Simple, Non-Commercial, Open Source Notes

Introduction and Need for a Notion Replacement

The speaker expresses the need for a replacement for Notion, citing concerns about data privacy and the desire for a program that focuses solely on personal wiki notes, to-do lists, and documents.

Reasons for Seeking a Notion Replacement

• Privacy concerns with big tech companies stealing data.

• Desire for a program that is free, non-commercial, and open source.

• Preference for software not driven by venture capital or focused on monetizing cloud services.

• Need for simplicity without unnecessary features.

• Emphasis on local and self-hosted privacy and data ownership.

Desired Features in a Notion Replacement

The speaker outlines the desired features in a notion replacement, including storing notes as plain text, zero vendor locking, flexibility in syncing notes across devices, version control capabilities, compatibility with various devices without relying on client software.

Desired Features

• Storing notes as plain text.

• Zero vendor locking.

• Flexibility in syncing notes using preferred programs.

• Version control capabilities.

• Compatibility with various devices without reliance on client software.

Considered Options That Didn't Make the Cut

The speaker mentions several note-taking apps that were considered but did not meet the criteria. These include Obsidian, OneNote, Evernote, Rome Research Tool, Logseq, Typora, Boost Note, Standard Notes, Simple Notes, Notable (no longer open source), Mem.ai Notes Nook and Google Keep. Programs that don't store notes in plain text such as Cherry Tree Laverna Tomboy NG TiddlyWiki are also mentioned.

Considered Options That Didn't Meet Criteria

• Obsidian

• OneNote

• Evernote

• Rome Research Tool

• Logseq

• Typora

• Boost Note

• Standard Notes

• Simple Notes

• Notable (no longer open source)

• Mem.ai Notes Nook and Google Keep

Promising Options That Meet Criteria

The speaker mentions two note-taking apps, Joplin and Trillium, that meet the criteria despite storing notes in a SQLite database. Dendron is also mentioned as a favorite method due to its hierarchical organization of file names in a flat directory.

Promising Options That Meet Criteria

• Joplin (stores notes in a SQLite database)

• Trillium (stores notes in a SQLite database)

• Dendron (hierarchical organization of file names in a flat directory)

Importance of Sticking with Chosen Software

The speaker emphasizes the importance of sticking with the chosen note-taking software and utilizing its full potential to avoid getting caught up in unproductive productivity cycles.

Importance of Sticking with Chosen Software

• Emphasizes the need to fully utilize chosen software.

• Encourages avoiding unproductive productivity cycles.

Runner-Up Options

The speaker mentions three runner-up options that met all criteria but had minor issues. These include Zettlr, VNote, and Turtl.

Runner-Up Options

1. Zettlr:

• Markdown editor with fancy editing window.

• GUI tables save as plain text.

• Minor issue with text selection behavior.

2. V

• Markdown editor with toggle between editing mode and read mode.

• Read mode didn't work on some computers.

• Links cannot be followed from within edit mode.

3. Turtl:

• Not mentioned in the transcript.

Conclusion

The speaker concludes by stating that the choice of note-taking software ultimately depends on personal preference and the commitment to fully utilizing it. Three runner-up options, Zettlr, VNote, and Turtl, are briefly mentioned.

Conclusion

• Personal preference plays a significant role in choosing note-taking software.

• Commitment to fully utilizing chosen software is crucial.

• Runner-up options include Zettlr, VNote, and Turtl (briefly mentioned).

Zim - Simple and Featureful Note-taking App

The speaker discusses the features of Zim, a note-taking app that offers various functionalities such as link notes, encrypted notes, and image insertion. However, the speaker mentions that they prefer using plugins within a text editor instead of running a separate script alongside Zim.

Features of Zim

• Zim provides fancy features like link notes, encrypted notes, and inserting images into notebooks.

• The speaker prefers using plugins within a text editor for similar functionalities rather than running a separate script alongside Zim.

Zim - Simple Hierarchical Notes with Rich Text Editor

The speaker highlights the simplicity of Zim as a hierarchical list of notes. They mention that while it doesn't support markdown in its editor, it offers a snappy rich text editor with convenient shortcuts for formatting. Attachments and pictures can be easily dragged into the editor.

