Last week I shared my favorite gadgets and gizmos. This week I am focusing on programs. While I am not a huge user of apps, I do find a few helpful and have looked into other that I don’t use yet but plan to add to my capabilities.
Notetaker—This is what it says—a program designed to organize your notes. You can create a project file that acts as a binder to hold various folders. I often use this when I am doing interviews. I transcribe my notes into the documents and sort into files. Then I add my research notes. I love how I can organize everything by category and sort. Notetaker works much like a real-life binder with tabs. I create a binder for each project.
Software Programs—There are some good mind mapping software programs, like www.mindjet.com, that can help too, and freeform databases, like www.evernote.com or zotero.com. Or you could combine the programs for more power. It is up to you and your skills. The good thing about Evernote is that it is portable on all devices, giving you access all the time. This is helpful for those times you are away from your laptop or desktop.
Databases—I’ve heard good things about DEVONthink as a database that resides on your hard drive. Databases are good if you have a lot of research that needs managing. Most projects do not require this much power, but it’s handy to have if you ever need it. I have never used this program though, so I can’t guarantee results, but I am looking forward to trying it.
A Server—A server helps if you work on two or more devices. As long as you can to tap into your server remotely, you will never be without your research. You can, and I sometimes do, scan my important docs and put them into Evernote as a PDF. I tend to do this for critical pieces. Background sources with just a few details can safely wait for me in my office. I don’t waste my time transferring them.
Sorting Plug-Ins—You could use sorting plug-ins, like the ones on Firefox called Scrapbook and TagSifter. They reside on your computer though, so if you change devices you won’t have access to it. I don’t use these, but have heard decent things about them.
There are great sources out there for electronic resources, beyond what I can offer so I encourage you to seek them out if you want to explore electronic solutions to your organizational and creative needs. But keep in mind that you don’t need to overcomplicate it. It really doesn’t take much to stay organized. I will share some practical tips on doing this an upcoming blog.
Think of the available apps and programs like kitchen utensils. There are some gadgets you do not need. A good chef’s knife is better than an avocado slicer, garlic peeler or asparagus peeler (all real gadgets). Don’t get fancy. Pick the one or two things that work for you and stick to them. The last thing you need is to spend precious minutes wandering from app to app trying to find a fact, which brings me to the final tip: Keep a master list somewhere—an index of your research and where it is stored. It will save you from having a meltdown when an editor calls to verify something. I keep my index in my Scrivener file next to my research bibliography so I always know where it is.