsidian.

• The new service, Readwise Reader, is highlighted as an exceptional reading app that consolidates various content types including newsletters, RSS feeds, Twitter threads, articles, and YouTube videos.

Functionality of Readwise Reader

• Highlights made in Reader are saved to Readwise and can be exported to preferred apps; users can also add notes to each highlight.

• A personal account with Readwise is necessary for using Reader since it manages the import/export process of highlights.

Setting Up Obsidian for Exporting Highlights

• The speaker demonstrates setting up Obsidian by installing the official Readwise plugin and configuring sync settings from manual to hourly.

• Users are guided on creating a Readwise account (with a 30-day free trial available), which includes adding Obsidian as an export location.

Configuring Export Settings in Readwise

• In the configuration settings, users can set up folder structures within their Vault where highlights will be organized by type (books, tweets).

• Custom formatting options allow users to personalize how highlights appear in Obsidian; specific changes include adding tags like "read wise inbox" for easy identification.

Syncing Highlights into Obsidian

• After configuration adjustments are made in both platforms, syncing initiates bringing organized highlights into the designated folder in Obsidian.

• The speaker mentions improvements made by Eleanor regarding highlight organization which enhances usability compared to default settings.

Utilizing Readwise Reader Effectively

• Accessing the reader through readwise.io allows seamless integration with existing accounts; mobile app downloads and browser extensions enhance functionality.

• Reader is compared to Pocket or Instapaper but offers additional features such as handling Twitter feeds and YouTube videos alongside traditional articles.

Practical Use Cases for Readers

• The speaker discusses using Reader as a central hub for consuming online content; not all content is transferred directly into their Obsidian Vault.

How to Efficiently Save and Process Content in Obsidian

Saving Tweets and Threads

• Users can save tweets to their Readwise vault by replying with "save to read wise" or sending a private message to Readwise's Twitter account.

• Single tweets are easily saved, but long threads pose a challenge if they don't provide value; users may not want them cluttering their Obsidian vault.

• To manage this, users can connect their Twitter account in Reader preferences and choose whether to save single tweets or threads, allowing for better organization.

Integrating YouTube Videos and Kindle Highlights

• YouTube videos can be opened in Reader using a browser extension that allows highlighting and note-taking, which then exports notes into Obsidian.

• Kindle highlights automatically sync with Readwise, ensuring that all important excerpts from books are transferred seamlessly into the user's vault.

Managing Articles from Various Sources

• Articles found through recommendations on platforms like Twitter or newsletters (e.g., Hacker News) can be moved over to Reader for processing.

• The video promotes Brilliant.org as an interactive learning platform for STEM topics, emphasizing its adaptability for various skill levels.

Processing Highlights Effectively

• Simply archiving highlights isn't sufficient; users need a method to process these insights actively rather than passively storing them.

• A system is established where unprocessed highlights are tagged as "read wise inbox," making it easier to identify what needs attention within the Obsidian vault.

Creating an Organized Review System

• Users create a dedicated page titled "Read Wise Inbox" that lists all notes tagged with "read wise inbox," facilitating easy access for review.

• The processing of highlights varies based on content; some inspire new notes while others complement existing knowledge. Integration into the vault is crucial for future retrieval.

Readwise: Is It Worth the Subscription?

Value of Readwise and Reader Integration

• The speaker discusses how they often discover valuable highlights from years ago by exploring neighbor notes, emphasizing the added value this brings to their reading experience.

• Initially skeptical about Readwise's standalone value without Reader, the speaker reflects on their previous reluctance to create content about it due to subscription costs.