Features of Zim

• Zim offers a simple hierarchical list of notes.

• The editor has a snappy rich text editor with shortcuts for headings, italicizing, etc.

• Attachments and pictures can be easily dragged into the editor.

Organization and Syntax in Zim

The speaker explains how notes are organized hierarchically in Zim. Each note acts as a parent node to the notes underneath it. Additionally, attachments and images are stored separately in their own folder within Zim.

Organization in Zim

• Notes are organized hierarchically in which each note serves as a parent node to its sub-notes.

• Attachments and images are stored separately in their own folder within Zim.

Zim - Features and Plugins

The speaker mentions that Zim offers various features like tags, tables, task lists, journals, and encrypted notes. However, these features are available as plugins and can be enabled with just two clicks.

Features of Zim

• Zim offers features like tags, tables, task lists, journals, and encrypted notes.

• These features are available as plugins and can be easily enabled with two clicks.

Limitations of Table Plugin in Zim

The speaker points out a limitation of the table plugin in Zim. While it allows GUI editing of tables, it does not support tabbing between cells. Additionally, the default green theme of Zim is considered unattractive on Windows computers.

Limitations of Table Plugin in Zim

• The table plugin in Zim lacks the ability to tab between cells.

• The default green theme of Zim is unattractive on Windows computers.

Minimalistic Approach of Zim

The speaker highlights that Zim follows a minimalistic approach compared to other note-taking apps. It focuses solely on simple note-taking without burdening users with unnecessary features by default.

Minimalistic Approach of Zim

• By default, Zim focuses solely on simple note-taking without burdening users with unnecessary features.

• Additional features are available as plugins but not enabled by default.

QOwnNotes - Featureful Markdown App

The speaker introduces QOwnNotes as a featureful markdown app with a double pane view. They mention its obscurity in the productivity space due to the dominance of other popular note-taking apps.

Features of QOwnNotes

• QOwnNotes is a featureful markdown app with a double pane view.

• It offers a customizable interface and avoids unnecessary pop-ups or unexpected formatting.

Customization and Navigation in QOwnNotes

The speaker emphasizes the customization options and navigation features in QOwnNotes. They mention hierarchical tags for organizing notes and separate panels for folder navigation and note selection.

Customization and Navigation in QOwnNotes

• QOwnNotes offers extensive customization options, allowing users to tailor the interface to their preferences.

• It supports hierarchical tags for organizing notes.

• Folder navigation and note selection are done through separate panels.

Convenient Features of QOwnNotes

The speaker highlights convenient features in QOwnNotes, such as encrypted notes, version history, and synchronization with cloud servers. They express surprise at how easily these features work compared to other apps.

Convenient Features of QOwnNotes

• QOwnNotes offers convenient features like encrypted notes, version history, and synchronization with cloud servers.

• The speaker expresses surprise at how easily these features work compared to other apps.

Themes and User Experience in QOwnNotes

The speaker praises the user experience of QOwnNotes, mentioning its built-in good themes that don't require searching on GitHub. They appreciate the absence of unnecessary menus, buttons, or panels that can be turned off if not needed.

Themes and User Experience in QOwnNotes

• QOwnNotes provides built-in good themes without requiring additional searching on GitHub.

• The user experience is enhanced by the absence of unnecessary menus, buttons, or panels that can be turned off if not needed.

Comparison with Other Note-taking Apps

The speaker compares QOwnNotes with other note-taking apps like Zim and VNote, highlighting the convenience of opening notes in the file manager and adjusting font size using shortcuts.

Comparison with Other Note-taking Apps

• QOwnNotes offers the convenience of opening notes in the file manager, which is not available in Zim or VNote.

• Adjusting font size using shortcuts is possible in QOwnNotes but not in Zim or Zettler.

[t=11m35s] Split View for Markdown Editors and the Limitations of Markdown

The speaker discusses the limitations of using split view for markdown editors and highlights the lack of rich text features, such as inline images. They mention that while markdown editors may have a table editor, they often lack other advanced features found in rich text editors.

