The never-ending search for a note-taking app
Everyone, and I mean EVERYONE, falls victim to the shiny new object syndrome. In the world of tools for thought (aka TfT) or personal knowledge management (aka PKM), this is doubly true.
Every other week there is a new tool that promises to deliver EXACTLY what you are looking for. How could you not try it out, right? Fundamentally, there is nothing wrong with this. It’s good to be across the new tools in your space. How else will you discover something that “clicks” with how your brain works or how you like to work? Trial and error is a time tested and validated approach.
The problem with such a fundamental tool is switching cost. Or, more precisely, how often you elect to switch to the latest tool. I’m not talking sunk cost. Sunk cost is a fallacy. You don’t have to stick with using the same tool just because you’ve invested time in it. If it works, great. If not, change.
What I’m referring to is the time you lose in doing what you’re actually meant to be doing with these tools - taking notes, creating content, publishing - when you’re perfectly happy with the tool you’re using, but all the cool kids are talking about XYZ. You lose your flow when you change tools. It’s not like you’re replacing a hammer. This is a simple tool serving a specific purpose. All note-taking tools do things a little differently (some drastically) and require time to get across.
The time you invest in learning a new tool, its nuances, is time you will never get back. Sure, if a tool is not working for you then change. But when it is, and you see a more sexy newcomer? Avert your eyes and walk on by. Thank me later.
~Artamon