.files VS hamster-system

For math symbols I use Unicode characters, I have XCompose shortcuts [0] to easily insert them. I'm currently using WinCompose to use the same shortcuts on Windows. This works fairly well for my use cases (programming language theory and undergrad math), but doesn't support the fancy layouts that LaTeX does (fractions, large sub/superscripts).

I don't have a good solution for graphs/pictures/drawings. I don't think I've ever needed to, if I did I think I would just put the image in a folder alongside the note (`YYYY-MM-DD-ext`).

[0] https://github.com/CoderPuppy/.files/blob/master/XCompose

My "organization scheme" (as you call it) took me years to refine to match my brain/personality. Seems to be interesting to others also:

https://github.com/slowernews/hamster-system

I mostly read HN. Unfortunately is like drinking from a firehose.. My take to stay sane:

- If it's interesting I upvote. If it's really interesting I bookmark on my browser. This still means ~20 links weekly..

- Once a week I copy/paste browser bookmarks to my markdown file[0] At least every month I tree shake them. Time passes and some stuff are not so relevant/interesting anymore. Eventually they move to my notebook[1] or to my news aggregator[2].

[0] https://github.com/slowernews/hamster-system

[1] https://github.com/slowernews/notebook

[2] https://github.com/slowernews/slowernews

I have been using a ~/notes folder with markdown files edited with vim on my computer and markor on my phone synced with syncthing. That works well. But I am also a fan of paper notes and find that they "stick" better in my memory, and I am more conservative and intentional with what I physically write. However I end up with an out of sync feeling - some information stored digitally, some in a notebook. I've been considering strategies to address this.

One strategy I thought of is to use a single markdown file like the Hamster system [1] and alphabetize the sections; then I print this file and take handwritten notes onto the print out; then when the diff is large enough, I update the markdown file, print it again, and repeat. The main disadvantage is needing to reprint the full file for what could be small changes. To address that I have considered putting a page return between each letter of the alphabet, so each section starts on a new page.

Do you have any strategies to effectively synchronise paper with digital notes?

[1] https://github.com/slowernews/hamster-system

I used to track it every month. I've loosen up to every quarter and then to semiannual

[0] https://github.com/slowernews/hamster-system#hamster-budget-...

Completely agree. There's a myriad of note-taking apps looking for the holy grail of note-taking. AFAIK none has found it so the answer may be within us: keep it simple and steady.

I like to control so I dump everything in a plain text file. That's it. One long file is easier to manage than many short files. See it as a flat wiki and use built-in search for navigation.

This file is not write-only: progressively summarize and tree-shake it each time you iterate your notes. You'll leverage your excitement instead of forcing discipline. Ideally, notes are organized by project, not by category. It can be a catalyst for action and reviews. After several years I still think (personal) notes history is irrelevant. YMMV.

My take: https://github.com/slowernews/hamster-system