Hey there! Thanks for the nice class. 

I've been in love with the Zettelkasten system for a while. That's why I've tried many different systems and (digital) tools. By now, I have a setup in Logseq, that I'm quite happy with. The only problem is: I don't use it consistently. Although I like the system in theory, I don't really seem to enjoy spending time with it. That's why I've watched your class and gave the analog system a shot.

Must say: I really enjoyed it. I got a little lost and had to stop myself after 29 cards. I can see, how this would become an addictive habit. 

However, the analog system also has some serious downsides that make me doubt its worth: 

- Branching out / the right order: The act of branching out is quite complicated. I already felt quite insecure in those 29 cards. Can't imagine, how complicated it will get after 100, 500 or 1000 cards.

- Making connections: Having to scroll through all your cards to make new connections might be benefitial for finding them. However, once you've made them and want to trace them back, it becomes quite the hassle to find the right cards, work with them and put them back in place.

- Portability: This is propably the most obvious and most problematic downside. You can take your laptop or phone with you, or you could even store your digital Zettels in the cloud and access them from anywhere. In the analog world, the more cards you have, the harder it gets to take them with you and store them nicely. 

- Durability: Fire, water, loss ... you get it. Once your index card is gone, it's gone. No backup. 

So although I appreciate the benefits of the analog system (thinking more deeply, making better connections, getting away from the screen), those are some pretty big downsides as well. 

There's obviously also the possibility of a hybrid system, but that's a lot of extra-work and I don't think, I'd keep up with all the transfering. 

 

Once again, thanks for the class, as it inspired me to give the analog system another shot, although I'm afraid, I won't stick with it. I can see myself, using it for a while and 500 cards in realize, that I can only handle it up to a certain size. Then having to transfer all the notes to digital or just losing them. Not really ready to take that risk. 

Instead, I should try to stick with the digital system and use it more regularly.

 

Maybe you have some thoughts about my concerns, although I guess, you're a little biased. :) 

Best regards, 

Charly.