From mboxrd@z Thu Jan 1 00:00:00 1970 From: Charles Cave Subject: Re: Another GTD question. Date: Wed, 27 Sep 2006 22:39:07 +1000 Message-ID: <451A70EB.2000003@optusnet.com.au> References: Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Return-path: Received: from mailman by lists.gnu.org with tmda-scanned (Exim 4.43) id 1GSYh1-0003IQ-RC for emacs-orgmode@gnu.org; Wed, 27 Sep 2006 08:39:15 -0400 Received: from exim by lists.gnu.org with spam-scanned (Exim 4.43) id 1GSYh0-0003Go-Tw for emacs-orgmode@gnu.org; Wed, 27 Sep 2006 08:39:15 -0400 Received: from [199.232.76.173] (helo=monty-python.gnu.org) by lists.gnu.org with esmtp (Exim 4.43) id 1GSYh0-0003Ga-PB for emacs-orgmode@gnu.org; Wed, 27 Sep 2006 08:39:14 -0400 Received: from [211.29.132.199] (helo=mail18.syd.optusnet.com.au) by monty-python.gnu.org with esmtps (TLS-1.0:DHE_RSA_3DES_EDE_CBC_SHA:24) (Exim 4.52) id 1GSYlr-0007wu-Ah for emacs-orgmode@gnu.org; Wed, 27 Sep 2006 08:44:15 -0400 In-Reply-To: List-Id: "General discussions about Org-mode." List-Unsubscribe: , List-Archive: List-Post: List-Help: List-Subscribe: , Sender: emacs-orgmode-bounces+geo-emacs-orgmode=m.gmane.org@gnu.org Errors-To: emacs-orgmode-bounces+geo-emacs-orgmode=m.gmane.org@gnu.org To: Alex Bochannek Cc: emacs-orgmode@gnu.org Hi Alex, > I am currently using a system that isn't > that different from it, but I am trying to figure out the "best" way > to use Org-mode for GTD. I don't think there is any "best" way to use GTD system or org-mode for that matter. One of the core principles of GTD is creating lists of next actions organised by context. A context is some restraint that only allows the action to be done in a particular place, time, or with particular resources. > my first instinct would be to group all my work next actions under > specific headlines (e.g., hardware, software, etc.) since I work in > different areas. I think that is a good idea because when you review your "system"... the org-mode file you can use these headlines if hardware, software, etc as a checklist for the question "Are there any outstanding actions on this equipment?". > It's not > really a context since while I am at work, I can work on any number of > tasks in the different areas. The context talks about what it is I > need, where I need to be, or a type of activity. Maybe I overlooked > something, but it seems like another dimension to the problem. Maybe WORK is a sufficient context for your office related activities. I don't think you need to break it down any further than that. > > How does this relate to Org-mode? In Org-mode I see different > approaches to how one could structure these lists: > > - Outlines > - Tags > - ToDo keywords > - Categories (files) The lists can be structured anyway you want, but the strength of org-mode is scanning your whole file to build up a list of lines matching a tag. Organising the actions under specific category tags is extra (unnecessary) work since org-mode does it for you. Keeping the actions in context with other items may make more sense. Let me add my context tags to yourlist > o Call the bank about personal statements :PHONE: > o Go to post office to buy stamps :ERRANDS: > o Wait for SysAdmin to finish server install :WAITING: > o Hang new pictures at home :HOME: > o Discuss new development process with boss :BOSS: (Create a tag for items (agenda) to discuss with your boss > o Read through vendor proposal :READING: (Can this reading be done at home or on your train trip to work? Reading is one of those activities that can be done almost anywhere) > o Server Install project at work :OFFICE: > o Install software upgrade on laptop :OFFICE: > o Learn more about font-lock in Org-mode :OFFICE: So when you are at the office, you display the tags for OFFICE. If you set up a meeting with your boss, you search for :BOSS so you get the most out of your meeting with the boss. When you are reviewing what you are waiting for, use the WAITING tag. During your lunch break, you search for ERRANDS. > I am really looking forward to hear what people who are already using > GTD with Org-mode suggest and hope that those how are not familiar > with GTD may still find the discussion interesting. I'm still refining my system with org-mode so I am keen to hear from others on this. Charles