Using task URLs to create a review list
mhuk says:
David Allen suggest in “Getting Things Done” to carry around a folder with “review material” like brochures, trade magazines, etc. and to read it when one is sitting around … like waiting at the dentist or for a train.
My review material is nearly exclusively online, so I use the URLs in RTM tasks instead.
When I am reading Google Reader, Facebook recommendations, Digg links, etc., I rarely have the time to read the articles right there and then. When I see anything that catches me eye, I create an RTM task on my “Review” list, enter a brief descriptions (i.e. Android App xyz) and paste the URL in.
Later, at the train station, before a meeting or at the fish-and-chips shop, I get my Android or notebook out, bring up the article and read it instead of being bored. Guess I am lucky, but I have 3G or high-speed mobile network connections pretty much anywhere I go.
I guess you could achieve this with synchronised bookmarks, but – in my experience – they do not seem to work well on mobile devices. Also, if you read this, chances are that your are a RTM and GTD fan and have RTM already hooked up to all your desktops, notebooks, tablets and mobile devices. Instead of playing around with clunky bookmarks, why not reuse RTM for yet one more purpose?
My review material is nearly exclusively online, so I use the URLs in RTM tasks instead.
When I am reading Google Reader, Facebook recommendations, Digg links, etc., I rarely have the time to read the articles right there and then. When I see anything that catches me eye, I create an RTM task on my “Review” list, enter a brief descriptions (i.e. Android App xyz) and paste the URL in.
Later, at the train station, before a meeting or at the fish-and-chips shop, I get my Android or notebook out, bring up the article and read it instead of being bored. Guess I am lucky, but I have 3G or high-speed mobile network connections pretty much anywhere I go.
I guess you could achieve this with synchronised bookmarks, but – in my experience – they do not seem to work well on mobile devices. Also, if you read this, chances are that your are a RTM and GTD fan and have RTM already hooked up to all your desktops, notebooks, tablets and mobile devices. Instead of playing around with clunky bookmarks, why not reuse RTM for yet one more purpose?
chris.nerdal says:
Great idea!
I have a similar solution using GTD. Usually, you get this idea or inspiration on what to read or review when it doesn't suit you or your time schedule.
The idea behind GTD is to use context, not time schedule to get things done. By using context, you will find time reading in between a busy schedule. So what I did was making a smart list. Since my reading is basically based on electronic devices, I can choose to read on my computer, kindle, smartphone and so on.
First I register what to read in RTM, this can be in a project, on my daily list or an idea list. It can be an URL or a document on my dropbox account, there is no limit.
I tag what to read with a simple tag: @read. This tag is the basis of your smart list. You can even use a context @home or @work for places to read or to separate work from your private reading. If you have these strange waiting moments during a day, in a waiting room or at the train station. Why not register some reading material as a 10 minute task and make a smart list with 10 minute reading! This can be a good choice if you read or review a lot. Based on tags, you can be able to have smart lists with context based reading. This will be helpful because you don't need to think about what to read where. You have already done that job by tagging the reading material and the context that suit you:)
A mind like water...
I have a similar solution using GTD. Usually, you get this idea or inspiration on what to read or review when it doesn't suit you or your time schedule.
The idea behind GTD is to use context, not time schedule to get things done. By using context, you will find time reading in between a busy schedule. So what I did was making a smart list. Since my reading is basically based on electronic devices, I can choose to read on my computer, kindle, smartphone and so on.
First I register what to read in RTM, this can be in a project, on my daily list or an idea list. It can be an URL or a document on my dropbox account, there is no limit.
I tag what to read with a simple tag: @read. This tag is the basis of your smart list. You can even use a context @home or @work for places to read or to separate work from your private reading. If you have these strange waiting moments during a day, in a waiting room or at the train station. Why not register some reading material as a 10 minute task and make a smart list with 10 minute reading! This can be a good choice if you read or review a lot. Based on tags, you can be able to have smart lists with context based reading. This will be helpful because you don't need to think about what to read where. You have already done that job by tagging the reading material and the context that suit you:)
A mind like water...
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