A meandering mind…

The title, I am inclined to say, says it all! Building blocks, it was the objective in the search for several tools for digital management of what I have found is becoming a rather expansive and extensive collection of digital resources for my research. This post will be the first of three dealing with what I consider to be the several building blocks to success.

Logically it is prudent to start with GTD Software as it is known, or Got to Do. Logical because this is how I have managed all research and management tasks since beginning my research. At the beginning all the way back in October of our Digital History class Mike, our lecturer, went through the finer aspects of being organised. And, being honest it struck a cord. I came home that evening and sorted through my files diligently making lists of what needed to be done etc. It got me thinking, as I often do. This thinking can sometimes lead to… what can only be described as one thought being replaced with another. In other words I am prone to be forgetful, though it pains me to admit it! I needed something to manage this forgetfulness but also take it a step ahead, and factor in planning. So as I said I began searching for GTD Software. I could talk about the several versions I found which were free etc but they really weren’t up to much. I found them for the main part, limited. I did find one known as iGTD and it was a revelation, but was out of production! And following the crumb trail I found a wondrous thing. The programmer had moved to a new company who created Things. It was the dream program. The price was a factor. It was… expensive to say the least and took a lot to bring me to commit the funds to paying for it. But it has been worth every cent!

This is a screen capture of Things write up on Culture Codes own website.

Above is the screen capture of what the interface looks like. Simple is one word for it, understated is another. I don’t think I could ever go back to using another task management tool. And I have had my fair share. On their website Things lists it’s features. Which is no small list may I add.

I have been able to manage and control and time every aspect of my college schedule within days, hours, and minutes. It has given me unprecedented control and has freed up my often worrying mind to focus on the task at hand. As I was often easily distracted when a new idea or job came to mind while studying. It allows me handle what has become a strenuous and on some level overbearing work load. I can divide my tasks by projects, my areas of responsibility and of others so I can monitor progress on co-operative projects. I have a someday list! Where I can post all those things I really just don’t have time to get done just yet! But that won’t be forgotten! This is an example of my plan for my Digital History Assignment.

Another great resource is that in each “To Do” that I create I can link it to emails detailing the task further, link the word document, powerpoint show, excel sheet, image, or Text PDF that is relevant for that particular task. An excellent time saving feature, meaning that Things has become my Go To software.

As I said the others weren’t up to mentioning but I guess for those who can’t bring themselves to spend money on this, Schoolhouse is an excellent FREE alternative. The interface is a bit more complicated and stuff in comparison to Things.

As it is well known I am a Mac-phile. I love all things Mac and this is no different. It is a Mac application. But one thing I found while searching for such software is that an extensive range of Microsoft GTD does exist and I would recommend getting to grips with a few as it is an EXCELLENT way to progress with your MA Thesis or any other Thesis or project you’re engaged with. I found Things to do exactly what I wanted it to do, but that shouldn’t discourage you from exploring other GTD applications for MAC and Windows applications. As it is definetly a way to move ahead with a project properly and in a structured time efficient manner, whatever tool you use.

Good luck with your “To Do”!