The Trouble with Tools. Daniel Miller on notes, tasks, projects, and the overlapping tension of using software to manage them.

It remains very true that all software expands to the point that it can host checklists. I try not to worry too much when a task list emerges from a note. If I can keep that task list short-lived, i.e., finish it within a working session, it’s not a problem.

I continue to wish Things would do their very well-considered thing and make notes a first-class concept in their app. But only if they can solve it with their consistently high quality of thoughtfulness and execution. Until then, I’m thrilled with them not bolting it on at all.

Lately, I’m choosing my apps for simplicity of general-purpose use. Customization and scriptability are great on paper. But then I fiddle too much instead of getting stuff done.

That said, I have three different notes-shaped apps in my daily workflow. I’m basically fine with this! Maybe I’m done with all-knowing, open-ended, monolithic apps for Managing All the Work. 🤞