I agree about the brevity. I don't personally see it as terribly important. As the article points out, once you're in the habit of tracking things, it does mean they absolutely will get done! But to my mind this suggests you should have more space, for keeping track of as many items (large or small) as required, rather than less.
(I just maintain an A5 notebook with a list of tasks. I let them build up as required, cross each off once done, and clip the edge of a page once all its tasks are resolved. Makes it easy to find the remaining items.)
Re:Reasons to use a paper-based task manager
by deathspin on Sunday January 26, 2014 @06:39PM
(#7127647)
It really depends on the individuals learning style. For me, more room for more stuff is not better.
Re:Reasons to use a paper-based task manager
by morganherlocker on Sunday January 26, 2014 @08:04PM
(#7128030)
> For instance, I use Trello as a scratchpad about various things I have going on. I've got about 11 or so person boards. Writing things down and applying a method to limit work in progress is really the corner stone of getting things done in my opinion.
I use trello extensively. I always have an "In Progress" list and an "On Bat" list. "On Bat" maxes at 5 items, "In Progress" always has two items per person on the board (and it should usually only be one item).
Re:Reasons to use a paper-based task manager
by 1qaz2wsx3edc on Monday January 27, 2014 @07:05AM
(#7129902)
I do something similar, I've commented on it in the past: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=6466150
Although not mentioned there is that I exclusively limit work-in-progress to one item.
> 2. It's always available / It never crashes
> 3. Awesome Weekly Summary
> 4. Take notes anywhere
On 1.) This is something ultimately up to oneself, I could have a larger notebook, or use multiple pages. Brevity more over is about self-discipline in accurately describing tasks. It can also be double edged in that not enough information or vagueness may increase effort require. This is something digital tools can help alleviate by allowing for additional information (todos, comments, etc).
On 2.) Sure, paper beats the redundancy of digital or online tools, but let's not forget about the power and utility they can provide as well.
On 3.) Digital tools by contrast can work around this exceeding well and in detail (calendars, weekly iterations, etc).
Finally on 4.) Sure, I won't argue against papers innate redundancy, but I feel like digital services convenience me just as well with mobile & web apps (as long as I can get the full site though :P).
Anywho, my long drawn out point is : these strengths can be applied elsewhere, and just as well. For instance, I use Trello as a scratchpad about various things I have going on. I've got about 11 or so person boards. Writing things down and applying a method to limit work in progress is really the corner stone of getting things done in my opinion. Just my two cents.