Split View Design Problem with Markdown Editors

• Using split view for markdown editors is seen as a fundamental design problem.

• Markdown editors lack fancy rich text features like displaying images inline.

• Users need to rely on preview mode to view images.

Table Editor in Markdown Editors

• Some markdown editors offer a table editor, which can be useful.

• However, this feature does not compensate for the overall limitations of markdown editors.

Simple Markdown Editors and Productivity Tools

• The speaker questions why simple markdown editors are not more commonly recommended in lists of productivity tools.

• They suggest that there are people who only need basic note-taking functionality without complex productivity workflows.

• References Apple Notes as an example of a simpler note-taking tool.

Qo Notes and User Experience

• The speaker praises Qo Notes for its user-friendly experience.

• Highlights that they never had to search for documentation or troubleshoot issues while using Qo Notes.

• Expresses satisfaction with how everything worked as expected.

[t=12m21s] Overcomplicating Productivity Workflows and the Downsides of Emacs and Neovim

The speaker discusses how overcomplicating productivity workflows can outweigh the benefits. They mention their experiences with Emacs and Neovim, highlighting time wasted on customization, troubleshooting, and learning curve associated with these powerful text editors.

Overcomplicating Productivity Workflows

• Emphasizes that spending excessive time on customizing productivity software can hinder actual productivity.

• Gives examples like obsessing over layout, background pictures, columns, icons, and refactoring.

• Mentions wasting time on trying out different systems seen on YouTube.

Emacs and Neovim as Productivity Tools

• Acknowledges that Emacs and Neovim are powerful tools for software developers.

• Believes that there is a point where the time spent on optimizing these editors outweighs the benefits.

• Shares personal experiences of spending hours optimizing boot-up time, key bindings, and troubleshooting GitHub extensions.

Qo Notes as an Alternative

• Recommends using Qo Notes instead of Emacs or Neovim for note-taking if productivity is a priority.

• Highlights that Qo Notes eliminates the need for extensive customization and troubleshooting.

• Acknowledges that their perspective comes from using text editors primarily for notes and tasks rather than as a development environment.

[t=13m34s] The Personalization and Fun of Emacs

The speaker explores the personalization options available in Emacs. They discuss Doom Emacs, its usability out of the box, and how org mode within Emacs offers features like bulleting lists, headings, folding, scheduling, tables, and programmable spreadsheets.

Personalization Options in Emacs

• Describes Doom Emacs as a configuration framework that provides Vim key bindings and easy modification options.

• Admits to watching tutorials on setting up Emacs but ultimately sticking with Doom Emacs due to its usability.

Introduction to Org Mode in Emacs

• Mentions discovering org mode through Hacker News.

• Initially perceived it as a way to fold bulleted lists but later realized it offered much more functionality.

Features of Org Mode

• Lists various features of org mode: bulleting lists, check boxes, headings folding between files,

scheduling system with dates and deadlines,

agenda system built from to-do list syntax,

plain text-based document structure,

intuitive syntax for creating tables with formatting and alignment options,

ability to evaluate expressions, run code, and crunch data within org documents.

[t=15m14s] The Versatility of Emacs as a Terminal and GUI Program

The speaker discusses the versatility of Emacs as both a terminal program and a GUI program. They highlight the benefits of having both versions available, including mouse support in the GUI version and the ability to SSH into a home server and run Emacs from any device using the terminal version.

Terminal and GUI Versions of Emacs

• Explains that Emacs can be used as both a terminal program and a GUI program.

• Mouse support is reasonable in the GUI version, although some may mock it.

• Highlights advantages of having both versions: SSH access to home server with terminal version, font switching, font sizes, inline images in the GUI version.

Doom Emacs for Usability

• Mentions using Doom Emacs for its usability out of the box.

• Admits to initially spending time watching tutorials on setting up Emacs but ultimately sticking with Doom Emacs.

