When is it time to write a note?
While processing my notes, I usually few that I don't have enough information to write a good note about what I had. Because of that, I enter a quest to search and read more in order to write my note. For example, I finished reading Zero to one[1] and I collected the following literature note:
Thiel claims that startup is the perfect structure for an innovating company. It has the right size to get things done while working with other people.
Thinking about this note, I recognized my real interesting: "What is the relationship of the group size and productivity?". The problem is: Zero and one is an experience report (i.e. it is based on his experience). Then I started to research more about this theme and found a bunch of articles[2,3,4,5]
This information is important and I want to add to my permanent notes, but I don't know if I want to spend hours reading more about it right now. I will never finish processing my notes at this pace. By the other hand, it feels wrong to add a permanent note without backing it up.
How do you handle this type of situation?
References:
[1] Thiel, P., & Masters, B., Zero to one: notes on startups, or how to build the future (2014), New York: Currency.
[2] https://www.researchgate.net/publication/247720545_Group_Size_Group_Development_and_Group_Productivity
[3] https://www.researchgate.net/publication/270820339_Effects_of_group_size_and_threat_reduction_on_creativity_in_a_problem_solving_situation
[4] https://www.researchgate.net/publication/3889414_Meeting_Analysis_Findings_from_Research_and_Practice
[5] https://www.researchgate.net/publication/17278686_Group_Effectiveness_in_Creative_Problem_Solving_Tasks_An_Examination_of_Relevant_Variables
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Comments
@wanderley, I'd be overjoyed with the feelings of striking gold, hitting the motherlode if I was you. You are indeed blessed. Having so much rich material to work with is not something everyone has.
I'd start a structure note on Zero to One and a second on Group size and Productivity. I'd make a literature note (as you call it) calling it "Right Size" and put it in the "Zero to One" structure note and then a link to it in the "Group size and Productivity" structure note. I'd add the links you have for additional material in a section titled "Reference" at the bottom of the "Group size and Productivity" note. Then I'd put the note in my saved search for active work. This keeps it in my focus as I work this list of notes daily. Then I'd just move on. Take a walk or do the dishes. Percolate.
Lastly, I'd shift all my attention and reading to my new interest in Group size and Productivity and see what develops. Maybe you'll develop some expertise in this field or maybe you'll discover sloyd and you be off on another adventure. Who knows?
Will Simpson
My zettelkasten is for my ideas, not the ideas of others. I will try to remember this. I must keep doing my best even though I'm a failure. My peak cognition is behind me. One day soon, I will read my last book, write my last note, eat my last meal, and kiss my sweetie for the last time.
kestrelcreek.com
@wanderley, I'm coming across similar issues and I have been just including my questions in notes or creating notes that are just questions. In your case, you could also add the references you found. Even if you don't have time to look into this now, the next time this topic arises you will likely remember that you have a note about it and find the note asking this question. At that point, you can decide to investigate it right then or create a link to whatever prompted you to remember the question and put the question note right back in the ZK for possible later investigation.
p.s. just letting everyone know that abbreviating Zettelkasten as ZK is going to happen at some point...it's just a matter of time
I handle the situation quite similar. I am willing, however, to leave open loops in my Zettelkasten if closing it entails a whole bunch of research. Then I design the Zettel in a manner that the knowledge structure is open for other knowledge structure to attach.
In your case, I'd formulate Thiel's statement as an argument with no evidence for the premises:
>
>
Or something like that.
But in practice, I'd probably solve the second objection doing the same as you did: More research.
One thing stood out to me:
Is that your true aim? I view the pile of notes (and my pile of shame) as a proxy for my general productivity. But the ultimate aim to me is to be productive. Even if I'd process only a tiny fraction of my original notes, I'd be very happy if I would produce a lot of good ideas and texts.
I am a Zettler
Thanks for all answers!
I noticed two patterns in the answers: 1) having small notes organized by structure notes and 2) having "question" notes or leaving question in notes. These patterns help to clarify what a dialog with ZK means. The ZK is not about "complete knowledge" but what you built so far.
The idea of organizing the note as an argument with no evidence is fascinating. I was not comfortable saving these type of notes in my ZK, because they can lead to bad (and weak) connections. Writing it as an argument forces me to really understand the premise, conclusion and its problems. The lack of evidences motivated my research, but I did it without breaking down Thiel's argument. Having evidences was a necessary condition to add anything to my ZK. I was wrong, because I can leave behind anecdote notes like this one in the form of argument-with-no-evidence form.
My true aim is to find powerful ideas and their applications in different fields. And I see your point about quality vs quantity. Processing all my notes doesn't mean I am reaching my goal, but creating quality notes will bring me closer to it.
While writing the note as an argument without evidences, I discovered that I didn't understand the argument correctly 😀.
Following the feedbacks, I finished with these notes:
.
.