From mboxrd@z Thu Jan 1 00:00:00 1970 From: Alex Bochannek Subject: Another GTD question. Date: Tue, 26 Sep 2006 13:03:35 -0700 Message-ID: Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Return-path: Received: from mailman by lists.gnu.org with tmda-scanned (Exim 4.43) id 1GSJ9i-0000sX-SQ for emacs-orgmode@gnu.org; Tue, 26 Sep 2006 16:03:50 -0400 Received: from exim by lists.gnu.org with spam-scanned (Exim 4.43) id 1GSJ9g-0000r4-3G for emacs-orgmode@gnu.org; Tue, 26 Sep 2006 16:03:50 -0400 Received: from [199.232.76.173] (helo=monty-python.gnu.org) by lists.gnu.org with esmtp (Exim 4.43) id 1GSJ9f-0000qw-PO for emacs-orgmode@gnu.org; Tue, 26 Sep 2006 16:03:47 -0400 Received: from [207.17.137.57] (helo=colo-dns-ext1.juniper.net) by monty-python.gnu.org with esmtps (TLS-1.0:DHE_RSA_3DES_EDE_CBC_SHA:24) (Exim 4.52) id 1GSJEM-0008Jh-Lw for emacs-orgmode@gnu.org; Tue, 26 Sep 2006 16:08:38 -0400 Received: from merlot.juniper.net (merlot.juniper.net [172.17.27.10]) by colo-dns-ext1.juniper.net (8.11.3/8.9.3) with ESMTP id k8QK3gX12139 for ; Tue, 26 Sep 2006 13:03:42 -0700 (PDT) (envelope-from alexb@juniper.net) Received: from ALEXB-LT (dhcp-nsw-158.juniper.net [172.17.13.158]) by merlot.juniper.net (8.11.3/8.11.3) with ESMTP id k8QK3ag30585 for ; Tue, 26 Sep 2006 13:03:37 -0700 (PDT) (envelope-from alexb@juniper.net) 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: emacs-orgmode@gnu.org I have been following a lot of the discussions about how people use Org-mode to implement GTD. 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. Let us say that your primary use for your GTD org file is the lists, which is what most people have reported they do. For the purpose of this discussion I am leaving out the whole tickler file concept. Looking at Charles Cave's example Web page, he uses a mix of grouping projects and contexts in outlines. I am in a similar situation where 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. In a way, GTD is somewhat fuzzy about how to address this. 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. 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) They all have their pros and cons and I wonder if we could collectively come up with a good usage model. Let me propose a couple of items and that could be a starting point for discussion. I am purposely trying to pick examples that should cover the common categories listed in the book. I am also "borrowing" from Charles Cave's page: o Call the bank about personal statements o Go to post office to buy stamps o Wait for SysAdmin to finish server install o Hang new pictures at home o Discuss new development process with boss o Read through vendor proposal o Server Install project at work o Install software upgrade on laptop o Learn more about font-lock in Org-mode The examples are fictional (well, except the last one), but I think they are all plausible. 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. Alex.