[t=16m25s] Org Mode: A Dream Come True for Plain Text Productivity

The speaker expresses enthusiasm for org mode within Emacs. They discuss its features such as bulleting lists, check boxes, headings folding between files, scheduling system with dates and deadlines, agenda system built from to-do list syntax, plain text-based document structure, intuitive table creation with formatting options, and programmable spreadsheet capabilities.

Features of Org Mode

• Describes org mode as a dream come true for plain text productivity.

• Lists various features: bulleting lists, check boxes,

headings folding between files,

scheduling system with dates and deadlines,

agenda system built from to-do list syntax,

plain text-based document structure,

intuitive table creation with formatting options like alignment,

programmable spreadsheet capabilities.

The Purpose of Vendor Lock-In and Emacs Features

In this section, the speaker discusses the purpose of vendor lock-in and highlights some features of Emacs.

Vendor Lock-In and Emacs

• Vendor lock-in defeats the purpose of using a text document.

• Emacs has been around for 50 years and is considered an exception to vendor lock-in.

• Org-roam plugin provides backlinks in your graph, which may not be necessary but can be useful.

• Org-roam also offers a convenient note capture buffer with different templates for hierarchical and unorganized notes.

• Org-roam stores every note with a unique identifier, allowing you to link to any file regardless of its location or name changes.

Benefits of Unique Identifiers in Note Organization

This section focuses on the benefits of using unique identifiers in organizing notes.

Unique Identifiers in Note Organization

• Using unique identifiers ensures that renaming or moving files does not break links within your notes.

• It is suggested that plugin developers adopt this approach to avoid link issues caused by file changes.

The Magic and Limitations of Emacs

Here, the speaker discusses the magical aspects of Emacs as a text editor while acknowledging its limitations.

Magic and Limitations of Emacs

• Despite being complicated and featureful, Emacs feels magical due to its focus on editing text.

• The GUI interface allows for functionalities that are not possible in a terminal-based editor like Vim.

• Getting started with Doom Emacs was relatively easy, even for occasional Vim users.

• However, one limitation is that Emacs may not be as snappy on lower-spec devices such as Windows laptops or phones.

Running Doom Emacs on Different Devices

This section explores running Doom Emacs on various devices and the challenges faced.

Running Doom Emacs on Different Devices

• Doom Emacs runs smoothly on high-spec Linux desktops but may be slower on underpowered Windows laptops.

• The performance on phones is not ideal, although it can be installed.

• To overcome performance issues, the speaker suggests running Doom Emacs on a home server or a powerful Mini PC.

Using Neovim as an Alternative to Emacs

In this section, the speaker discusses switching from Emacs to Neovim and the trade-offs involved.

Switching to Neovim

• Neovim is a text editor that offers a different experience compared to notion-like features in Emacs.

• However, using Neovim means giving up fancy things like fonts and images initially.

• While there are workarounds for image support, it's important to note that Neovim is primarily a terminal program.

Plugin Variations in Vim for Note-Taking

This section highlights the variety of plugins available in Vim for note-taking purposes.

Plugin Variations in Vim

• There are numerous plugin options available for note-taking in Vim, each with its own set of features and syntax variations.

• Org mode remains a popular choice within Vim, but there are also other projects like vimwiki, taskwiki, neuron.vim, etc.

• These plugins offer similar functionalities but may have differences or partial implementations compared to org mode.

Achieving Organized Text Files with Note-Taking Plugins

Here, the speaker shares their experience of achieving more organized text files using note-taking plugins.

Achieving Organized Text Files

• The speaker has successfully turned their text files into slightly more organized ones using various note-taking plugins.

• The focus is on creating links and searching notes efficiently rather than promoting specific plugins.

• Different plugins offer similar functionality, with some differences in their additional features.

Choosing an Unfinished Plugin for Note-Taking

This section discusses the decision to use an unfinished plugin for note-taking purposes.

Using an Unfinished Plugin

• The speaker chose to use a less mature plugin called new org, which introduces its own syntax.

• The decision was made to avoid using org mode plugins that may have missing features or differences compared to Emacs.

• Despite the lack of full functionality, the speaker finds it easy to make excuses due to the unfinished nature of the plugin.

Timestamps are provided where available.

[t=0:23:51s] Note-Taking Systems and Personal Preferences

The speaker discusses their personal note-taking system and preferences, highlighting the differences between Vim and Emacs. They emphasize that everyone has their own personal system and what works for one person may not work for another.

Identifiers and Simplified Note-Taking in Vim

• The speaker mentions that their note-taking in Vim is simplified compared to the fancy table they tried to create in Emacs.

• Their pages are numbered with identifiers like "202.1a," which represent different categories such as hobbies (200), backpacking (202), and trips (202.1).

Personal Note-Taking Systems

• The speaker acknowledges that personal note-taking systems vary, and what one person finds useful, another may consider a waste of time.

• They mention that Neovim meets their goal of distraction-free, fast, and simple notes but admits it can be harder to configure than Emacs.

Changing Landscape of Neovim

• The speaker highlights that Neovim's configuration has evolved over time, with changes in plugin managers, scripting languages, and organization plugins like neorg.

• They mention the need to follow development updates to decide whether to adopt new features or switch to alternative plugins.

Trade-offs and Recommendations

• Despite the complexities involved, the speaker finds joy in exploring different note-taking software options.

• They recommend Zim as a user-friendly option for someone who may not grasp Neovim's intricacies.

• The search for perfect software can be endless when there is already perfectly fine software available.

[t=0:26:19s] Exploring Alternative Text Editors

The speaker delves into alternative text editors beyond Vim and Emacs, discussing modal editors like Cocoon and Helix. They contemplate switching to simpler editors but acknowledge potential productivity trade-offs.

Modal Editors: Cocoon and Helix

• The speaker describes Cocoon as a modal editor that combines Vim's normal and visual modes with reversed key mappings.

• They appreciate Cocoon's focus on being a text editor rather than an entire development platform.

• Helix is mentioned as another option similar to Cocoon but with additional developer features, although it currently lacks plugin support.

Minimalist Editors: Viz and Neat VI

• The speaker briefly mentions minimalist editors like Viz and Neat VI, which prioritize simplicity by omitting unnecessary features.

• Neat VI is highlighted for its core functionality of opening file paths under the cursor, resembling a simple linked note system.

Exploring Unconventional Options

• The speaker acknowledges the unexpected shift from discussing notion replacements to exploring hipster text editors like Cocoon and Neat VI.

• They invite viewers to share their experiences with ultra-minimalist software or other usable alternatives.

[t=0:29:09s] Personal Reflections on Note-Taking Software

The speaker reflects on their relationship with software, expressing both love and frustration towards note-taking tools. They express surprise at finding multiple programs they genuinely appreciate within the same category.

Love-Hate Relationship with Software

• The speaker admits to having mixed feelings about software, computers, and note-taking in general.

• Despite this, they find themselves appreciating multiple programs within the same category of note-taking software.

Curiosity vs. Productivity

• While acknowledging the abundance of suitable options available, the speaker wonders if there could be even better alternatives beyond what they have explored so far.

• They mention plans to eliminate Envy Chad (a neovim-based config) in favor of a more personalized configuration or potentially switching entirely.

Embracing Minimalism

• The speaker contemplates how far down the rabbit hole they have gone in search of minimalistic note-taking software.

• They humorously suggest that using Ed or a physical notebook might be the only ways to achieve even greater minimalism than Neat VI.

Invitation for Feedback

• The speaker acknowledges the length of the video and invites viewers to share their thoughts on usable minimalist software or any other recommendations.

• They express surprise at having found multiple programs they genuinely appreciate, considering themselves fortunate not to have become one of those "single giant text file" people.

The transcript provided does not include timestamps beyond 0:29:27s.

Good Luck in Your Search

The speaker expresses doubt about the effectiveness of watching the entire video and hopes that the viewer will take action instead of just consuming more productivity content.

Do I Have Hope for You?

• The speaker states that if you watch the whole video without taking action, you are lost.

• Clicking on other productivity videos or tweaking your system won't help if you don't actually use your notes and get things done.

• The speaker specifically addresses someone named Amir, urging them to take action.

Timestamps are not available for this section.